06.14.22

For Me: Spring has Sprung

ASTCT Colleagues,

It’s been two months now since I became ASTCT’s President. Let me share that I am continually amazed at the number of activities that ASTCT leads, supports, or facilitates, including events, online education and government relations. ASTCT’s work on behalf of our community doesn’t stop, no matter the season. 

Yet, we know it’s important for all of us to embrace moments, look around, take a deep breath and reflect. Living in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., many of you know that one of my favorite things to do when I’m not working is spending time outdoors – hiking, biking or sometimes just going for a long walk. I have been taking advantage of the longer days to get in shape for my upcoming walk this month that takes me on the Portuguese Coastal Way, from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These long walks have given me time to reflect on how Spring represents a time of reawakening, renewal and growth.

Those three words mean a lot as our world is working toward a reawakening from the COVID-19 pandemic. They also mean a lot for ASTCT. Everywhere I look within ASTCT, I see signs of growth. We’ve weathered and learned so much these past two years. Now, we’re taking what we’ve learned and are committed to even greater growth in the ways that serve you and your patients,

Take a look at these examples:

  • Our Board of Directors continue to make major strides in our strategic planning process, which will guide how we align our resources for maximum impact and accelerated growth in the next three years.
  • In May, we held our first ever Joint ASTCT + EBMT Basic and Translational Scientific Retreat. The attendance exceeded our expectations. By all accounts, attendees walked away inspired.
  • Our 2022 Tandem Meetings in April were a huge success. I heard such positive feedback and excitement from attendees who were able to reconnect, learn and share, virtually or in person. We have already initiated our planning for the 2023 Tandem meeting agenda, so stay tuned.

I encourage all of you to take a few moments (or a long walk) and reflect. Share your thoughts with me, our Board members, our community. How can we build on this momentum? What more can we do to grow? Individually, consider reaching out to the new connections you made at the Scientific Retreat or Tandem Meetings. Invite a colleague to check out ASTCT. Share our community’s latest research on Twitter.

For me, “Spring has Sprung!” It’s a season of growth, both personal and professional, and each of us can contribute. I plan to come back refreshed from my trek and ready to continue moving forward the many important ASTCT initiatives that have been initiated and new ones that arise from our meetings over the next several months. I’m grateful for your commitment to ASTCT and all we collectively seek to achieve. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we all act together.

Brenda M. Sandmaier, MD

Tags: government relations, astct, transplantation, Cellular therapy, President, Transplant, cell therapy, board of directors, Education, tandem meetings, Brenda Sandmaier

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