President's Message
The Importance of Recognizing Those Advancing Our Field
Jorge Di Paola, MD
The specialty of pediatric hematology/oncology is advancing rapidly with each new decade. We have seen amazing scientific advances in genomic medicine, gene therapy, and cellular therapies that dramatically changed the landscape of our practice.
It is important that as a scientific community we recognize the impact of these milestones on the field. ASPHO’s awards showcase key moments in the evolution of pediatric hematology/oncology, and the awards mark important discoveries and collaborations that benefit today’s, and tomorrow’s, patients around the world. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly encourage you to nominate a colleague or yourself for a 2022 ASPHO award. Nominations are a labor of love that add to the history of improving our patients’ outcomes. Here are seven more reasons why you should invest your time to nominate a colleague or yourself and celebrate the research, education, patient care, or advocacy that propels our collective goal:
1. It’s good to sing about the unsung heroes.
So many worthy candidates are those who keep their heads down, forging ahead without calling attention to their progress. There are those who made a difference in this challenging year leading others. Take a thoughtful look at colleagues who don’t call attention to themselves but are doing amazing work.
2. It’s great to see recognition across all segments of pediatric hematology/oncology.
The specialty of pediatric hematology/oncology includes new and emerging “sub” subspecialties to address rare diseases, survivorship, and more. These are especially important areas to spotlight. Look beyond the usual and nominate someone who represents “outside the box.”
3. It’s free.
Both ASPHO members and nonmembers may nominate pediatric hematology/oncology practitioners. And isn’t recognizing a worthy colleague a good investment of time?
4. It’s motivational.
From a past George R. Buchanan Lectureship Award recipient: “The opportunity to deliver a lecture in recognition of George Buchanan was, for me, a singular and very personal honor. You do not have to know George in this way to understand that being mentioned in the same breath is a very meaningful honor that recognizes a body of work that has met Dr. Buchanan’s exacting standards.”
5. It’s an opportunity to emphasize diversity.
We know that the breadth of personal and professional experiences among our peers is an asset to advancing research, patient care, and the workforce climate. Recognize a colleague whose contributions reflect and strengthen diversity in pediatric hematology/oncology.
6. It’s career advancing.
The positive effects of these honors are mostly intangible or hard to quantify, but it does influence how you and your work are perceived, your career trajectory, and your capacity to make a difference.
7. It’s simple.
Fill out the brief nomination form, provide the nominee’s CV, and upload up to five nomination letters.
It is important to take time and recognize those innovative and outstanding practitioners who, through their dedication, their teams, and their persistence, lead the way. To be considered in the 2022 awards cycle, nominate a colleague or yourself by September 1, 2021.
Learn more about the Frank A. Oski Memorial Lectureship, Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Distinguished Career, and George R. Buchanan Lectureship Awards.
Now is the time!
Jorge
