Colleagues and Friends,
As I enter into the last week of my Presidency, and we enter into Black History Month in the US, I reflected on a famous song by Dinah Washington, “What a Difference a Day Makes.” I’d say, what a difference a year makes.
This marks my last president’s message to you. It has been my privilege, an honor of a lifetime, to serve as your ASTCT President, during a year of unprecedented global challenges.
What do challenges teach us? They teach us to dig deep and unlock our reserves, and show how strong and resilient we can be.
Next week, we kick off the TCT Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR Digital Experience. Talk about showing our resiliency and ability to adapt!
With the support of our Scientific Organizing Committee and the dedicated and indefatigable staff of ASTCT and CIBMTR, we have developed one of our best-ever education and scientific programs. Likewise, we are working to ensure that the TCT Meetings continue to be an opportunity to expand your network and connect with your colleagues.
If you haven’t already done so, invite your entire team and professional network to attend. This event is designed for all health professionals who can benefit from learning the timeliest issues in hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy — administrators, clinicians, fellows-in-training, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants. And don’t forget that education sessions will be recorded and available within two weeks, so registration gives you access to the content even if you can’t all attend at the same time.
Share your Meetings experience across social media! Use #TCTM21, and share your takeaways. We want our global community to have a robust online conversation.
The TCT Meetings also mark a time of change and transition. I want to acknowledge CIBMTR’s recent leadership change, as Dr. Mary Horowitz has stepped down from the role of chief scientific director — a role she has held in a magnificent manner for 30 years. We welcome and congratulate Dr. Bronwen Shaw who succeeds her.
As my time as president comes to a close, I give thanks to the ASTCT Board of Directors and our amazing volunteers, members and staff team. This past year may not have turned out how we’d planned, but I couldn’t be more proud of all we accomplished. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve our organization that has been led in an exemplary manner by my predecessors, and couldn’t be more pleased to leave our Society in the capable hands of our next President, Dr. Stella Davies.
What a difference a year makes. It has shown us strength and resiliency — as individuals and as a Society.
Pavan Reddy, MD
Tags: president's message, TCT Meetings 2021, CIBMTR