ASH launched its first international outreach effort in 1999 and its activities have been expanding ever since to help address the hematology-related needs in training, practice, and research in developing countries. Currently, the Society’s efforts are focused on the areas of support for research experiences of visiting trainees, distribution of ASH educational materials free of charge, and facilitation of clinical networks like those recently established in Brazil, Mexico, and Jordan on acute promyelocytic leukemia (see article below). The ASH Visiting Trainee Program was established in 2004. It provides scientists and hematologists in developing countries with an opportunity to gain training experience on a specific topic at a host institution within or outside the United States. The special training over a period of up to 12 weeks can be sought in clinical care, technological experience, or laboratory expertise. It is expected that the trainee will transfer the specific training experience to his/her host institution. The following clip taken from an e-mail of a visiting trainee illustrates the importance of this program for talented young scientists. Samuel A., a young visiting trainee from Kenya, writes:
I just wanted to share with you my progress... As a Master of Science student in Medical Biochemistry at the time of my visit... I am happy to note that I will be graduating this May... With regard to the training experience I had at Baylor, there has been tremendous success in transferring the knowledge to my home laboratory in Kenya... As a result I have been awarded a PhD grant by the London School of Tropical Medicine, UK...
Each applicant selected for participation in the Visiting Trainee Program is assigned to a program mentor from the membership of ASH’s International Members Committee. The mentor stays in personal contact with the applicant during the training experience and oversees the evaluation and follow-up. It can be really heartwarming to see how an opportunity like a fellowship in the Visiting Trainee Program can open doors for talented young researchers in less privileged countries.
The distribution of ASH educational materials free of charge through the ASH International Outreach Initiative (IOI) is greatly appreciated by physicians and scientists in less privileged parts of the world. Single institutions or cooperative groups from countries with a gross national income per capita of $6,000 or less are eligible for this program. In addition to educational materials from the annual meeting, such as Hematology (the ASH Education Program Book) and CD-ROMs containing abstracts and audiovisual presentations of the Education and Scientific Sessions, the materials distributed include the ASH Self-Assessment Program and an online subscription to Blood. Currently 45 institutions around the globe take advantage of the program.
ASH members with special insight into hematology in developing countries are kindly requested to provide contact information of potential applicants through the IOI section of the ASH Web site. ASH is delighted to see the growth of this initiative that is serving the needs of hematology around the world.
