BANFF, CANADA

Thank you for attending the 22nd International Congress of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology.  Taking place in Banff, Canada, from September 15-18, we welcomed over 300 delegates to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

The program began with a pre-congress symposium focused on New Frontiers in Clinical Toxicology. In today’s environment, the toxic drug supply constitutes a public health crisis. We explored topics that brought this crisis to light, such as wastewater testing (mirroring that which was in place for COVID-19 testing); the use of artificial intelligence to help predict and test for novel psychoactive substances contributing to the toxic drug supply; insights from a drug-checking service and how it informs clinical toxicology testing; and the proliferation of semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabis, used for thousands of years and not a new substance, was examined for its health impacts following legalization. Whether directly involved in clinical toxicology or not, attendees gained significant insights from a public health perspective.

The congress featured a vibrant exhibit hall where delegates explored, met industry partners, and enjoyed the stunning mountain views of the Banff Centre grounds. Plenary speakers offered insights into their respective fields, covering precision medicine in cancer treatment, the use of psychedelics in psychiatry, and health issues among First Nations peoples. The Scientific Committee chairs worked diligently to curate symposia that delved into cutting-edge topics, offering a comprehensive look at the latest advancements in the field. Attendees also engaged with colleagues during breakfast roundtables to discuss topics of mutual interest.

Sincerely,
Penny Colbourne and David Kinniburgh
Co-Chairs Banff 2024; On behalf of the Organizing Committee