RCPAQAP Fungal Identification Master Class - From Culture Plate to Confident Identification

A two-day workshop organised by the RCPAQAP will include lectures and hands-on microscopy sessions. Target audience: Laboratory scientists and Microbiology registrars, especially those who haven’t yet completed part 1 of their fellowship. Areas to be covered: Renowned Australian experts will share their clinical and technical knowledge on the laboratory detection of fungi, with a focus on identification, interpretation of findings, and reporting results. The event will include lectures on dermatophytes, lightly coloured hyphomycetes, and melanised fungi, as well as practical laboratory sessions for hands-on experience. Participants will explore Mucorales in both lecture and laboratory settings, and there will be a combined session on fungal susceptibility testing that addresses common pitfalls and challenges. Additional lectures will cover dimorphic and endemic fungi, feature case studies, and discuss essential laboratory safety protocols. This two-day program offers a comprehensive framework for advancing skills and knowledge in practical mycology, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights from experts in the field. Expected outcomes: Participants will develop their knowledge and practical skills in fungal identification and diagnostics, gaining insights into new developments and laboratory safety. Networking opportunities and case studies will provide context, foster collaboration, and reinforce best practices in clinical mycology. Program: Day 1: Thursday 26 November 2026 8:30am – 9:00am Registration 9:00am – 9:10am Welcome & Introduction: Katherine Ryan & Torsten Theis 9:10am – 10:30am Session 1: Lectures · How to identify a fungus | David Ellis · Dermatophytes | David Ellis & Sarah Kidd 10:30am – 11:00am Morning Tea 11:00am – 12:30pm Session 2: Laboratory – Dermatophytes Sharon Chen David Ellis Sarah Kidd Catriona Halliday 12:30pm – 1:15pm Lunch 1:15pm – 2:15pm Session 3: Lecture · Hyaline (lightly coloured) hyphomycetes | Catriona Halliday 2:15pm – 3:15pm Session 4: Laboratory – Hyaline hyphomycetes Sharon Chen David Ellis Sarah Kidd Catriona Halliday 3:15pm – 3:45pm Afternoon Tea 3:45pm – 4:45pm Session 5: Lecture · Dermatiaceous (melanised) fungi | David Ellis 4:45pm – 5:45pm Session 6: Laboratory – Dematiaceous fungi Sharon Chen David Ellis Sarah Kidd Catriona Halliday 6:00pm – 8:00pm Networking drinks and canapes: The Lounge at UNSW Level 5 Day 2: Friday 27 November 2026 8:30am – 9:30am Session 7: Lecture · Mucorales | Sarah Kidd 9:30am – 10:30am Session 8: Laboratory – Mucorales Sharon Chen David Ellis Sarah Kidd Catriona Halliday 10:30am – 11:00am Morning Tea 11:00am – 12:45pm Session 9: Lecture & Laboratory · Fungal susceptibility testing: pitfalls and challenges Sharon Chen David Ellis Sarah Kidd Catriona Halliday 12:45pm – 1:30pm Lunch 1:30pm – 2:15pm Session 10: Lecture Dimorphic/Endemic fungi and laboratory safety | Catriona Halliday 2:15pm – 3:00pm Session 11: Lecture Case studies | Sharon Chen 3:00pm – 3:30pm Afternoon Tea 3:30pm – 5:00pm Session 12: Lecture / Quiz / Closing | Chair: Torsten Theis · RCPA QAP Review of results | Katherine Ryan · Fungi quiz | Sarah Kidd · Q & A | Sharon Chen, David Ellis, Sarah Kidd & Catriona Halliday Closing remarks | Torsten Theis