About the Association of Pulmonary Pathologists

Origins and growth of the association

The history of the Association of Pulmonary Pathologists reflects more than four decades of shared learning, collaboration and commitment to advancing the understanding of pulmonary disease. From its beginnings as a small club founded by pioneering specialists, the APP has grown into a vibrant international community recognised for its academic rigour, supportive culture and dedication to excellence in pulmonary pathology. This page traces the milestones, people and moments that have shaped the association into the organisation it is today.

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Founding and Early Vision

The Association of Pulmonary Pathologists began in 1979 as the Pulmonary Pathology Club, created by Professor Bryan Corrin of St Thomas’s Hospital in London, following the suggestion of Dr David Lamb of the University of Edinburgh. The club set out to encourage the exchange of ideas on pulmonary disease and to build social connections among pathologists with a shared interest in the field.

The inaugural meeting took place in 1980 at Merton College, Oxford, hosted by Professor Michael Dunnill, and established the spirit of open discussion and collegiality that still defines the association today.

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Leadership and Evolution

Professor Corrin led the club with distinction for thirty two years before passing the Chair to Professor John Gosney of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in 2012. Under John’s leadership, the club transformed into the Association of Pulmonary Pathologists and entered a new period of significant growth. Membership expanded rapidly, and regular external sponsorship from industry partners strengthened the reach and influence of the association and its biannual meetings.

In 2024, leadership passed to Professor David Snead of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire at a meeting held in Liverpool, John’s home city. David is now guiding the APP through a new phase of development and modernisation.

Meetings and Academic Activity

The format of APP meetings has remained consistent through the years, combining research presentations, audits, and related academic work with case presentations that showcase rare, unusual or challenging examples of pulmonary disease.

In recent years, meetings have also incorporated discussion of cases circulated through the Pulmonary External Quality Assurance scheme, adding a valuable element of shared learning and quality review.

Tradition and Community

Originally held as half day events linked to meetings of the Pathological Society, APP gatherings soon grew into full day standalone meetings. Today they continue to take place twice yearly, usually in summer and winter.

Each meeting, held on a Friday, is surrounded by a social programme that includes an informal meal the evening before, a formal dinner after the meeting, and a shared social day on the Saturday. The combination of high quality academic content and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere reflects the enthusiasm and expertise of the membership.

Tradition and Community

Guided by expert insight

This resource has been built with the knowledge and experience of pulmonary pathology specialists who work at the forefront of the discipline. Each item in the collection is selected with care, providing practical guidance, relevant context, and reliable support for day to day diagnostic work. It is a place for specialists who value thoughtful learning, professional growth, and a deeper understanding of pulmonary disease.