We continue the theme of the application of genomics in diagnostics, focussing this time on infectious agents, both viruses and Mycobacteria. As with the other specialties we’ve covered in this theme, virology and microbiology have been quick to investigate and translate advanced molecular methods into routine and referral diagnostics. Our genomics theme has generated so many fascinating articles that we will return to it in October, covering antenatal diagnosis of inherited disorders using fetal DNA in maternal blood, familial disorders of the red cell, and extended blood grouping to improve donor/patient matching in the ‘loyal patients’ who require lifelong transfusion. When I decided to continue the genomics theme into 2016, I had not imagined that we could fill four Bulletin issues with such a wealth of practical experience across multiple areas. Later in the year, these articles will be brought together on the website as a lasting source of reference.
Our engagement with politicians and other external stakeholders on policy matters continues to grow. We describe in this issue the development of pathology policy manifestos in advance of the elections earlier this year in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the first time we have specifically worked with the Devolved Administrations on policy matters.
As many of you know, the College has campaigned for some years for the introduction of medical examiners. We were therefore delighted by the announcement by the Secretary of State in March that the medical examiners scheme would be implemented on 1 April 2018. In the context of the Department of Health consultation on the practical details, the College President hosted a roundtable meeting on medical examiners on 1 June, bringing together stakeholders from 22 organisations and introduced by Sir Robert Francis QC. Although many details of implementation remain to be resolved, the tone of the meeting was one of overwhelming support for the scheme. We will report on it further in the October issue, along with the outcome of the consultation.
Preparation for National Pathology Week (NPW) continues at an increased pace. After the summer holidays, November will seem alarmingly close. This year, NPW will be launched in Newcastle with the theme of ‘Pathology: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment’ – see page 170 for details. Please consider hosting a local event and, even better, involve your local trainees, who are always keen to engage with a wider audience than their clinical colleagues. The topic for this year’s undergraduate essay competition will be the impact of global travel and migration on patterns of disease. This should get students thinking… 
As always, this Bulletin demonstrates that our International Department never stands still, with two events in the planning: ‘Pathology is Global’ on 1 November and International Pathology Day (IPD) on 16 November. This year’s IPD will be a truly global conversation – a roundtable on pathology education in low- and middle-income countries, streamed live and inviting real-time participation from around the world. See page 179 for details.
In the next few weeks, I shall be working with scientist-turned-artist Dr Lizzie Burns at public-engagement events at both the Oxfordshire Science Festival and Marylebone School, and extending my science communication training – reports to follow in October.
Our correspondence column this month contains a couple of ‘food-for-thought’ contributions. Pathologists are always keen to debate the issues of the day, and letters that challenge our assumptions are most welcome – another thing you could be doing under that beach umbrella. Have a wonderful summer, once the rain stops.

Dr Lorna Williamson
Bulletin Editor
[email protected]