#140 The human side of pathology with Dr Suzy Lishman CBE

In this episode, it is my pleasure to talk with Dr Suzy Lishman, a consultant histopathologist and medical examiner. Listen in to hear about the new medical examiner role, why it was introduced and how it is improving care.

Key messages

• Explanation of the medical examiner role: its origins, purpose, and statutory status since September 2024.

• Medical examiners’ three main responsibilities: determining cause of death, deciding if a death should be referred to the coroner, and identifying concerns or learning points about care.

• The importance of accurate cause of death and the impact on families and national statistics.

• Changes in law and practice: all deaths must now be reviewed by a medical examiner or coroner before registration.

• Clarification of verification versus certification of death.

• Dr Lishman’s personal approach to Advance Care Planning, including organ donation, will, and lasting power of attorney.

• The significance of open conversations about death and Advance Care Planning.

• Dr Lishman’s recognition (CBE) and her role in establishing National Pathology Week and International Pathology Day.

• The emphasis on person-centred care and the human side of pathology.

Resource

• Access the Cause of death list

• Access the See National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death 2024 publication 

• For information about verification of expected death see: Registered Nurse Verification of Expected Adult Death guidance (RNVoED) Published 11 June 2025

• For information about:  National Pathology Week 

• Life Death Whatever Features  entries from Dr Lishman,. Including the role of Medical Examiners and is available at: :Five Things everyone needs to know about medical examiners, by Dr Suzy Lishman CBE.

  
  

Bio

Dr Suzy Lishman CBE is a consultant histopathologist and medical examiner in Peterborough. She is also a crematorium medical referee and independent mortality advisor.

Suzy has held several national leadership roles, including President of the Royal College of Pathologists from 2014-17 and President of the Association of Clinical Pathologists from 2023-25. She has been closely involved in the development of a national system of medical examiners of the cause of death, recruiting and training doctors from all specialties to improve the process of death certification and support bereaved families.

Suzy is currently chair of NCEPOD (National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death), an independent organisation that carries out reviews to assess the quality and safety of  health services and makes recommendations to share best practice and improve care for future patients.

As a public engagement champion for many years, Suzy introduced National Pathology Week in 2008 and International Pathology Day in 2014. Through these initiatives millions of people worldwide have a better understanding of the vital role of pathology in everyone’s healthcare.