I am a “supra-specialist,” and as a product of my own design, I have spent thousands of hours carving out a small but very deep niche to call my “career home.” I find comfort in my next-generation sequencing-colored blankie, knit with a blend of clinical and laboratory fabrics, keeping me warm as I remain wrapped in the world of complex laboratory diagnostics for inherited disorders of hemostasis. The sustainability of my habitat is challenged by the complicated and ever-changing scientific ecosystem that surrounds me. And with the goal of thriving (not just surviving), the ASH annual meeting provides fertile soil for continuing to develop a diverse skill set and foster the symbiotic relationships I need to stay relevant and fulfilled.
Specializing in rare inherited disorders, I naively thought I could get away with using my phone’s calculator and an Excel spreadsheet for my data analysis needs. Spoiler alert: This is 2024 (almost 2025), and I had to evolve. One of my first “beyond the niche” experiences was learning to work alongside bioinformaticians. Participating in more than 400 presentations across all session types at this year’s annual meeting, bioinformaticians have become critical to helping understand large-scale biologic data. As a hematologist, I don’t aspire to understand the intricacies of their day-to-day work, but speaking a common language with these specialists has allowed me to advance my clinical practice and research efficiently and effectively.
For a fantastic opportunity to peek into the world of omics, consider attending the Scientific Program session, Proteo-Genomics to Better Study Multiple Myeloma Biology and Evolution, which will illustrate the use of a multi-omic approach to understanding pathophysiology and developing therapeutic strategies. Although specific to multiple myeloma, these principles are applicable to many hematologic disorders.
For a disease-oriented take on molecular mechanisms, principles, and advances in genetic variant classification and real-world use of genetic testing, check out the Scientific Workshop, Germline Predisposition to Hematopoietic Malignancies and Bone Marrow Failure.
What does “teamwork” mean to you? Said aloud a couple of decades ago, this word would have taken me back to my worst nightmares. I’m reminded of dysfunctional group projects where lack of communication, direction, and accountability guaranteed a disaster and made me think I would never become a committed team player. Much has changed for me since witnessing the remarkable things that can be accomplished when people work together towards a common goal. From bioinformatics and machine learning to cellular and gene therapy, skills and technologies that incorporate multiple disciplines and cut across disease states continue to define the paths for innovation and growth in all areas of hematology. But true multidisciplinary work goes beyond specialists sitting in the same room. It is a style of communication, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing that allows a group to accomplish much more than any single person ever could. I am looking forward to learning from successful programs as I continue my journey of embracing the team game.
The ASH Quality Improvement Champions will present a variety of intervention-based projects involving a broad range of stakeholders. Later on the same day, ASH and the ASH Research Collaborative will host the Center for Sickle Cell Disease Initiatives’ Advancing Progress in Sickle Cell Disease Update and Reception, which will present accomplishments of the Center and provide space for discussion and networking centered on multidisciplinary partnerships and collaboration. Keep your eyes open, as inspiration in the form of role models can be found in all corners of #ASH2024.
Platelet enthusiast is just one of my identities. I am an immigrant, a woman, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The strength of the bond formed by connecting with those with shared experiences, the sense of belonging, and the social safety net created have been as impactful to me as the science shared at past annual meetings. Multiple events at ASH 2024 strongly set the tone for ASH’s commitment to supporting a diverse community where everyone can flourish. My recommendations include the Health Equity Symposium, Race, Structural Racism, and the Social Determinants of Health in Hematology and the LGBTQIA+ Community Networking Brunch. Also, consider attending the DEI Community Networking Lunch and/or the Women in Hematology Network Event.
