New Chief of Pathology at BHB

Bermuda Hospitals Board today announces that Dr Clyde Wilson has been appointed as Chief of Pathology.  The Chief of Pathology reports to the Chief of Staff, Dr Michael Weitekamp and is responsible for all laboratory services at BHB, which include blood and urine tests; examination of biopsies and specimens removed at time of surgery, cervical smears and other fluids for diseases such as cancer; haematology and blood transfusion services; microbiology and autopsy services. 

Dr. Wilson has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Microbiology with a special interest in the role of infection in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.  After studying Microbiology at Queen Elizabeth College, University of London for a BSc Degree in 1982, Dr. Wilson achieved a Ph.D in Microbiology at Kings College, University of London.  In 1987, he was awarded the Tadion-Rideal Prize for distinguished post graduate work in Molecular Sciences.

After being appointed as Research Fellow and then Senior Research Fellow in the Infection and Immunity Section, Kings College, University of London, Dr. Wilson was appointed Deputy Director of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Unit at Kings College in 1999, a position he held for four years before returning to Bermuda as Consultant Microbiologist at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in 2004.

Dr Weitekamp comments:  “I’m very pleased to appoint Dr Wilson as Chief of Pathology.  We are very fortunate to have a Bermudian with his skills and experience to take on this critical role.  I would also like to thank Dr Keith Cunningham who has been Acting Chief of Pathology and will be leaving BHB as Dr Wilson takes over. BHB has an impressive laboratory service with highly qualified staff, and cutting edge equipment.  I know Dr Wilson will continue to ensure a safe, high quality service that constantly strives for excellence.”

Dr Wilson comments: “BHB has the only laboratory on-island with full time pathologists, haematologist and microbiologist, as well as a dedicated team of technologists, phlebotomists and administrative staff.  We have maintained specialized laboratory accreditation with Joint Commission International alongside the hospital-wide process with Accreditation Canada for many years.  I am looking forward to building on these strengths as Chief and working with the team to ensure we keep pace with international developments and best practices.” 

Dr. Wilson is a highly accomplished author and co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications in international journals. He is also a contributor to six textbooks on the role of microorganisms as trigger factors of autoimmune diseases.  Dr. Wilson is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), London. In 2006, Dr. Wilson was appointed Director of Undergraduate Development at KEMH. This was an initiative by the BHB to allow pre-medical and medical students to shadow physicians and other health-care professionals in various departments at the hospital.