Pharmafile Logo

Shaping the Future of Hematology and Women’s Health

Changes in the healthcare world are likely to limit opportunities for young researchers, especially women.Three leaders in hematology — Belinda Avalos, Sarah O’Brien, and Marty Liggett — share the initiatives they’re taking to mentor the next generation of hematologists during these challenging times.

- PMLiVE

How does curiosity and a love of detective work inspire a career path? 

“Growing up I always knew I wanted to do something with children, so pediatrics was a natural fit,” says Sarah O’Brien, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Current President of the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders.In pediatrics we trained for hematology and oncology at the same time, and it struck me that for oncology, our patients had all of these detailed protocols to follow. And for our hematology patients, we were just flying by the seat of our pants. I saw immediately how research could influence practice patterns in classical hematology. Plus, I really like the detective work of hematology. Most of my practice is seeing new patients with bleeding symptoms and figuring out what underlying bleeding disorder they might have.”

Listen to Episode 5 of Season 3 here.

Belinda Avalos, MD, Professor of Medicine, Senior Advisor to the President AtriumHealth Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, and President of ASH, says that she, too, loves solving problems. Avalos knew from an early age that she wanted to become a physician, inspired by her father, a surgeon who came to the U.S. from Mexico in his 30s, and his passion for medicine and commitment to his patients.

“I always thought science was so interesting,” she says. “I did a year of research in biochemistry, and I was hooked.” The beauty of research, she says, is moving from the patient to the lab and then being able to go back to an extremely ill patient with a therapy and tell them there’s a good chance of a cure. “I love what I do and I think it’s really important to provide healthcare to people no matter where they live and no matter what their resources are.”

Listen to Episode 5 of Season 3 here.

For physicians, researchers, and healthcare executives, a  detective spyglass is a great tool to have in your back pocket these days. 

“Right now is a challenging time for hematology research and patient care,” says Marty Liggett, Executive Director at ASH.  There’s a lot of concern about cutbacks to research, and what that’s going to mean. “We’re especially concerned about those who are in early career positions, where any cutbacks in funding could require a career change. It’s a time when ASH as an organization can—and will—step up to be helpful. 

One of the ways they’re doing that is to step up the organization’s mentoring initiatives, to find new ways to help people connect with each other “so that a woman, a young hematology female researcher, for example, doesn’t feel like there aren’t mentors there to support her, “ Liggett says.

“We’re also putting together a series of initiatives to promote hematology research through advocacy and education, to protect the pipeline of hematology researchers. In a normal year, we give out $15 million worth of awards, and we are going to increase that in the near term. We’re working hard to make sure that, again, we do all we can to preserve the pipeline for hematologists.”

Hosted by Jelena Spyropoulos, PhD, Director of Clinical Strategy at Medscape.

Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on upcoming podcasts and more insightful conversations. For more information, please contact Jelena Spyropoulos.

Listen to Episode 5 of Season 3 here.

About Medscape Education

Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free accredited CME and CE courses for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals

This content was provided by Medscape Education

Company Details

 Latest Content from  Medscape Education 

Medscape Education: An ESC to Remember

ESC 2022 is now a wrap! The Medscape team was on site with a booth on the exhibit floor, educational symposia, and a Tapas and Trends event where faculty shared...

MedscapeLIVE! to Host “Neurology Exchange” Virtual Conference

Leading Neurology Faculty to Present Clinical Updates and Management Strategies for Key Neurological Conditions

Medscape: Education that delivers skin in the game #EADVCongress

Medscape Education Global to Present Symposia and Posters at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2022 (EADV)

New independent survey shows strong Medscape Professional Network usage among UK doctors

The latest results of the GP and Hospital Doctor Media Surveys reveal that the Medscape Professional Network* (MPN) is amongst the leading destinations for doctors in the UK. Of those surveyed,...

Medscape Oncology: at the core of cancer education #ESMO22

Medscape Education Global to Deliver Educational Opportunities at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2022

Medscape: At the Heart of Education at #ESCCongress

Medscape Education Global will attend ESC from September 26-29 to host live symposia and an in-person event on key topics in cardiology.

Medscape Education Invites Clinicians to Connect to the Conversation With New Mental Health and Wellness Learning Center

Medscape Education, the leading destination for continuous professional development for healthcare professionals, has launched Building Bridges Between Mental Health and Wellness, a learning center focusing on mental health and wellness for both patients...

Medscape Education Receives Joint Accreditation with Commendation to Deliver Continuing Education for Healthcare Providers

Medscape Education has been awarded Accreditation with Commendation, the highest designation possible by the Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education™, ensuring quality accredited continuing education for members of the healthcare...

Abstract Highlights from EHA 2022 : A Spotlight on CLL

Spotlight on CLLAhead of EHA 2022, Medscape Education Chief Medical Officer, Hansa Bhargava, MD, caught up with Prof John Gribben, UK, on the most important abstracts to look out for in...

Abstract Highlights from EHA 2022 : A Spotlight on Lymphoma

Spotlight on LymphomaAhead of EHA 2022, Medscape Education Chief Medical Officer, Hansa Bhargava, MD, caught up with Dr Loretta Nastoupil, US, on the most important abstracts to look out for in...