(WASHINGTON, July 13, 2009) – The American Society of Hematology (ASH) announces that Ellis J. Neufeld, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, Thomas Shea, MD, of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Alvin Schmaier, MD, of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, will each receive ASH's Alternative Training Pathway Grant this July. The grant is awarded to selected training program directors to encourage the development and implementation of novel hematology-related training programs in recognition of the need for more clinicians and clinical/translational researchers in hematology-related disciplines.
"This program encourages creative approaches to meeting the demands of a growing number of trainees who are expressing interest in pursuing hybrid careers" said ASH President Nancy Berliner, MD, Chief of Hematology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "We hope to expand the opportunities available to clinician-scientists interested in hematology-related careers by allowing hematology training to be enhanced and expanded by combining it with other specialties such as pathology, lab medicine, and transfusion medicine, as well as providing for combined pediatric and adult hematology training."
Each recipient's curriculum will integrate new advances and technologies into traditional hematology training programs. Specifically, Dr. Neufeld's grant will support training for residents in both pediatric and adult hematology, Dr. Shea's grant will support training in transitional care for adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer and blood diseases, and Dr. Schmaier will receive a grant to support specialized clinical and basic research training in benign hematology.
The Alternative Training Pathway Grant is awarded over a one- to two-year period and is offered to training program directors in hematology, hematology/medical oncology, and other hematology-related disciplines in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
To arrange an interview with an Alternative Training Pathway Grant recipient, please contact Patrick C. Irelan, ASH Communications Assistant, at 202-776-0544 or pirelan@hematology.org.
The American Society of Hematology (www.hematology.org) is the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. In September, ASH launched Blood: The Vital Connection (www.bloodthevitalconnection.org), a credible online resource addressing bleeding and clotting disorders, anemia, and cancer. It provides hematologist-approved information about these common blood conditions including risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options.