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FINAL REPORT Kasachstan

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Vladimir Totovich Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to participate in the International Junior Academy Summer School in Padua. Thanks to this support, I was able to attend an international educational program, learn from leading experts in pathology, exchange experience with young pathologists from different countries, and significantly expand my professional knowledge. This opportunity has become an important contribution to my development as a future specialist in oncopathology.
The International Junior Academy Summer School in Padua was a highly valuable and inspiring educational experience for me. The program started with lectures and case discussions focused on sarcomas and gastrointestinal polyps. On the following day, the scientific sessions continued with comprehensive discussions on major oncological topics, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, biliary tract tumors, and melanoma.
The lectures delivered by experienced professors were extremely informative and well-structured. They helped me expand my knowledge of different tumor types, understand modern approaches to diagnosis, and organize previously acquired information in a more systematic way. Since I am currently training at an oncology center, where the majority of my daily practice is related to oncopathology, all the lectures were highly relevant and directly applicable to my residency training.
I was especially impressed by the lectures of Professor Glen on prostate cancer and Professor Magali on breast cancer. Professor Glen’s presentation was particularly valuable for me because I presented a case of poorly differentiated prostate carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation that initially manifested with metastasis to the cervical vertebrae. During the discussion and after reviewing the lecture material, I realized that I had made a diagnostic mistake in the interpretation of my case. This experience became an important lesson for my professional development, as it helped me understand which aspects require more attention during differential diagnosis and what specific features should be carefully evaluated in similar cases in the future.
The knowledge gained during the Summer School will be useful not only during my further residency training but also in my future medical practice as a pathologist. The lectures provided a deeper understanding of tumor morphology, diagnostic challenges, and the importance of integrating histological findings with clinical information and immunohistochemical results. I believe that this experience will help me approach complex oncological cases with greater confidence and develop a more structured diagnostic approach.
In addition to the scientific program, I greatly enjoyed the cultural part of the Summer School. The guided tour around Padua was a wonderful opportunity to discover the history, architecture, and atmosphere of this beautiful city, as well as to communicate with colleagues from different countries in an informal environment.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how approachable and supportive all the professors were. They were open to discussions, willing to answer questions, and genuinely interested in sharing their knowledge and experience with the younger generation of pathologists. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for pathology were truly inspiring and motivated me to continue improving my professional skills.
Overall, participation in the International Junior Academy Summer School in Padua was an unforgettable experience that contributed significantly to my professional growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from internationally recognized experts, gain new perspectives in oncopathology, and become part of an international community of young pathologists. The knowledge and experience acquired during this program will remain valuable throughout my future career and will help me contribute to improving cancer diagnostics and pathology practice in my country. 

FINAL REPORT Philippines

Introduction & Acknowledgments
I extend my sincere gratitude to the German Division of the International Academy of Pathology and the Vladimir Totović Foundation for awarding me a travel grant and bursary to attend the 16th International Junior Academy Summer School in Padua, Italy. The financial support provided by the sponsors made it possible for me to participate in this valuable educational milestone, which significantly enriched my diagnostic skills, broadened my international academic perspective, and provided crucial opportunities for professional networking.
Scientific Learnings and Subspecialty Highlights
The scientific program comprised high-yield lectures delivered by world-renowned experts, providing practical, state-of-the-art frameworks across key subspecialties in surgical pathology. In soft tissue pathology, Professor Angelo Paolo Dei Tos outlined systematic diagnostic algorithms for subtyping mesenchymal tumors, offering clear strategies for navigating spindle cell morphology and diagnostic traps on limited core needle biopsies. Professor Maurice B. Loughrey addressed polyps of the lower gastrointestinal tract, clarifying updated criteria for serrated lesions and dysplasia grading that directly influence clinical follow-up protocols.
In thoracic and dermatopathology, Professor Reinhard Büttner presented actionable strategies for prioritizing predictive biomarker testing on scant lung biopsies, while Professor Daniela Massi guided participants through the subtle histological features needed to differentiate borderline melanocytic lesions from early melanoma mimics. Subspecialty insights continued with Professor Glen Kristiansen’s presentation on prostate diagnostics, which emphasized nuances in ISUP/Gleason grading, rare variants, and avoiding overdiagnosis in benign mimickers. Professor Irene Esposito provided practical guidance on interpreting challenging pancreatobiliary brushings and core biopsies, and Professor Magali Lacroix-Triki covered predictive biomarkers and scoring systems for evaluating residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.
Active Contribution and Case Presentation
A central highlight of my attendance was actively contributing to the scientific discourse during the oral presentation sessions on Saturday, July 18. I had the privilege of presenting a complex clinical case entitled „Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma: An Illustrative Case“ during the session moderated by Professor Irene Esposito and Professor Angelo Paolo Dei Tos. Presenting before an international audience and receiving direct, constructive feedback from expert moderators
regarding our differential diagnosis and immunohistochemical approach was an invaluable learning experience. The dynamic question-and-answer period that followed deepened my understanding of international consensus criteria for rare entities.
Global Perspectives on Pathology Training
Beyond the formal lectures, one of the most rewarding aspects of the Summer School was engaging in informal dialogues with early-career colleagues from across the world. Discussions with fellow trainees provided a fascinating window into how pathology residency programs and specialist training pathways are structured internationally—including in the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Kazakhstan, Italy, Austria, and Ukraine.
We compared board certification models, and discussed varying levels of trainee autonomy and reporting responsibility across European health systems. Interacting with colleagues from Central Asia and Eastern Europe underscored how different resource environments influence diagnostic workflows, highlighting the balance between advanced molecular diagnostics and traditional morphological skill.
Evaluation and Feedback
The Summer School was an exceptional academic success. The intimate atmosphere allowed for unparalleled access to leading experts, creating a supportive environment where young pathologists felt comfortable asking questions and exchanging ideas. The integration of core subspecialty lectures with interactive case discussions ensured high educational engagement throughout. Furthermore, the social program—including the Welcome Reception at Restaurant Exforo, the guided city tour of Padua, and the group dinner at Caffè Pedrocchi—provided ideal settings for building lasting international connections. As a constructive suggestion for future editions, organizers might consider incorporating a dedicated round-table session on global pathology training, allowing for a structured exchange on international curricula and career development.
Conclusion
Attending the 16th International Junior Academy Summer School directly enhanced my diagnostic capabilities and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and clinical excellence. I look forward to sharing the diagnostic insights gained from this event with my colleagues and co-residents through upcoming institutional clinical presentations. I remain deeply grateful to the organizers, faculty, and sponsors for making this transformative experience possible.

