Celebrating a Royal Surrey trailblazer | News

One of our pathologists has been named a trailblazer of the laboratory by her colleagues and peers.

Consultant Professor Silvana Di Palma has featured on The Pathologist’s 2019 Power List, which honours the industry’s top 100 influencers in the world.

She was nominated for the accolade by her colleagues in recognition of her work to help diagnostic medicine go from strength to strength and to move into the era of precision medicine.

Professor Di Palma, who is an expert in breast, head and neck, salivary gland, and thyroid histopathology, joined us 15 years ago from the National Cancer Institute in Italy with a strong knowledge in tumour pathology.

Silvana has continued to challenge more traditional pathology and extend her knowledge of tumours at the genetic level.

She also has a keen interest in cutting-edge research and innovation.

In 2006 when working with the molecular diagnostic laboratory she created a first of its kind test for the breast cancer gene HER2 for patients in the UK.

Earlier this year Professor Di Palma was also recognised by the Royal College of Pathology at their annual excellence awards for her commitment to education of the next generation of pathologists.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been recognised by my peers and to have my name appear alongside so many influential figures in the world of pathology,” said Professor Di Palma.

“The Royal Surrey Family embraced me when I arrived 15 years ago and in that time I have watched the department of diagnostic medicine here grow and flourish to become a leading centre known for embracing new technologies and breakthroughs.

“The supportive colleagues, friends and inspirational academics I have met at Royal Surrey continue to play an integral part in my professional career.”

The Trust is sharing the story as part of a week-long celebration to launch a change in its name.

The Trust started providing adult community health services for Guildford and Waverley in April 2018 and has decided to change its name, from Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to just Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.