19 October 2026
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International Pathology Day 2026: What's happening this November?

Explore the forthcoming programme and discover opportunities to learn connect and celebrate with the global pathology community.

Join us at our International Pathology Day (IPD) virtual conference as we look to showcasing current developments within pathology in the field of personalised medicine, global experiences of integrating genomics into healthcare systems to support more equitable, patient-centred care enhancing equitable access to genomic knowledge and technologies for global health, especially in resource-poor countries and the impact on training and education in an era of personalised medicine, the theme this year centres around ‘Pathology in an era of personalised medicine with a packed and exciting programme.

In focus at IPD

Interesting talks from 3 continents

Following the opening discussion, we will hear the following talks:

  • Challenges in molecular diagnostics in anatomical pathology in South Africa: Successes, challenges and the way forward from Professor Komala Pillay, Head of Department of Pathology, President, College of Pathology (CMSA), University of Cape Town and National Health Laboratory Services
  • The Precision imperative: A systems-level perspective on the WHO Global transplant strategy from Professor Medhat Askar, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts Medical Centre and Tufts University School of Medicine, USA
  • From CTLA4 haploinsufficiency to recessive CTLA4 disease: A journey in immune checkpoint biology and precision medicine from Dr Bernice Lo, Principal Investigator; Program Director, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
  • Human brilliance, augmented: AI-augmented pathology education in an era of personalised medicine from Dr Matthew Cecchini, Staff Pathologist, London Health Sciences Centre and Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, Western University (Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry) and London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.

Live virtual debate: Personalised medicine is a luxury available only to the global minority

For the first time at this event, we will host what promises to be a lively and thought-provoking debate on the proposition: ‘Personalised medicine is a luxury available only to the global minority’. Two teams of leading experts will present opposing viewpoints, exploring the realities, challenges and potential inequities that shape access to precision medicine across both developing and developed countries.

Bringing imaginative and forward-looking perspectives, this session promises to challenge assumptions and spark discussion. Following the debate, audience members will be invited to cast their vote for the team they believe presented the most compelling case.

The panel includes:

Chair

Professor Yousuf Karim

Panellists

For:

Professor Anita Grigoriadis (developed world perspective)

Dr Vinod Scaria (developing world perspective)

 

Against:

Professor Louise Jones (developed world perspective)

Professor Ambroise Wonkam (developing word perspective)

Lunchtime activities

While you enjoy your lunchtime snacks there will be a compact from our sponsor Eperida. Participants will also be able to view the entries from the digital poster competition, which this year is themed innovations in ‘Pathology for personalised patient care’.

For more information and to secure you space at the conference see our dedicated International Pathology Day event page.

Get involved from anywhere in the world

To help celebrate the day, we've created a range of free downloadable digital assets for anyone wishing to bring the spirit of pathology to life. Visit our Get Involved From Anywhere in the World page to explore and download the resources.

Undergraduate quiz for National Pathology Week and International Pathology Day, Wednesday 18 November, 13.30–15.00 GMT

After International Pathology Day teams of up to 6 undergraduates studying medicine or biomedical science (or similar degrees such as veterinary sciences) are invited to join in our virtual pathology quiz. Test your knowledge of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Even if you’re in the early stage of your degree, there’ll be questions to suit all levels of background knowledge. Sign your team up at: www.rcpath.org/event/pathology-quiz-for-undergraduates.html.

We look forward to welcoming you to our activities for and around International Pathology Day!

The International team

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