Lab Leaders Gather in New Orleans to Address AI, Workforce Pressures, and Reimbursement Shifts
The 31st annual Executive War College on Diagnostics, Clinical Laboratory, and Pathology Management will convene April 28-30, 2026, in New Orleans to tackle the structural pressures reshaping laboratory medicine. Clinical labs, genetic testing companies, and anatomic pathology practices face mounting challenges from regulatory scrutiny, reimbursement volatility, workforce instability, and accelerating technology adoption.
The conference brings together 145 expert speakers to deliver more than 90 presentations on management and operational strategy. Organizers expect maximum capacity as senior lab executives, administrators, and pathologists seek practical solutions for competitive positioning.
Key Topics and Speakers
Digital pathology implementation. Syed T. Hoda, MD, director of digital pathology at NYU Langone Health, will present how his organization achieved a fully digital workflow in one year and accelerated diagnostics as a result.
Federal reimbursement reform. Susan Van Meter, president of the American Clinical Laboratory Association, will co-present on reforms including the RESULTS Act and their potential impact on reimbursement, market competition, and revenue stability.
Mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth. Cory A. Roberts, MD, MBA, CEO of Sonic Healthcare USA, will discuss strategic considerations for lab consolidation and how to deploy emerging technologies for expansion.
AI and efficiency. Lâle White, CEO of XiFin, Inc., will address how AI is reducing claim denials and improving workforce efficiency in lab operations.
Automation and robotics. Ted Schwab of Schwab Tremblay Solutions will lead discussions on automation and robotics technologies affecting diagnostic workflows and future staffing models.
Post-Conference Digital Pathology Forum
On April 30, a dedicated session focuses on digital pathology implementation strategies. Christopher Garcia, MD, chair of the data strategy committee at Mayo Clinic's department of laboratory medicine and pathology, will moderate discussions on how digital transformation affects business and operational outcomes.
AstraZeneca, Roche, and Thermo Fisher Scientific are supporting the event.
For lab executives focused on AI strategy and decision-making or AI applications in healthcare operations, the conference addresses immediate competitive pressures and technology adoption pathways.
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