On Wednesday 10 November, to celebrate International Pathology Day (IPD) 2021, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) held an event to discuss the pathology milestones that have been reached with COVID-19 since IPD 2020. Hosted by the ABC’s Sophie Scott and watched by over 100 people online and in person, seven esteemed pathologists from the very heart of Australia’s response to the pandemic discussed: the future of vaccines; changes in our approach to the pandemic; updates in testing; and challenges in remote and rural communities.