The future of hematology is in its young. This aphorism, undoubtedly subscribed to by the majority of ASH members, was given substance at the time of ASH’s first strategic plan in 2000. At that time, it was decided that a program to enhance the training of young investigators in clinical and translational research in hematology should be developed as a matter of highest priority. We were recruited to conceptualize and create what has since become the highly successful ASH Clinical Research Training Institute.
The founding principle of the Institute was that a small, highly select group of fellows and young faculty be brought together in a location where they could closely interact with each other and with leaders in the field of hematology. The first meeting was held in 2003 in Dana Point, CA. It was a success that has evolved into an annual event supported by ASH, as well as the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation and participating Institutes from the NIH. Corporate support has never been solicited for this event. Subsequent leaders of the program have included Drs. George Buchanan, Robert Todd, and Linda Burns, each of whom has brought new insights and great energy to the program.
The participating trainees are selected by a review process that is based on the candidates’ potential for a successful career in hematology, their home mentoring environment, and the submission of a concept for a clinical protocol. The 20 applicants travel to Dana Point in early August for a week-long intensive course designed to prepare them for their academic careers. Participating faculty, usually in a ratio of 1:1 with the trainees, are encouraged to stay the entire week and interact with the trainees through morning didactic sessions and, most importantly, in intensive small-group sessions designed to perfect their clinical research proposals. The faculty-trainee interactions continue over meals, in evening sessions devoted to issues of mentoring and career development, through the presentations of prominent hematologists on relevant aspects of their own careers, and on the veranda over an after-dinner drink. The result has been a truly amazing and enduring bonding of the participants with each other, as well as the faculty. This bond is renewed at the ASH Meeting and the following spring, when participants discuss their progress or problems they have encountered in the ensuing months.
What has been the result of this undertaking over the last five years? We believe that the Clinical Research Training Institute has established an extraordinary group of talented young investigators who will ensure the future of clinical research in hematology. The tremendous enthusiasm that is felt by both the faculty and the trainees is reflected in the very positive assessments obtained at the end of each session.
ASH’s large investment in this initiative, both financial and through outstanding staffing, will continue to further its mission of sustaining hematology through the development of its young members. A better investment cannot be made.
