An Overview of The 2022 Molecular Pathology Study Day
The 7th BDIAP Molecular Pathology Study Day
25 April 2022
(Last updated: 29 Apr 2022 09:58)
By Dr Matthew Clarke
BDIAP Deputy Meetings Secretary
Molecular pathology continues to revolutionise cellular pathology; it is enabling us to better understand the mechanisms of disease, but also provides a vital way of characterising different diseases and identifying molecular targets for treatment. The BDIAP Molecular Pathology Study Day provides a fantastic opportunity for cellular pathologists to learn more about the molecular investigations that they can use in their cases, and how to interpret the results. Each year, it provides an updated guide to the latest advances relevant to each subspecialty.
It was held on the 7th March 2022, but it was decided that due to the threat posed by the new omicron variant of COVID-19, for the health and safety of both speakers and delegates it would be best to use a virtual format. The virtual setup and technical support was provided by Geoff Cross. The day provided a series of pre-recorded talks from world-leading expert cellular pathologists covering the key molecular aspects of the different cellular pathology subspecialties including respiratory, urological, gastrointestinal, and breast pathology, with intermittent live Q&A sessions where the delegates could ask their questions. The programme this year benefited from the addition of two new talks from Dr Paul Craig (on ‘dermatology’ and ‘RCPath & National Strategies for Molecular Pathology’). All delegates were provided with a ‘basics of molecular pathology guide’ in advance of the study day to help them understand some of the basic concepts of molecular pathology, particularly useful to the more junior attendees.
Pictured above, Dr Matthew Clarke as Chair for the Study Day
One of the significant benefits of a virtual format is the extended reach of the educational opportunities that the BDIAP provides, including to our international colleagues; 303 delegates registered to attend with significant numbers of trainees (both IAP and non-IAP members) and biomedical scientists (BMS). Attendees joined from Qatar, Sri Lanka, Australia and Portugal amongst many other national and international locations. The BDIAP is also very keen to support engagement with the other BDIAP schools and also pathologists who are based in lower middle income (LMI) countries; 41 delegates from the BDIAP schools and 44 from LMI countries were given complimentary tickets. It was also very exciting to see the ‘next generation’ of pathology attending, with the allocation of 9 foundation member bursaries.
Feedback was very positive, with delegates reporting that the lectures were very informative and that they were satisfied with the virtual format and running of the event. Some of the specific comments from delegates included ‘comprehensive, up-to-date, well organised,’ ‘the material and speakers are outstanding,’ and ‘passionate speakers, clinically relevant and excellent range of topics.’ 97.5% would recommend the study day to others, and 99.2% would choose to attend a future BDIAP event.
This is the 2nd time that this event has been held virtually, and again it was very successful. It was also very encouraging to see the numbers of BMS staff and trainees attending; there are a considerable number who are not members and this therefore represents a further opportunity to promote the benefits of membership to trainees and promote our new membership opportunities for allied scientists. Delegates also provided very helpful feedback about suggested methods of promoting these study days in future. Always keen to improve and develop where we can, the meetings team will be using the very informative feedback to consider the promotion, format and delivery of this meeting going forward.
I would like to thank Sam Kiely, Nabila Jamaluddin, Lisa Browning and Geoff Cross for their constant support and hard work which has all contributed and led to the success of this meeting. And also a huge thank you to all the speakers for their time, effort and continued support.
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