On October 13th, the singular interest of molecular imaging brought scientists and industry together at the 2020 virtual conference by the World Molecular Imaging Society
Drs Julie Sutcliffe and Anthony Fauci inaugurated the 2020 theme on Bridging Biology and Medicine with molecular imaging and set the tone with respect and encouragement.
A note of respect to matters of parallel issues such as diversity was addressed in the opening remarks. Respect to visionary leaders whose legacy lives on within the molecular imaging community was shared. Homage to Dr Gambhir’s legacy and his support to women in research was personal for me. Industry support was recognized for their support for this conference, given the impact of the pandemic to their businesses.
The opening remarks by Dr Anthony Fauci at the NIH’s Allergy and Infectious diseases encouraged the increased interest by the global molecular imaging community in immunology and infectious diseases.
Punctuating the extent of this need was the crisp challenges shared by a curated cast of scientists in immunology and infection across the research continuum and patient care.
The comment on comparable mortality risk of infection to cancer put a clear perspective on the state of affairs. Challenges also included imaging sensitivity to optimize diagnosis, dosing of antibiotics, mechanistic understanding of host-pathogen interaction and efficient research in animal models, to name a few that caught my attention.
TMP PERSPECTIVE: Clearly, molecular imaging for immunology and infectious disease is an emerging field and more needs to be done to benefit patient care. In fact, the opening remarks shared the success of a WMIC interest group with a broadcast of 43 webinars and 12K viewing during the pandemic!
TMP PERSPECTIVE: For the industry attending the conference, market access to molecular imaging tools is an immediate need. Molecular imaging tools are not available in developing countries and these countries have valuable information to share and advance this field to benefit patient care.
An exciting and unprecedented time for molecular imaging to yet another molecular portrait – a meaningful one to immunology and infectious disease.
Testimonial
“I liked what you said about how immunology is so key to patient care. While what we do doesn’t impact those in the hospital persay, I felt the attitudes aligned. I actually shared it with the CEO of the startup.”
Emily Reid, Product Lead, Biotech startup, tORONTO, cANADA
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