Asia is a region of immense diversity, with distinct cultural, economic, and linguistic differences that present unique challenges and vast potential. Recently, countries like China, India, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, and Japan have emerged as global leaders in science, yet Asia lags behind Europe and the U.S. in digital pathology and AI. To address this, the Asian Society of Digital Pathology (ASDP) was founded in Singapore in February 2024. ASDP aims to standardize practices, establish reference centers, and promote research and education across Asia. This session will introduce ASDP's vision and present findings from our large-scale survey on digital pathology in Asia, highlighting current trends and future potential. We will also host a panel discussion with ASDP leaders on strategies to maximize Asia's potential and explore collaborations with global organizations.

Since its inception in 2009, the Digital Pathology Association (DPA) has been at the forefront of driving innovation in digital pathology (DP) and augmented intelligence (AI) within healthcare and life sciences. Recognizing the power of collaboration, DPA has forged strong partnerships with like-minded professional societies and organizations. Join us for this exclusive panel discussion featuring the Presidents of four distinguished allied societies. Together, they will provide a high-level overview of the current landscape of DP and AI, highlighting both the advancements and challenges facing the field. Panelists will delve into the strategies and initiatives implemented by their respective societies to propel DP and AI forward. They will also explore opportunities to strengthen collaborations and address critical issues such as education, regulation, and reimbursement. This interactive session is designed to foster open dialogue and encourage audience participation in this vital conversation about the future of pathology.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain insight into the strategies and efforts of various societies in advancing DP and AI
2. Identify gaps and explore ways to enhance collaboration 

The ESDIP Companion Meeting at Pathology Visions 2024 will feature Dr. Norman Zerbe, Dr. Vincenzo L'Imperio, and Dr. Heimo Müller, who will share their expertise on advancing digital pathology. Dr. Norman Zerbe (Charité Berlin & RWTH Aachen), ESDIP President, will outline the society's mission to advance research, education, and integration of digital technologies into pathology workflows and illustrate current activities. Dr. Vincenzo L'Imperio (University of Milano-Bicocca), ESDIP Vice-President, will discuss an ESDIP survey on annotation practices in digital pathology, addressing challenges and AI-driven solutions. Dr. Heimo Müller (BBMRI-ERIC & Medical University of Graz) will present on standardizing metadata for Whole Slide Images to enhance collaboration across biobanks. This session will explore how digital innovations are transforming diagnostics and patient care based on a European perspective.

As digital pathology systems gain momentum in clinical diagnostics, the importance of interoperability between systems from different vendors is paramount. This session will explore the evolution and significance of the Connectathon for digital pathology, highlighting key milestones, recent breakthroughs, and future developments. Participants will learn about the use of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard for whole slide imaging and the importance of requesting DICOM features in pathology solutions. We will discuss lessons learned from recent Connectathon events, focusing on annotations, regulatory considerations, and the roadmap for expanded functionality and broader vendor participation. A joint initiative with the IHE Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PaLM) group will also be introduced, aiming to resolve workflow issues and improve integration. By attending this session, pathologists will better understand how Connectathons are shaping the future of digital pathology. 

This is not just a discussion—it's a call to action! Learn how you join the next Connectathon and be at the forefront of advancing digital pathology! As vendors, you can showcase your commitment to interoperability by actively participating in these events and demonstrating that your solutions meet the standards required for clinical workflows. Pathologists, now is the time to require standards-based interoperability from the very beginning of every procurement process. Ensure that DICOM and IHE PaLM compliance is a requirement in your contracts to guarantee seamless integration, enhanced flexibility, and future-proofing of your pathology practice.

Together, we can drive the widespread adoption of standards that will benefit the entire field of digital pathology, ensuring that both systems and workflows are not only interoperable but also scalable and ready for future innovations. Let's make standards-based interoperability the norm, not the exception.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the History and Significance of Connectathons in Digital Pathology
2. Explore the Latest Connectathon Results and Annotation Advancements
3. Learn about the Future of Connectathons and Vendor Participation as part of a Global Digital Pathology Initiative