Colleagues and Friends,
These days, it can feel like challenge and conflict are everywhere. Maybe like some of you, there are days I even hesitate to read or listen to the news.
Yet, I reflected in this past week that these times bring to light the importance of associations like ASTCT, a community where we can commit ourselves to a common mission and shared purpose for a greater good. In our case, that greater good is improving the application and success of blood and marrow transplantation and related cellular therapies.
It’s a common mission. It’s a shared purpose. It’s something each of us experiences and advances in our own way, every day.
ASTCT represents a community committed to this mission and purpose. I want you to be aware of several new initiatives that show our commitment.
In recognition of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we’re spreading awareness of sickle cell disease through education and dedicated resources. That includes a joint webinar series with the National Marrow Donor Program® / Be The Match® throughout the month of September (starting today!). We’ve also curated a list of articles and resources to help you better understand the latest science and to help you educate your patients. Please watch your email and social media for community updates.
Also this month, our Value and Health Economics Shared Interest Group kicks off a six-part live webinar series that will introduce our community to value and health economics, and describe current research in the blood and marrow transplantation and cellular therapy field. This series is for physicians, payors, pharmacists, APPs, nurses, administrators, and trainees interested in understanding value and health economics. The series will educate listeners on the data resources, methodologies and funding opportunities available to conduct research. The first webinar, REDUCE Healthcare Disparities to Improve Racial Equity, Diversity, and Care Equality, will be held live September 17.
We’re also finding new ways to provide you information on emerging therapies like CAR T. If you haven’t yet done so, I encourage you to visit our new Nucleus Plus: Emerging CAR T website and CAR T webinar series.
Our commitment to common vision and shared purpose is an ongoing effort. This October, the ASTCT Board of Directors will embark on discussions to establish a new three-year Society strategic plan. Our discussions and forthcoming strategic plan will help ASTCT define its path forward – as your professional society and in support of the important work you do.
Even on days when I look around at how challenging some circumstances may be, I remind myself that we must focus on how good WE can be. ASTCT is putting full focus on that, and I welcome your thoughts about how we continue to support our common vision and shared purpose.
Stella Davies, MBBS, PhD
Tags: diversity, inclusion, Equity, President, august, mission, purpose, sickle cell, awareness, board of directors