ADLM 2025: Tackling Medical Misinformation, Plastics Health Risks, AI in Care, and Precision Medicine
The upcoming ADLM 2025 conference, held from July 27-31 in Chicago, will spotlight key challenges and advances in laboratory medicine. This year’s event, organized in partnership with the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC), will focus on topics critical to healthcare professionals: medical misinformation, the impact of plastics on health, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical settings, and innovations in genomics and microbiome medicine.
Advances in Genomics for Rare Disease Solutions
Genomics—the study of a person’s complete set of genes—is providing new avenues for diagnosing and treating rare diseases. Although each rare disease affects a small population, together they impact millions of Americans. Dr. Heidi L. Rehm, chief genomics officer at Massachusetts General Hospital, will discuss the latest strategies and technologies used to pinpoint genetic causes. She will also highlight global data-sharing efforts and how these can foster new treatment and testing options.
Practical Challenges of AI in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is often seen as a tool to reduce the heavy workload healthcare workers face, potentially easing burnout. Despite FDA approval of nearly 1,000 machine-learning devices, real-world clinical adoption remains limited. Dr. Judy Wawira Gichoya from Emory University will address the obstacles encountered in deploying AI in healthcare. She will provide examples of AI algorithms that were pulled from use, offering lessons for smoother future integration.
Confronting the Spread of Medical Misinformation
The flood of misinformation and conspiracy theories around health is shaping public opinion and influencing policies. Professor Timothy Caulfield of the University of Alberta will examine the main sources fueling falsehoods, including social media, celebrity influence, and cognitive biases. His session will offer practical steps that healthcare organizations and individuals can take to combat misinformation and its harmful effects on biomedical research and public health.
Microbiome Medicine for Individualized Care
The human microbiome—comprising the microbes living in and on our bodies—plays an essential role in health. Variations in the microbiome affect allergies, neurological and metabolic disorders, among others. Dr. Jack Gilbert of the University of California, San Diego, will share findings from microbiome-wide association studies and how they can guide personalized diet and treatment plans.
Addressing Health Risks from Plastics and PFAS
While visible plastic pollution draws attention, the more serious health threat may come from chemical additives like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These compounds accumulate in populations, particularly near industrial sites. Dr. Leonardo Trasande of NYU Grossman School of Medicine will cover emerging research on PFAS exposure, strategies to reduce it, and calls for incorporating PFAS testing into clinical labs.
Mark J. Golden, CEO of ADLM, emphasizes: "This year’s program highlights the broad impact of laboratory medicine in solving urgent healthcare issues—from AI and precision medicine to misinformation and environmental health."
Key Plenary Sessions at ADLM 2025
- Global strategies to advance genomic medicine
Sunday, July 27 | 5-6:30 p.m. CT - Artificial intelligence in real world clinical settings
Monday, July 28 | 8:45-10 a.m. CT - Infodemic! Is misinformation killing us?
Tuesday, July 29 | 8:45-10 a.m. CT - Precision microbiome medicine: Identifying diagnostics and treatments
Wednesday, July 30 | 8:45-10 a.m. CT - The urgent threat of plastics to human health, and what we can do about it
Thursday, July 31 | 8:45-10 a.m. CT
All sessions will be held in Room S100 at McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago.
About ADLM 2025
ADLM 2025 (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo) offers five days of deep exploration into laboratory medicine from July 27-31 in Chicago. Alongside plenary talks, the Clinical Lab Expo will feature over 800 exhibitors showcasing the latest diagnostic technologies, including AI, point-of-care testing, and automation.
About the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM)
ADLM unites over 70,000 clinical lab professionals, scientists, and leaders across 110 countries. Since 1948, the organization has advanced laboratory medicine by fostering collaboration and innovation across disciplines like clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, and data science. Learn more at www.myadlm.org.
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