FINAL REPORT Georgia

I had the honor of attending the Junior Academy’s Summer Conference held in Padua, Italy. The conference featured several sessions, each addressing significant and engaging topics. As a representative from a developing country, I found it particularly enlightening to learn about the latest technologies implemented in diagnostic processes in our neighboring countries. This experience has motivated me to thoroughly study these processes and aspire to implement them in my own country in the future.
The first day of the conference began with sessions held in an extraordinary place steeped in centuries of history — Palazzo Bo, where Galileo Galilei himself once taught. The atmosphere of this historic building made the beginning of the conference particularly memorable.
The presentations themselves were equally interesting and informative. One presentation that particularly stood out to me was the professor’s talk on “Diagnostic Approach to Mesenchymal Tumors.” As the professor himself noted, it is, of course, impossible to fully master the diagnostic approach to mesenchymal tumors in just one hour. Nevertheless, the presentation was extremely informative and practical, and I gained many valuable approaches that I plan to actively apply in my future diagnostic practice.
The second day of the conference was even more enriching, with five outstanding and highly informative presentations covering a wide range of topics in modern pathology. Each lecture offered valuable insights into different areas of diagnostic and molecular pathology.
Among the presentations that particularly caught my attention were “Molecular Pathology of the Lung” by Reinhard Büttner, “Prostate Diagnostics” by Glen Kristiansen and “Approach to Biopsy Diagnosis in the Pancreatobiliary Tract” by Irene Esposito. The discussions encompassed both foundational knowledge and more intricate topics, all conducted in an interactive format that encouraged open dialogue. Participants were able to freely share their opinions and receive valuable feedback.
The third day of the conference was equally interesting and inspiring, as it gave us the opportunity to listen to presentations delivered by young pathologists and pathology residents. It was especially motivating to see colleagues at the beginning of their professional journeys confidently present their clinical cases.
These presentations demonstrated not only a high level of knowledge and enthusiasm but also the importance of supporting and encouraging the next generation of pathologists. The exchange of ideas and experiences made the day particularly engaging and memorable.
In addition to the engaging scientific sessions, we also had the opportunity to connect with one another in a more informal setting. These moments allowed us to get to know the other participants better, exchange experiences, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Padua together.
The city tour was a particularly memorable part of the programme. Exploring the charming streets of this small yet historically rich city gave us the opportunity to discover its remarkable cultural heritage and appreciate the beauty and history of Padua beyond the conference venue. Sharing these experiences together made the entire programme even more enjoyable and unforgettable.
I would like to express my gratitude to the German Division of the IAP and the Vladimir Totović Foundation, which enabled me to attend and actively participate in this remarkable conference. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of my profession and connect with individuals who are driving innovation and progress in our field. I would also like to extend my special thanks to the organizers and Mrs. Martina Schmidt for their warm welcome and for orchestrating such extraordinarily well-organized meetings. I eagerly anticipate future gatherings. 

