A report from Dr. Paul Yip, CSCC President, on the IFCC General Conference and EuroMedLab 2025, in Brussels.
Paul Yip and Khosrow Adeli, Brussels Expo Congress Venue
The CSCC is the national body and a full member of the IFCC. As President of CSCC, my role includes serving as the national representative to bring forward the participation of our society at the global level. Recently I had the pleasure to attend the 2025 IFCC General Conference that was held in Bruges, Belgium from May 16-17. This pivotal event, held every three years, is a major gathering for IFCC members and stakeholders, providing networking opportunities, scientific presentations, and discussions to advance healthcare through laboratory medicine. Challenges that we face in Canada are shared by peers around the world – no doubt artificial intelligence and sustainability in the laboratory are often at the top the list. At the same time, there is repeated need for collaboration whether among scientific researchers, healthcare organizations, or industry partnerships that builds upon our professional skill set for the benefit of patients everywhere.
Most of us are already aware of the many resources from the IFCC that emphasize the importance of knowledge sharing and supports the practice of clinical chemistry including educational webinars and scientific publications. Behind the scenes, many CSCC colleagues are volunteering their expertise and time towards the development of these resources. I’ve received positive feedback from members about the Head Office which regularly sends updates from the IFCC with upcoming opportunities and events. Our members have often stepped-up as webinar speakers but also contributing to the functional units of IFCC to which our members are expanding scientific horizons. To facilitate this exchange, the IFCC launched its Strategic Plan 2024-2026 and I encourage everyone to see how IFCC aims to fulfill its mission whereby CSCC is proud to be part of this endeavor.
As the gathering concluded, delegates headed over to the capital city of Belgium for EuroMedLab, the 26th IFCC-EFLM Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine held in conjunction with the 49th Annual Meeting of the Royal Belgian Society of Laboratory Medicine. The CSCC extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Peter Kavsak for receiving the 2025 IFCC Distinguished Award for Contributions to Cardiovascular Diagnostics, which was presented at the opening ceremony. Many of us know of Dr. Kavsak’s work in this area and his outstanding recognition was witnessed among the many CSCC members who were in attendance.
Dr. Peter Kavsak receives 2025 IFCC Award for Cardiovascular Diagnostics
from Prof. Khosrow Adeli, IFCC Past President and Prof. Tomris Ozben, IFCC President
The conference lasted from May 18-22 with a cutting-edge scientific program and collaborative engagement on a global scale. Outside of the meeting, Canadian colleagues were immersed in the historical charm of the city along with its many famous gastronomical offerings – Belgium waffles, famous chocolate, “French” fries, and numerous types of beers. Proost!
CSCC Travellers, Brussels Metro
Vathany Kulasingam and Rajeevan Selvaratnam enjoying
Brussels waffles (not to be confused with Liege waffles)