Viapath histologist scoops coveted award
Dr Guy Orchard, Head of Viapath’s Dermatopathology Laboratory at St. Thomas’ Hospital, recently journeyed to the world’s largest histology group meeting in Washington DC where he claimed an award for leadership in teaching.
A bit of background
Dr Orchard is responsible for providing and developing the dermatopathology, Moh’s micrographic surgery (a type of treatment for skin cancers) and trichogram diagnostic services for the Laboratory.
As well as his work at Viapath, Dr Orchard is actively involved in teaching and training, not only within Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Trust, but also as a lecturer at several universities throughout the country for students studying MScs in Biomedical Science.
He also sits on a number of editorial boards and is an assessor for the UK National External Quality Assurance (UKNEQAS) for immunocytochemistry. Dr Orchard’s laboratory career began over 25 years ago, and from the very early days has been working in St. John’s Institute of Dermatology at St. Thomas’ Hospital.
Use the link at the bottom of the page to read more about Guy’s very impressive career, which provides clear justification for his winning of the award.
Recognised for achievement
Dr Orchard won the “Leica Leadership Award for Teaching” at the National Society for Histotechnologists, an award made to the member the Society feels has made an outstanding contribution in the field of teaching histology.
Guy was running a workshop at the meeting with a colleague titled “The A to Z of Mohs histological procedures” and was unaware that he had even been nominated for the award and so was pretty shocked when he was invited to the awards ceremony and had won! As Guy explained:
“It’s a bit like the Oscars over there in that it is spontaneous and you are not really prepared for the shock of actually winning an award. I then had to collect the award in front of the society membership and give an acceptance speech which I was totally unprepared for!”
Guy was particularly please given the award represented the opinions of his fellow society members:
“This award is particularly pleasing for me since it is awarded by your peers. Receiving any award is a pleasure but I treasure those from my peers as the most valuable.”
This award is testament to the excellent work Dr Orchard has undertaken in his career, and also to the level of expertise of our people at Viapath.
