Brazilian Division
IAP VP Report 2022 Brazilian Division
Date: March 2022
Submitted by: Fabio R. F. Távora and Luciana Schultz
Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia (SBP)
Brazilian IAP division - Report of Activities
On behalf of Dr Isabela Werneck da Cunha, vice-President Latin America, and as Director of International Affairs for the SBP (Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia), along with my colleague Dr. Fabio Tavora, I wish to report the following activities we developed since the last IAP meeting, aimed to promote the advancement of Pathology through educational exchanges worldwide:
I. Alteration of the biannual SBP Congress to “even years”, in order to not overlap with SLAP (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Patología) Congress.
The two prior SBP meetings were held in shorter time frames to change the agenda in order for it to be held on “even years”, and therefore not coincide with SLAP meetings, which are held in “odd years”. This alteration aimed to stimulate the participation of Latin American pathologists in both events, as a strategy to promote inclusion and collectiveness along Latin American countries.
The SBP 2022 Meeting will take place in Foz do Iguaçu, which borders with Argentina and Paraguay, to reduce distance and costs of international travelers. Invitations were made to 40 international speakers, including 10 Latin Americans, who will have their expenses covered by the society.
II- Participation in the organization of SLAP and WASPaLM
Dr Isabela Werneck da Cunha organized the Uropathology session at the SLAP Meeting Peru / 2019, with participation of international speakers from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and United States (Jonathan Epstein, George Netto, Maria Merino, Andres Matoso and Merced Jordan). Dr Fabio Távora organized a Symposium at the 2022 WASPaLM (World Association of Societies of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine), in partnership with the XXVI ALAPAC (Latinamerican Clinical Pathology Association) and the 1st International Meeting of Medical Residents in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, to be held on May/2022 in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
III- PALOPS (African Countries of Official Portuguese Language) ECHO Project
By invitation of Dr Márcia Edelweiss (MSKCC), SBP is a major collaborator in the project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Care Outcomes) of lusophone Africa, that started in 2020. The goal is to reduce disparities of knowledge among the countries that speak Portuguese, through monthly meetings involving pathologists from Brazil, Cabo Verde, Angola and Mozambique. The meetings involve case presentations and talks from invited guests about topics elected by the participants. At the end, open discussions about their experiences, difficulties, solutions, adopted protocols, etc., all under the spontaneity of our native Language. Funding of African pathologists to attend SBP Meeting in Foz do Iguaçú is under appreciation of SBP directors.
IV- Daniela Cirreia Salles, MD Fund
The Brazilian Society of Pathology, encouraged by Dr. Daniela’s colleagues at Johns Hopkins University, created the “Daniela Correia Salles, MD Fund”, with the goal of funding exchange scholarships for young pathologists, especially residents, for national and international rotations and travel to Pathology meetings.
On October 2021, we lost Daniela and her husband Angel in a tragic accident in Tinton Falls, NJ. She was a brilliant pathologist, who left Rio de Janeiro for a Clinical Urologic Pathology with Dr. Jonathan Epstein followed by a postdoctoral research fellow with Dr. Tamara Lotan, at Johns Hopkins. During this time, she was an example of dedication and commitment, besides always being receptive and helpful with other traveler pathologists, from many different nations. SBP is committed to report annually on the collection and destination of donations, as well as informing the names of those receiving assistance. More information and donation channels are available at sbp.org.br/fundo-daniela-correia-salles/.
V- Pé-na-estrada (“On the road”) Project
The SBP Department of International Affairs is developing a project called Pé-na-estrada (“On the road”) intended to stimulate young pathologists into scientific initiatives as they conclude their training. The project involves compilation of international opportunities for observership and fellowships, offered to candidates through a selection process that values national contributions to Science. In parallel, the project will create a seal for private and public practices (“Friend of Science seal”), in recognition for the institutions that promote scientific opportunities among young pathologists. The intention is to stimulate both the junior and his/her mentor, who are able to independently produce initiatives such as posters, papers, slide seminars, symposiums, etc. Selection criteria and qualification for the seal are under development. As SBP international partners are contacted, we intend to offer the opportunity to participate in the Pé-na-estrada Project and/or contribute to the Daniela Salles fund.
VI – ICCR (International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting)
SBP is one of the Gold Members of the institution, which, by a wide network of international collaboration of Pathology societies and cancer organizations, produces validated evidence-based datasets for cancer reporting, for use throughout the world. The datasets are available for download at their website and have been translated to Portuguese.
Dr Fabio Tavora was a representative of the SBP in the Dataset Steering Committee and an active participant on the meetings to draft and approve the new ICCR datasets. He represented Dr. Katia Leite, SBP President, in several ICCR Board of Directors.
At the national level, besides the major binannual Meeting, we have also promoted online Educational Activities, through SBP online, with weekly events that are accessible to all national and international SBP active affiliates. The events are highly attended, especially among the youth.
We are available for additional contacts, if needed.
Wishing the very best to our IAP colleagues, we thank for the amazing opportunity to collaborate with this great Academy.
Fabio R. F. Távora
Luciana Schultz
March 16th , 2022