A Call to Action on Hematology and Aging
The Journal of Geriatric Oncology has published a report by lead author Ashley E. Rosko, MD, from The Ohio State University, and colleagues, about the Friday Scientific Workshop on Hematology and Aging at the 2017 ASH Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
The article, "A Call to Action in Hematologic Disorders: A Report from the ASH Scientific Workshop on Hematology and Aging," outlines progress made in the emerging field of geriatric hematology and issues a call to action in the form of strategic efforts to overcome logistical challenges. An underlying theme of the paper is addressing the knowledge gap about the relationship between physiological age and hematology. This lack of understanding is especially problematic given the disproportionate impact that hematologic disorders have on older populations.
The authors recommend shifting attention toward aging adults, along with increased investment and greater cross-disciplinary cooperation, to overcome these challenges. Specific recommendations include:
- embedding geroscience in the curriculum of hematologic disorders
- promoting funding resources and public forums where researchers in aging, clinical research, and health outcomes can collaborate
- creating a policy whereby older adults are a target population in clinical trials
- supporting cross-disciplinary research among disciplines that interface with aging and hematology populations
- enhancing dissemination of new knowledge related to geriatrics and hematology
The Friday Scientific Workshop on Hematology and Aging is designed to address the need for a renewed focus on the effects that hematologic disorders have on older adults. The 2017 workshop's objectives were to:
- provide a forum for the presentation of research on the biology of aging and hematologic disorders,
- promote discussion of a research agenda, and
- highlight opportunities for collaboration.
The workshop on hematology and aging is one of a series of Friday Scientific Workshops, featuring interactive discussions on the latest developments within specific areas of hematology. Learn more about how the Friday Scientific Workshops provide opportunities for discussion and collaboration at hematology.org/fsw.
ASH Clinical News Wins Award of Excellence
ASH Clinical News is proud to be the recipient of two gold 2018 Azbee Awards of Excellence, in both regional and national categories, for an Editor's Corner column written by Editor-in-Chief Mikkael Sekeres, MD, MS.
Dr. Sekeres' editorial in the June 2017 issue, "Contract Research Agonizations," discussed the difficulties of working with contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical studies. While appreciative of CROs' efforts to ensure patient safety, Dr. Sekeres lamented the seemingly endless paperwork and bureaucracy, the demands on investigators' time, and the careless attitudes displayed by some CROs and their employees.
The editorial touched a nerve within the clinical research community, with readers from across the globe writing to share their own experiences. Responses ranged from expressions of solidarity to calls for reform, as researchers expressed their own frustrations with CROs.
Awarded by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Azbees are given annually to celebrate the best of business, trade association, and professional publications.
This achievement is due in large part to readers' enthusiastic response to Dr. Sekeres' editorial. Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the publication!
Annual Meeting: Housing Fraud Alert
Registration and housing for the 2018 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting opens July 18! Please note that SPARGO, Inc., is the only official housing provider for the 60th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition. All registration and housing information will come either from SPARGO or from ASH (hematology.org).
In past years, pirate housing companies and travel agencies have solicited conference attendees over the phone or via email and misrepresented themselves as ASH's official registration provider. Fraudulent registration and housing websites have used ASH's name and logo, causing confusion that has led some attendees to overpay, lose deposits, or end up without housing or registration for the meeting. Please be sure you are asked to sign in to your ASH account before submitting any payment information. Confirmation emails may come from hematology.org or spargoinc.com addresses.
To learn more, or to notify ASH if you are contacted by a fraudulent provider, please visit hematology.org/Housing-Fraud.
ASH Scholar Award: Applications due August 1
The continued growth and vitality of hematology is sustained by encouraging and supporting new discoveries and bringing them to the patient. The ASH Scholar Award, providing $100,000 for fellows and $150,000 for junior faculty over a two- to three-year period, funds hematologists in the United States and Canada who conduct basic, translational, and clinical research that furthers the understanding and treatment of blood disorders.
For over 30 years, the ASH Scholar Award has provided partial salary and other support to promising hematologists transitioning into independent research. Since 1975, more than 375 grants have been awarded, providing financial assistance to researchers who have gone on to receive a combined $1 billion from various funding institutions. Previous recipients have reported going on to publish more than 2,300 manuscripts and to receive more than 80 patents.
Applications from those who have submitted a letter of intent are due by August 1. Review the application process online at hematology.org/scholar.