David Lillicrap, M.D., wasn’t sure what to expect when he joined the Zoom call. He thought perhaps it was an invitation to give a presentation.

Little did Lillicrap know that the call was to share exciting news: Lillicrap is the recipient of the Harold R. Roberts Award, which honors an individual who has used their time and expertise to support the mission of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC).

“I was completely surprised. I almost fell off my seat,” he recalled with a smile.

A distinguished hematologist and researcher, Lillicrap is highly regarded in the field and has held a variety of ISTH leadership posts over the years. The Roberts Award signifies his meritorious service to the ISTH SSC that goes beyond what is expected and that takes place over a significant period of time.

Lillicrap is Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen’s University in Canada. He served as ISTH SSC Chair and recently completed a five-year term as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH).

“This recognition is a huge honor for me as I knew Dr. Harold Roberts personally,” Lillicrap shared. “I met him many times and he was a wonderful role model. He committed his life to bleeding disorder treatment and investigation.”

Leading the way in hematology research

Indeed, Lillicrap’s commitment and enthusiasm for the ISTH SSC are evident in his numerous contributions and achievements. As a clinician scientist, Lillicrap’s career spans more than 40 years.

Lillicrap originally trained as an internal medicine clinician. His professional trajectory took a turn when he began clinical hematology training.

“I was training at a time when the very first of the coagulation factor genes were being cloned back in the mid 1980’s. It became very quickly obvious that understanding the genetic characterization of inherited bleeding disorders, and potentially using that information for diagnosis and treatment, was going to be really exciting for the next several decades,” he said.

Lillicrap wanted to be a part of that scientific evolution, and so began a successful research career focused on the molecular science of Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor. 

Today, a limited portion of his time is still dedicated to the clinical care of patients, many of whom are referred to his practice through Canada’s national genetic testing center. Nevertheless, Lillicrap’s primary focus—and the majority of his time—focuses on research and academic teaching.

“I love being in an academic center and having interactions with smart people who want to be involved in biomedical science. That's really important for the future of our discipline” he said.

His team recently conducted a large animal model study to examine the use of gene therapy in dogs with hemophilia. Taking place over a span of 12 years, the study indicated that the majority of the treated dogs were cured of their disease for their lifetime.

“The study has helped our understanding about the implementation of gene therapy in humans, which is now beginning to happen,” he said.

He and his research group focus on the investigation of the immune response to FVIII, the development and evaluation of novel therapies for hemophilia A and the characterization of the biology and pathobiology of von Willebrand factor.

After spending nearly four decades in the field, Lillicrap can find levity in his research, too.

“Von Willebrand factor is a huge protein. It's one of the biggest proteins circulating in our blood, whereas Factor VIII circulates in very small quantities. We like to refer to Factor VIII as being the ‘prima donna’ protein that requires von Willebrand factor to be its chaperone,” he said.

Making a difference as an ISTH leader

Lillicrap has had a front row seat to the evolution of the ISTH as an international society over the past 30 years. He has lived through the scientific and technological advancements in the field, noting that he enjoyed making contributions to the field through the SSC, which he refers to as the “backbone of the Society.”

“I remember going to one of my first ISTH congresses in Brussels in the ‘80s. I attended the SSC meeting—I had never been to one of those meetings before and I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “It made a significant impact on me. I remember thinking how interesting and different the SSC was, and I was excited to be part of it.”

He eventually became Chair of the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on von Willebrand Factor and eventually took on the role as Chair of the entire SSC.

“It was a great way to get introduced into activities at a higher level within the Society,” he said. “I got to meet many colleagues who became long-term friends. I encourage those early in their career to get involved and understand how important the work of the SSC is.”

Lillicrap said he has been proud to see the modernization of the ISTH over the years, noting that he particularly admires the Society’s tremendous growth since 2011 spearheaded by Tom Reiser when he became Executive Director. He also highlighted the leadership and support of Cary Clark, Director of Programs and Education, for ensuring that the SSC remains an integral arm of the Society.

“Being part of the ISTH and the SSC has been really critical for my career. Many of the things I have done are built upon my connections with the Society,” he said. “The ISTH has allowed me to meet, interact and collaborate with many individuals around the world. It is truly an international and inclusive organization.”

