Three keynotes were presented during the opening ceremony.
Dr. Ringertz presented about histopathology using integrated diagnostics where many modalities are used to gather diagnostic data. The emergence of molecular imaging has reduced the impact of imaging scale. Knowledge from radiology resulted in a study on workflow and IT solutions for efficient digital pathology. The main goal is to Design the optimal workflow of a digital pathology department utilizing the synergies between the imaging modalities in radiology and pathology. Dr. Ringertz showed that although many actions in pathology are still done manually and non-digital this will move to a more digital environment using IT possibilities based on the experience already gained in Radiology. A major problem is the data explosion when digitizing imaging modalities in pathology where a multitude of the data of radiological modalities like CT is produced. He concluded that digitization has started in pathology and that radiology can help the process. Furthermore, the role of pathology in the diagnosis will increase. This requires standardized referral, computerized order entry and structured reporting.
Dr. Satava presented on 'how much radiology do you need in surgery'. He stressed that this requires disruptive visions because we went from the industrial to the information age. He showed an increase of the use of different tools in treatment (ablation) and robotics. This requires a combination of radiology and surgery and the need for these new techniques will increase to about 90% of the surgeries within 25 years. The Interventional Radiology and non-invasive surgery are moving into a new dimension where surgeons need to move towards radiology or cooperate, which also holds for the digital operating room. The fundamental change is from tissue and instruments to information and energy. Its about exploiting the electromagnetic spectrum (energy) and utilizing the information flow. Dr. Satava stated that it is all about controlling energy and building intelligent sytems.
Finally, dr. Fenster presented on 'Dynamics of medical and technical disciplines towards a multi-disciplinary approach to digital driven healthcare and research'. He presented on the way they setup a small lab which developed into a leading center in Canada. One of the priorities he defined is a multi-disciplinary approach is crucial within a lab although many barriers may exist. Another priority is the focus on diseases and translation instead of on technology, which in itself also helps the creation of a multi-disciplinary approach.
