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Robert McNeil on stepping down as AAPT Chairman after three years.

Following three years as Chairman of the AAPT, and after a great deal of thought, I have decided to step down as Chair. My main reason for doing so is because of a recent increase in my workload as a mortuary manager in Glasgow. I’m now responsible for managing seven major NHS mortuaries as well as a few ‘unmanned’ ones. This has meant that I can no longer dedicate the same amount of quality time needed to represent you, as I was able to in the past.

A professional association like the AAPT needs space to develop, and in order to do so, I think the time is right for me to step down to allow someone else to take forward, the many important issues that affect us all.

I am delighted that James Lowell has been voted in as the new Chair. James has been Vice Chair since the AAPT was formed and he has worked tirelessly on our behalf whilst at the same time trying to juggle a busy workload. As my Vice Chair, he has been very supportive and his sensible advice has often proven to be spot on. Ishbel Gall, as the new Vice Chair, is in my opinion, exactly the right choice to support James. I happen to know Ish’s workload, and it’s a great tribute to her that she manages to do all that she does for her employer, as well as the incredible amount of work she does for the AAPT.

I intend to stay on Council for another year as a non-voting member, to enable me to support James and Ish in their new and challenging roles.

When the AAPT was first formed, the ten or so APTs who were invited by IBMS & the RIPH to the first meeting, had to create a Council, elect a Chairman and Vice Chair as well as consider who to invite as our President. A few of the original founder members, who are among the hardest working, are still on Council following re-election and more have been voted on, who’s contribution increases as they gain confidence. I’d like express my thanks and pay tribute to both the longer serving Council members, as well as to the newer members who are not afraid to challenge issues at Council meetings when they feel the need to. However, we need more motivated members on Council who can help share the workload and bring fresh ideas to help develop the Association. The make up of the Council and the future of the AAPT is in the hands of its members. If you think you can help, please come forward.

I’d like to thank the IBMS for their fantastic support for the AAPT over the last five years. Their contribution has been immense and without them we would struggle to continue. On a personal note, I’d like to thank our secretary Christian Burt and Hedley Glencross our advisor, for their guidance and wisdom during my Chairmanship.

I’ve been fortunate to be able to attend all of our three conferences. They have all been fantastic occasions and they seem to get better each year. I was very proud to open and close this year’s event because it was held in Glasgow, my home town. Conference is a great opportunity to meet other APTs and chat over a beer or two. For those members who haven’t been able to attend a conference, please think about attending next year’s. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Finally I’d like to pay tribute to our President, Prof Sebastian Lucas. To give the AAPT credibility, we needed a high profile President who could not only open doors for us but also, and more importantly, we needed someone who values APTs, who understands the work we do now, and what we’re capable of doing in the future. The Prof fitted the bill perfectly and he continues to represent us better than we could have ever have hoped for. He never misses an opportunity to raise the profile of the AAPT at meetings, including those at the RCPath. He gives up much of his time meeting with various AAPT committees and attends and contributes much at every Council meeting.

A few years ago I received a letter from an Australian pathologist whom I’d worked with in the Balkans. In it he wrote about the various people he’d worked with on deployment. One phrase stuck in my mind, he said: “I’ve worked with some great people and also with some exceptional people” I’d like to dedicate that sentiment to my Council colleagues, whom I also regard as friends, to the many APTs I’ve met at conference and to those whom I’ve worked with from the UK and from around the world.

Regards
Robert McNeil MBE FRIPH