Lillicrap will accept the Roberts Award at the ISTH 2024 Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. He said he looks forward to continuing his research and contributing to the ISTH.

“The SSC is very close to my heart,” he said. “After being involved in the ISTH for many years, this recognition is an honor and means so much to me.”

+++

About the Harold R. Roberts Award

The ISTH presents the Harold R. Roberts Award to individuals who have used their time and talents to support the mission of the Society’s Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC). It honors meritorious service that goes beyond what is expected and that takes place over a significant period of time. 

The award is named after Harold R. Roberts, an ISTH charter member who served as Secretary General of the SSC from 1978 to 1988. He was a leader, mentor, counselor and scientific diplomat recognized internationally for his fairness, wisdom and devotion to the SSC and the Society. Beginning in 2024, the award is presented annually at the ISTH Congress. View past recipients here. To read the official announcement click here.

Harold R. Roberts Award

The Harold R. Roberts Award has been awarded to David Lillicrap, M.D., of Queen’s University in Canada. A distinguished hematologist and researcher, Lillicrap is highly regarded in the field and has held a variety of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) leadership posts over the years. The Roberts award signifies his service to the ISTH Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC).

Lillicrap is Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen’s University in Canada. He served as ISTH SSC Chair and recently completed a five-year term as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH). Lillicrap’s commitment and enthusiasm for the ISTH SSC are evident in his numerous contributions and achievements. As a clinician scientist, Lillicrap’s career spans more than 40 years.

Click here to read more about Lillicrap’s illustrious career in his own words.

The award is named after Harold R. Roberts, an ISTH charter member who served as Secretary General of the SSC from 1978 to 1988. He was a leader, mentor, counselor and scientific diplomat recognized internationally for his fairness, wisdom and devotion to the SSC and the Society. The ISTH presents this award to individuals who have used their time and talents to support the mission of the ISTH SSC.

2024 Esteemed Career Awards

The ISTH has also announced the recipients of the 2024 ISTH Esteemed Career Awards. This award is presented every year to five leaders whose career contributions have significantly advanced the scientific community’s understanding or treatment of diseases and disorders that affect hemostasis. Their career-long accomplishments are internationally regarded as exemplary models of research and mentoring excellence.

The following individuals, in the opinion of their peers and selected following a competitive review process, have been awarded:

     David Gailani, M.D. (U.S.)

Gailani is Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and Medical Director of the Clinical Coagulation Laboratory at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. His research laboratory studies the biology and pathology of the plasma contact activation system and investigates methods to inhibit components of this system to produce therapeutic antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Marilyn J. Manco-Johnson, M.D. (U.S.)

Manco-Johnson is a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. She co-founded the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Unit in Colorado, conducting the first randomized clinical trial of prophylaxis in children with hemophilia A. She has also served as Chair of the ISTH Scientific Subcommittees on Perinatal and Pediatric Hemostasis and Women’s Health.

Robert L. Medcalf, Ph.D. (Australia)

Medcalf is Laboratory Director at Monash University in Australia and has been undertaking research into the field of fibrinolysis for over 35 years. His research has directly resulted in clinical trials related to ischemic stroke and to the repurposing of tranexamic acid. Medcalf was awarded the 2016 international prize for fibrinolysis from the International Society on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis (ISFP), the highest accolade in this field and the first Australian honored with this award. Medcalf was also President of the ISTH 2019 Congress and previously served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis for seven years and is currently co-Editor-in-Chief of the Thrombosis Journal.

Nicola J. Mutch, Ph.D. (U.K.)

Mutch is Personal Chair at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. She has served in leadership roles in the national and international community, including her role of Chair of the ISTH SSC. She was a part of the local planning committee for ISTH 2022 in London and Chair of Basic Science on the Annual Congress Planning Committee. Currently, she is the President of the British Society of Haemostasis and Thrombosis and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, as an Associate Editor for Frontiers and an Editor of Platelets. 

Alok Srivastava, M.D., (India)

Srivastava is Senior Professor in the Department of Haematology, and head of the Centre for Stem Cell Research, a unit of inStem, Bengaluru, at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore in India. He leads the World Federation of Hemophilia designated International Hemophilia Training Center at CMC, Vellore. Srivastava has been involved with the management of patients with bleeding disorders for over 25 years and is the President of the Indian Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders. He is also the chair of the steering committee of the Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders, Asia-Pacific. He was the chair of the FVIII/IX subcommittee of the ISTH SSC from 2006-2010 and currently serves on the SSC gene therapy steering subcommittee. He was on the board of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) from 2002-2014 and served as the Vice-President (Medical) from 2012-2014. He has led the writing group for all three editions of the WFH guidelines for the management of hemophilia. 

