ASCP 2020 Virtual Offers Solid Solutions in a Time of Turmoil

ASCP looks forward to welcoming you to the ASCP’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting from September 9-12! Our all-new format will be user-friendly and offer the same high quality, cutting edge science that you expect from ASCP. There will also be interactive, virtual networking and roundtable sessions and a virtual Fellowship Fair where residents can learn about open fellowship opportunities around the country. And, ASCP members register for ASCP 2020 Virtual for FREE!

These are extraordinary times. Everyone knows a relative or friend who has fallen ill to COVID-19. This virus knows no boundaries. During ASCP 2020 Virtual, we will hear from two remarkable keynote speakers who experienced COVID-19 and survived. They’ll share how the medical laboratory played a crucial role in their diagnosis of the virus and treatment.

Our first speaker will be actress, singer and songwriter Rita Wilson, who with her husband, actor Tom Hanks, was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early March while in Australia. Rita is going to tell us in her own words how battling COVID-19 has affected her and how the laboratory team played an important role in her diagnosis and treatment. 

After being diagnosed, the couple remained in Australia where they self-quarantined while providing updates via social media on how they were doing. News that the celebrity couple tested positive for COVID-19 so early in the pandemic in the United States shocked many. The couple took the opportunity to promote the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended guidance to practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash hands frequently. After returning to the United States, the couple decided to donate blood in hopes that their antibodies could help other COVID-19 patients.

Our second speaker and COVID-19 survivor is award-winning CNN journalist Chris Cuomo, son of the late New York Governor Mario Cuomo and brother of current New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Chris Cuomo will discuss his experience with the virus last spring as he continued reporting live from the basement of his home each night. He will also talk about the need for a national COVID-19 testing strategy – something that ASCP has been on the forefront of promoting. He’ll also share with us what he has seen during his reporting of the virus. Chris became the most visible face of the coronavirus in the United States by giving daily updates to millions about his condition on TV and social media.

Both Rita Wilson and Chris Cuomo have played an extraordinary role in helping get the word out about the life-saving work that medical laboratory professionals and pathologists are doing to save patient lives. We are honored to have them join us.

Next, we’ll hear from Dr. Shimi Kang, an award-winning physician, researcher and expert on the neuroscience of innovation, leadership, and motivation. She provides science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace, classroom, and at home.  Dr. Kang will discuss wellness and how we, as healthcare providers, can seek to maintain our own health as we strive to care for others.

Dr. Kang’s message is an important one for all of us. How we cope with the COVID-19 pandemic will define our profession for years to come. Resilience and taking care of ourselves are just as important as staying on the forefront of education.

Among our educational offerings this year will be the popular Virtual Microscopy Tutorial (VMT) sessions, which will incorporate high-definition whole slide imaging, exploring challenging topics and cases along with attendee interaction. Residents will find these sessions especially helpful as they prepare for the new virtual board exam format.

During ASCP 2020 Virtual, you’ll also have an opportunity to learn how ASCP has been working hard to advocate on your behalf. There is so much more to discover about the ASCP 2020 Virtual. You can learn more at our website at www.ascp.org/2020.

We look forward to your participation at ASCP 2020 Virtual. See you soon!