FINAL REPORT Ukraine

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of the 16th International Junior Academy for allowing me to participate in this excellent Summer School in Padua, Italy. As a 6th-year medical student who is interested in pathology, this was a very valuable and inspiring experience. During the three days, I attended lectures given by well-known international experts. The topics included gastrointestinal pathology, lung pathology, breast pathology, prostate pathology, melanocytic tumors, mesenchymal tumors, and pancreatobiliary pathology. The lectures were clear, practical, and based on real clinical cases, which helped me better understand modern diagnostic approaches in pathology. One of the most interesting parts of the course was the oral case presentation session. It was very useful to see challenging cases presented by young colleagues from different countries and to discuss them with experienced pathologists. These discussions improved my diagnostic thinking and showed the importance of teamwork and continuous learning. The Summer School also gave me the opportunity to meet participants from many countries. We shared our experiences, discussed our education and future careers, and made new professional connections. The friendly atmosphere encouraged open communication and made the learning process even more enjoyable. According to the organizers, the meeting brought together participants from 12 countries, creating an excellent international environment. In addition to the scientific program, I enjoyed the social activities, including the guided tour of Padua and the group dinners. These events allowed us to continue discussions outside the lecture hall and learn more about Italian culture. This Summer School strengthened my interest in pathology and motivated me to continue improving my knowledge and practical skills. I believe that the knowledge I gained will be very helpful in my future medical career, and I will share this experience with my colleagues at my university. I am very grateful for the bursary support, which made my participation possible. Thank you to the German Division of the International Academy of Pathology, the Vladimir Totović Foundation, and all organizers and speakers for their hard work and dedication. This was an unforgettable educational experience, and I highly recommend the International Junior Academy to other young doctors and medical students interested in pathology

FINAL REPORT Ukraine

The trip took place in Padua, Italy, from July 16 to 18, 2026. The purpose was to visit the 16th International Junior Academy – Summer School for Pathologists, where I attended a series of lectures covering the following topics:
• Topic 1: Diagnostic approach to mesenchymal tumors;
• Topic 2: Prostata diagnostic: basics, pitfalls, grading and rare tumours;
• Topic 3: Molecular Pathology of the Lung;
• Topic 4: Challenges in pathology of cutaneous melanocytic tumors;
• Topic 5: The biology and pathology of colorectal polyps;
• Topic 6: Approach to biopsy diagnostic in the pancreatobiliary tract;
• Topic 7: Predictive biomarkers and assessment of response to neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.

The event program also included the presentation of my own case, where I reported on Hirschsprung’s disease and some other inborn intestinal malformation (dysplasias): morphological comparison and difficulties in differential diagnosis. I received a certificate for attending this event, awarding 10 European CME Credits, and participated in the proposed evening cultural programs.
This event contributed to the improvement of my qualification in the field of pathology and personnel management, the exchange of experience with international colleagues, and the enhancement of approaches to solving modern morphological and histological challenges. The possibility to freely communicate with both young and skilled colleagues from different counties during this event is priceless.
As a result of the work conducted during the trip, I exchanged experiences with pathologists from different countries, gained a better understanding of modern practices in interpreting various pathological processes, and provided an overview of the situation in Ukraine because of the war. I obtained a deeper understanding of the role of molecular pathology in the modern work of a pathologist and improved my skills in interpreting immunohistochemical findings in certain pathological processes.

/Abstract Submission Deadline
17:00 (JST), Friday, April 10, 2026 How to Submit: Submit Your Abstract Now Why Present at IAP 2026? Global Recognition: Present your work to world-renowned experts and peers from across the globe. Academic Growth: Receive valuable feedback and engage in discussions that shape the future of pathology. Career Opportunities: Connect with potential collaborators and mentors within the international community. Important Information Young Pathologist Award
Applicants for the Young Pathologist Award must complete their abstract submission and upload all required documents during the submission process by April 10. No extensions will be granted.

Bursary
Applicants for the bursary must complete their abstract submission by April 10. No extensions will be granted.
Please note that a separate application is required for the bursary in addition to abstract submission. For details, please see: Bursary Details Congress Registration Opening Soon
Congress registration will open on April 7, 2026.

Further details will be available on our website: Registration Details Click here for the latest congress updates: Latest Congress Updates Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates: Subscribe to Newsletter We look forward to receiving your submissions and to welcoming you to Fukuoka for an inspiring scientific and cultural experience.

Warm regards,

Yoshinao Oda, MD
Congress President, IAP Fukuoka 2026
Japanese Division, International Academy of Pathology

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