Begin the survey here.

The purpose of this survey is to collect data regarding whether hemophilia providers in different centers use OSA or CSA in diagnosing WGwHA, to assess various parameters for CSA including cost, availability and other challenges.

Rationale: There is published literature that documents OSA:CSA discrepancies in males with mild to moderate hemophilia, and that patients with lower factor levels by CSA have more bleeding tendencies, leading to change in Hemophilia severity assignment and modification of treatment practices based on CSA values. As such literature evidence is sparse in WGwHA, collection of information on the global practices of Hemophilia providers in utilizing OSA versus CSA in diagnosing WGwHA and assessing the challenges with doing CSA for diagnosing WGwHA, will help to generate consensus recommendations and evidence-based guidelines for the future, as well as, future prospective studies in this unique patient population.

Based on your experience, we would like to invite you to participate in this survey. You can refuse to answer any questions asked or written on any forms. Your participation in this study is voluntary. We are available to answer any questions that you may have, and can be reached via the contact information provided below. This survey should take 10-20 minutes to complete. This research poses no risks beyond those encountered in daily life.

Click here to participate.

The ISTH and ASH are now accepting public comments on draft recommendations for the treatment of pediatric venous thromboembolism. Comments will be accepted through May 9, 2024. We invite all interested healthcare professionals, stakeholder organizations, and individuals to provide comments on these draft recommendations. Comments received will be provided to the guideline panel for review prior to finalizing the guidelines. 

Click here to view the recommendations and provide comment.

CHAPEL HILL, NC, USA, April 9, 2024– The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) has awarded the Robert P. Grant Medal, the highest honor of the Society, to Andreas Greinacher, M.D., Ph.D., in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis (read more here).

Greinacher, a global expert in transfusion medicine, immunohematology and hemostasis, held the position of full professor and department head at Universitätsmedizin Greifswald in Germany until 2024, where he now serves as a senior professor.

Throughout his career, Greinacher has achieved significant scientific breakthroughs, including identifying the genetic basis of the HNA-3a antigen, pioneering an immune-based treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) during the 2011 Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak and advancing understanding of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Notably, his investigations on vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) garnered widespread attention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, his recent discoveries of VITT-like disorders following viral infections contributed to better understanding of severe thrombosis. With more than 500 published papers and numerous national and international awards, Greinacher's contributions to the field are profound.

Greinacher's dedication to advancing hemostasis research extends beyond his academic contributions. Since attending his first ISTH meeting in 1987, where he connected with esteemed mentors, he has played pivotal roles in various capacities, including serving as an associate editor for the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, chair of the ISTH education committee and as a member of the ISTH Council.

His work extends globally, with ongoing projects in Nigeria aimed at enhancing safe blood supply in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2017. Greinacher's multifaceted contributions underscore his impact on the scientific community and his unwavering commitment to advancing hemostasis research and education worldwide.

The Robert P. Grant Medal is the highest award of the ISTH and, beginning in 2024, it is presented annually at the ISTH Congress. The award recognizes accomplishments in research, organizational efforts, support for research activities, fostering institutional cooperation, communication, innovative teaching or educational initiatives and the development of concepts that enhance understanding of research data.

To learn more about the ISTH, visit www.isth.org.

About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,500 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 110 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees, and World Thrombosis Day on 13 October. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.

Media Contact:

Melissa DiMercurio

Media Relations Manager

The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

melissa_dimercurio@isth.org

# # #

Andreas Greinacher, M.D., is a natural critical-thinker.

Throughout his professional career, his curiosity has led him to skillfully analyze, conceptualize and generate groundbreaking scientific discoveries that have had a profound impact on the field of hematology.

Greinacher is the recipient of the ISTH Robert P. Grant Medal, the highest honor of the Society, in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis.

A distinguished expert in transfusion medicine, immunohematology and hemostasis, Greinacher held the position of Professor and Department Head at the University of Greifswald in Germany until his retirement in December 2023.

