San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Originally established in 1867, the district was dubbed the Gaslamp Quarter during the revitalization efforts of the 1980s as a nod to the neighborhood’s original Victorian-era streetlamps. Today, the Gaslamp Quarter — a bustling center of commerce and entertainment — stands as a testament to San Diego’s evolution, combining its historical charm with a contemporary flair.
On Friday, December 6, the Gaslamp Quarter will transform into a hub of bite-sized learning and lively networking for early career hematologists. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., ASH-a-Palooza will provide a dynamic mix of educational opportunities for trainees and students passionate about hematology, along with opportunities to mingle, find mentors, and build lasting connections.
As I have advanced in my own medical training, I’ve realized that brief, focused teaching sessions can be just as impactful as traditional 30- to 60-minute lectures. That’s why I'm particularly eager for the Blood Drop sessions — quick 5- to 10-minute presentations packed with insights on a wide array of hematology topics. Each session will run twice in succession, making it easy to hop from presentation to presentation. For those craving more in-depth learning, the dynamic ASH Talks — reminiscent of TED Talks — will feature engaging 18- to 20-minute discussions that will illuminate key concepts and recent advancements in the field of hematology.
But it's not all about the lectures. ASH-a-Palooza emphasizes connection and mentorship too. Attendees can engage in one-on-one mentoring sessions with “Blood Buddies” — faculty mentors who have graciously volunteered to meet for 10 minutes of personalized career guidance. As a pluripotent stem cell of a hematologist/oncologist, I crave career guidance and support at this stage of my young career. While I feel lucky to have amazing mentors at my home institution, I’m looking forward to making new connections and getting fresh perspectives on career development, which will undoubtedly help me navigate the ever-evolving landscape of hematology.
Reflecting on my first large medical conference earlier this year, I remember how intimidating it felt walking into the bustling conference center. Not only did I feel intimidated by the sheer volume of knowledge being shared at the event, but I was overwhelmed with decision paralysis about where to start — particularly regarding which sessions would be most appropriate for my level of training. ASH-a-Palooza serves as an ideal introduction for newcomers like me, helping to ease them into the weekend’s festivities by providing learning content focused for trainees and encouraging the formation of connections before diving into the conference’s main events. I’m hoping to treat ASH-a-Palooza like a buffet: a Blood Drop or two here, an ASH Talk there, topped off with a meeting with a Blood Buddy. However, the beauty of the event is that it can be easily tailored for each participant, ensuring that all attendees find content that resonates with their individual interests, learning styles, and professional goals.
To cap off what promises to be an enriching day, the Trainee Welcome Reception will offer a relaxed, inviting space for attendees to connect over the vibrant cuisine that San Diego is known for and share their experiences from the day. This reception provides an informal atmosphere for trainees to mingle and build new relationships, setting the tone for a collaborative and engaging weekend.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp Quarter, ASH-a-Palooza promises to be a standout event at the ASH annual meeting, offering a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge scientific content while building invaluable relationships with peers and mentors alike. Whether you are looking for knowledge or networking (or both!), this event will serve as the perfect launchpad for the rest of the conference weekend. Don’t miss this chance to kick off your conference experience, Baja-style!
