Athanasia Vargiamidou on Serving the Deceased with Compassion and Precision

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay talk with Dr. Athanasia "Nancy" Vargiamidou, consultant histopathologist, about her lifelong dedication to pathology and post-mortem medicine. Nancy shares her journey from medical student to specialist in autopsy services, reflecting on the critical balance between scientific rigor and empathetic care when uncovering causes of death.

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Athanasia Vargiamidou Biography

I graduated with a medical degree from King’s College London in 2009, having previously obtained a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Pathology from Queen Mary University of London in 2005. My specialty training in histopathology commenced at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and was completed at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London. In 2017, I obtained the Certificate of Higher Autopsy Training and hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Medical Sciences awarded by the Academy of Forensic Medical Sciences, as well as a Leadership and Management qualification in the Medical Field from Keele University.

Since 2017, I have been practicing as a Consultant Histopathologist specialising in breast pathology, urological pathology, and autopsy pathology. From 2017 to 2023, I was employed at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where I served as the Clinical Lead for the Mortuary and the Designated Individual for the Human Tissue Authority (post-mortem sector).

In 2023, I joined University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Consultant Histopathologist. I currently hold the roles of Clinical Governance Lead for Cellular Pathology, Deputy Designated Individual for the Human Tissue Authority (post-mortem sector), and Deputy Clinical Safety Lead for Digital Pathology.

I have conducted autopsies throughout my training and continue to do so in my consultant roles. I am presently engaged as an autopsy pathologist for Anubix, the Inner West London Coroner, and the North London Coroner.