Looking back on a professional career spanning more than 35 years, Greinacher reflects on his research, clinical work and leadership with the ISTH, while offering a behind-the-scenes perspective at some of the most defining moments of his career.

A bold career start and an unexpected discovery

In the late 1980s, Greinacher was in his final years as a medical student in Germany. He had two patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but something did not seem right with their diagnosis. Greinacher did not think that these patients had ITP.

He read a paper about a similar case that was authored by Jim White, M.D., in Minneapolis, USA, so Greinacher contacted him for guidance.

“It was a time before the Internet, so I wrote Dr. White an actual letter in the mail,” Greinacher recalls. “Even international phone calls were prohibitively expensive for students at that time.”

White responded, and with White’s support, Greinacher sent him a sample of reagents, which confirmed the diagnosis of Sebastian platelet syndrome (MYH9-related disorders) and led to Greinacher’s first published paper.

In 1987, Greinacher was eager to meet Jim in person, so he registered to attend his first ISTH Congress in Belgium. At that congress, he also met Christian Mueller-Eckhardt, his future mentor who shaped his career.

"When I first joined the ISTH, I was a young medical student. This was a big society," he recalled. "The ISTH always had been and still is the scientific society reflecting most of what I am doing in my professional and my research life." 

Greinacher’s curiosity took a new turn a few years later, when, during his first year as a trainee, he cared for a patient with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after having hip replacement surgery. The patient was treated with heparin, but died shortly after heparin was increased to the therapeutic dose to treat the thrombosis.

“It was a shocking event for me as a trainee,” Greinacher said. “You have one of your first patients and you do what you are supposed to do, but the outcome is fatal. Then, by coincidence, a very similar situation happened a few weeks later. That was the moment I knew something was wrong.”

Prof. Beng Chong from Sydney, Australia had published about an an adverse drug effect, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). When Greinacher’s mentor Christian Mueller-Eckhardt contacted him, he sent Greinacher 7 mL of serum of one of his HIT patients.

Greinacher began work developing a lab assay and exploring alternative anticoagulants to treat these patients. He led the compassionate use program on danaparoid in Germany, and he later became the principal study investigator, which led to international approval of recombinant hirudin as the first non-heparin/warfarin anticoagulant.

Looking back, Greinacher recalls that his tenacity as an early career professional helped to propel his career forward.

“It was unbelievable. I was naïve enough to not feel scared about the prospect of what could happen. I just did it. It was an incredible time for me, and it all happened at an incredible velocity,” he said.

A new career amid an ever-evolving Germany

In early 1993, Greinacher’s career was about to take a new turn. He was 34-years-old with a young family when he was offered a position to serve as Department Chair at the University of Greifswald’s Institute of Transfusion Medicine.

It was a big step. Over the past several years, Greinacher’s home country of Germany had experienced a political transformation, with the fall of the Berlin Wall in late 1989. In October 1990, Soviet-occupied East Germany, known as the German Democratic Republic, reunited with West Germany, creating a reunified country.

Greinacher had spent his entire childhood and adult life thus far in western parts of Germany. The move to Greifswald, which had been formerly been part of East Germany just a few years prior, was an exciting change that came with its own challenges. It was also an opportunity to be a small part of history as Germany unified together after many years.

“It was an enormous privilege to live in the middle of a rapidly changing part of German society by moving to the former East Germany. Being in the middle of the process, it was sometime extremely demanding, but also very rewarding,” he shared.

After nearly 50 years of previous division, society and culture were very different from what he was accustomed.

“When I came in to establish the blood service and thrombosis clinic, there was little infrastructure. The blood donor clinic was in need of repair, the next major city was five hours away…everything was different. We had to tackle these things together and the staff there were incredibly willing,” he said.

Over the years, Greinacher has taken on a variety of roles at the University of Greifswald, supporting its growth and development by establishing the blood service to cater to the entire region. He later served as Chief of Staff and CEO, building a new 1,000 bed University hospital within the newly developing life science campus, before becoming Associate Dean of Research.

ISTH leadership and engagement

Greinacher's leadership with the ISTH spans more than 35 years, from his early days as a trainee to eventually serving as a member of the ISTH Council.

