This year, ASH takes us to the vibrant and happening city of New Orleans, where we kick off the conference with ASH-a-Palooza on Friday, December 9, from 12:45 to 5:00 pm, at the River City Ballroom in Mardi Gras World.
Mardi Gras World has humble beginnings rooted in the history of New Orleans. Painter Roy Kern partnered with his son, Blaine, to design their first mule-drawn Mardi Gras float in 1932. Blaine was later commissioned to paint a mural for a local hospital and drew the attention of one of the s who also happened to be the captain of a Mardi Gras krewe (i.e., social club). From there, Blaine Kern went on to create many more floats, and by 1947, Kern Studios was founded. Visitors to New Orleans often requested private tours of Kern Studios all year round to taste the magic of Mardi Gras. Finally, in 1984, Kern Studios became a public attraction in the form of Mardi Gras World.
At this unique venue, trainees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events. An ASH staple is the “Blood Drops” series, which features short, 5- to 10-minute “micro” lectures on high-yield topics. Dr. Andres Chang will take on the “Translational Research Training in Hematology” Blood Drop for those of us excited about incorporating research into our careers, and Dr. Srikanth Nagalla will discuss the “ASH Medical Education Institute” for those interested in shaping the next generation of hematologists. Another favorite is the “ASH Talks” series, in which engaging speakers give “TED Talk” style presentations on new and exciting topics in hematology. Highlights this year include a presentation on social media and learning in virtual spaces, as well as a trainee-centered discussion of resilience. Trainees can also sign up for the “Blood Buddies” program, which offers one-on-one mentorship, either in-person or virtually, with respected leaders in the field. I am especially excited about the Blood Buddies centered around bone marrow transplantation and malignant hematology.
Known for always ending on a high note, ASH-A-Palooza will close out its festivities with a reception for trainees to mingle and network, and absorb the fascinating history and artistry that Mardi Gras World has to offer.
ASH-a-Palooza might end on Friday evening but #ASH22 offers additional trainee-dedicated events taking place throughout all four core days of the meeting. The Career Development Lunch Session gives trainees an opportunity to learn about various career paths, and the Trainee Didactic Sessions taking place Sunday, December 11 and Monday, December 12, will equip trainees with tools to navigate next steps after training. With so much to do and take in, remember that if you are ever in need of a break, stop by the Trainee Lounge in ASH Central to recharge and grab a snack!
Dr. Kumar and Dr. Jeong indicated no relevant conflicts of interest.
About the Authors: Dr. Ah-Reum “Autumn” Jeong (@AutumnJeong) is an alum of Cornell University where she went for undergrad studies. A San Diego native, she returned to the West Coast and attended University of Southern California for medical school and residency, and UC San Diego for her fellowship. Today she is assistant clinical professor in the Division of Medicine, Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health in La Jolla, California. Her interests include myeloma, CAR-T therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. This is Dr. Jeong’s second year on the board of ASH News Daily, having served as a Junior Author in 2021. “I did Taekwondo during college and competed regionally,” she informed us.
Helping Dr. Jeong to round out the coverage this year is Dr. Anupama Deepa Kumar (@anupamakumar05), a fellow at UC at Moores Cancer Center of UC San Diego Health. Focusing on all things malignant hematology, Dr. Kumar is an alum of Cornell University as well as Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, where she completed medical school and residency, respectively. Her hometown is lovely Palo Alto, California.
