This Friday, Pathology Update 2022, “In Our Hands” will commence at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. Taking place from Friday 4 March until Sunday 6 March 2022, the conference will join together 197 speakers from across all the disciplines of pathology. In this article, we shine the spotlight on some presentations to look out for during the three-day event.
Dr Lawrie Bott, President of the RCPA said,
“We are looking forward to meeting up with colleagues and becoming immersed in the discipline scientific program sessions, as well as plenary sessions and social events. It is a source of pride to all those involved in the planning that such a high calibre of home-grown talent will be presenting, plus five renowned international speakers.”
Friday 4 March
From 10.30am – 12.00pm on Friday 4 March, Dr Paul Kinsella will provide an update on COVID-19 serology. Since the start of the pandemic, diagnosis of acute COVID-19 infection has predominantly been achieved using nucleic acid amplification. However, serological testing methods are still useful in specific clinical and public health settings, as outlined by the RCPA. During his presentation, Dr Kinsella will provide an overview of the clinical and public health utility of SARS-CoV-2 serological testing and explore future applications of these assays to aid in management of the pandemic. In addition, he will provide evidence for the use of novel approaches to serological testing, including testing of dried blood spots.
Saturday 5 March
From 1.30 – 3.00pm on Saturday 5 March, A/Prof Andrew Redfern will discuss adverse breast cancer pathobiology in Indigenous Australian women. Indigenous women in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer are twice as likely to die of the disease, even after remoteness of residence, socioeconomic factors and higher stage are accounted for. No research to date has identified any underlying cause. During his presentation, A/Prof Redfern will reveal findings from pilot studies of Indigenous patients diagnosed from 2001 to 2016 in WA, which have been extensive and illuminating. Potential solutions as regards state-wide management planning of treatment and targeted services will also be discussed.
Sunday 6 March
From 11.00am – 12.30pm on Sunday 6 March Dr Sarah Price will discuss the health consequences of pre-conception weight loss. Obesity is common in women of reproductive age. During her presentation, Dr Price will explain why management of obesity prior to pregnancy is critically important, and why the current tools to optimise weight during this period are sub-optimal. Maternal obesity not only increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes but also has an enduring impact on the metabolic health of the offspring.
Developed as a hybrid event, Pathology Update 2022 will take place from Friday 4 March until Sunday 6 March 2022 at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.
For those unable to attend in person, there is the option to attend virtually via an online platform.
