Canadian Diagnostic Executive Forum

Explore the future of precision oncology and the partnerships, innovation and leadership needed to build a more integrated and sustainable diagnostic ecosystem. 

Featured Speakers: David Schaeffer and Mary Kinlock  

Enhancing the Value of Specialty Laboratories in Patient Care 

Discover how specialty laboratory testing continues to transform clinical decision-making, with lessons learned from advances in neurological diagnostics and opportunities to improve patient access to specialized testing. 

Achieving Measurably Better Health Care Through Laboratory-Enabled Best Practices 

Learn how laboratory data is driving measurable improvements in health care quality, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes through evidence-based best practices. 

A National Update on Laboratory Medicine across Eastern Canada 

One of CDEF’s signature sessions, our Cross –Country Check– Up brings together laboratory leaders from across the country to share regional priorities, challenges, and innovations. 

Featuring:

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec

The Role of Laboratories in Canadian Health care: Perspectives From Hospital CEOs 

Hospital executives discuss how laboratory medicine contributes to organizational strategy, quality of care, financial sustainability, and innovation. This moderated discussion will explore how diagnostic services continue to evolve as an essential pillar of modern health care. 

AI is rapidly changing how laboratories operate. This session explores practical applications that are already improving workflow efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical decision support. 

Sessions include: 

• AI in Digital Pathology  
• Agentic Analytics in Laboratory Medicine  
• Information Technology (IT) Improvements and Immediate Operational Impact  

Explore how AI is transforming health care delivery across Ontario. 

 Featured Speaker: Will Falk  

Explore advances in diagnostic testing that are shaping the future of patient care, with a focus on emerging technologies and evolving clinical applications. 

Presenters include: 

• Roche 
• Canadian Medical Equipment Protection Plan (CMEPP) 
• Hologic 

Continuing the national conversation, laboratory leaders from Western and Northern Canada share updates on health care transformation, innovation, and regional priorities. 

Featuring: 

• Ontario 
• Saskatchewan  
• Alberta 
• British Columbia  
• Yukon  

Laboratories play a critical role in advancing health equity. This keynote discussion will explore how diagnostic practices, research, data, and laboratory leadership can help address health inequities and improve equitable health outcomes for all. 

Featured Speaker: Dr. Notisha Massaquoi 

Quality remains the foundation of laboratory medicine. These sessions explore national initiatives, collaborative programs, and innovative approaches that strengthen quality assurance and improve patient safety. 

Sessions include: 

• National Quality Standards for Point-of-Care Testing  
• Scaling Proficiency Testing Through Partnership: Expanding Equitable Access Across Canada  
• Rapid Diagnostic Pathways for Life-Threatening Blood Disorders  
• Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) in Ontario: AI Automation and Provincial Screening Innovation