The need for cellular transplantation physicians is growing rapidly as advances in the field have improved patient outcomes and expanded access to the treatment. Seven transplant organizations are collaborating at the 50th ASH (American Society of Hematology) Annual Meeting and Exposition, Dec. 6 - 9, 2008 in San Francisco, to encourage trainees and fellows to consider this field.

The organizations, all leaders in cellular transplantation, will offer their expertise and insight for securing grants, publishing and leading research, enrolling in mentorship programs, and finding academic and clinical positions.

"Blood and marrow transplantation is an exciting, challenging and fulfilling field that offers a wealth of opportunities for both personal and academic growth," said Dr. Sung Won Choi, physician and assistant professor at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. "No matter the experience level, investigators can make an impact and participate in cutting-edge translational research that brings discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside of the patient."

The field of cellular transplantation has been at the leading edge of medical science and patient care, and encompasses clinical investigations and both basic and translational research. Thanks to scientific advances, transplant is the treatment of choice for an increasing number of patients.

"The National Marrow Donor Program anticipates that the need for autologous and allogeneic marrow or cord blood transplants will continue to expand rapidly - just this year the number of transplants the NMDP has facilitated using unrelated donors and cord blood units grew by 18 percent to 4,300," said Jeffrey W. Chell, M.D., NMDP chief executive officer. "The number of physicians required to meet the needs of these patients could double or triple by the year 2015."

The participating organizations are:

• American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT): http://www.asbmt.org/ 
• Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR): http://www.cibmtr.org/
• National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP): http://www.marrow.org/
• International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT): http://www.celltherapysociety.org/
• AABB http://www.aabb.org/
• International NetCord Foundation (NetCord): https://www.netcord.org/
• Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT): http://www.factwebsite.org/

"Together our organizations are taking on this issue by providing financial grants and new programs and services for trainees and fellows to support career development" said Alan Leahigh, ASBMT executive director. "There are many discoveries yet to be made in blood stem cell transplantation, and we are looking forward to the next generation of clinicians and investigators making exciting medical advances."

For more information about any of these organizations, or their presence at ASH, call (612) 455-1724 or e-mail transplant@psbpr.com.