One of his initial leadership roles was serving on the ISTH Scientific and Standardization (SSC) Subcommittee on Platelet Immunology. He also made significant contributions as Chair of the ISTH Education Committee, which oversees the educational direction and program development of the Society and served as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

“The most interesting and satisfying work for me personally was the work for the Education Committee,” he shared. “I enjoyed the networking, international contacts and organizing sustainable programs for education, as well as training to support those who are really interested in changing and developing their systems.”

His leadership with the ISTH Education Committee even led to new philanthropic efforts in Africa. In 2016, he and other ISTH Education Committee leaders attended the ISTH education workshop in Nigeria. The first ISTH educational program of its kind held in Africa, it was an exciting milestone for the Society.

During his time in Nigeria, he learned that bleeding is a leading cause of maternal death due to the lack of blood that is safe to transfuse. This inspired Greinacher to help improve the safety and quality of blood transfusion in Nigeria, which eventually led to a collaboration project between his university and one in Nigeria that continues to this day. Read more about Greinacher and his team’s efforts in Nigeria in an April 2024 article published in The Lancet Hematology.

VITT: A race against the clock

Greinacher paved the way on international understanding and treatment of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), which came to fruition amid the start of COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic. He recalled the intensity of that time.

“I remember the exact day. It was a Sunday, March 14, 2021. A colleague in Vienna contacted me about a patient with a low platelet count and very unusual thrombotic complications. She had no risk factors. The only thing of note was that the patient had received the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks before,” he said.

That same day he received a call from a national agency asking him to participate in an emergency meeting the following day on Monday. He knew at that moment that something significant was happening.

By Tuesday, he received the sample from Austria and ran the first assay, which was strongly positive. However, the confirmatory functional assay was negative, which was highly unusual. Greinacher called his colleague Ted Warkentin, M.D., at McMaster University in Canada, who suggested they use platelet factor 4 (PF4) in the assay. By Wednesday, they did so, and the assay came back positive. They had identified the first patient with VITT.

They had to move quickly.

He shared how the global team worked around the clock—quite literally—taking advantage of varying time zones to each work on the project at different hours in during the day. In an unpreceded one week, Greinacher and colleagues submitted a paper with the inaugural VITT clinical picture, diagnostic assay and mode of treatment to the New England Journal of Medicine. 

He collaborated with other ISTH members to issue guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of VITT on behalf of the ISTH, receiving major attention by the scientific community and the public.

“It was one of the most absolute stellar experiences in my entire career. It was unbelievable,” he said. "It was a true scientific collaboration and international cooperation to solve one of the most acute and burning questions at the forefront of that time."

The understanding of VITT placed a spotlight on the significance of anti-PF4 disorders and Greinacher hopes to continue this research in the future.

Charting a remarkable career: Shaping tomorrow’s frontiers

With more than 500 publications and numerous national and international awards, Greinacher's contributions to the field are profound. His recognition as a recipient of the ISTH Grant Medal, the Society’s highest honor, highlights Greinacher’s accomplishments in research and groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed science and understanding in the field.

“It is very rewarding that the colleagues with whom I have worked with for many years, who probably know my work the best, feel that I am worthy of this honor,” he shared. “There are so many other colleagues who have done excellent and important work, who would all deserve this award as much as I do. I am honored and humbled.”

Greinacher retired from his clinical obligations at the University of Greifswald in December 2023. Despite retirement, he continues to serve in a Senior Professorship position and can continue his research projects as grant funding allows. He also looks forward to continuing his blood transfusion safety work in Nigeria.

“At the end of my professional career, this recognition is a special moment. I always tried to select carefully what I want to do. If I commit to something, then I want to do it right, even if the workdays are long,” he said. “I have had the privilege to work with fantastic colleagues over the years. For the ISTH Grant Award, I am the front man of what is really a super team.”

Click here to read the ISTH official announcement. 

CHAPEL HILL, NC, USA, April 1, 2024– The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) announces today the election of Wolfram Ruf, M.D., as ISTH President for the 2026-2028 term. Ruf is the Scientific Director of the Translational Research Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH) at the Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center in Mainz, Germany. He also serves as Professor of Immunology at Scripps Research in California, United States.   

Ruf will first begin a term as ISTH President-Elect at the conclusion of the ISTH 2024 Congress in Bangkok, working closely with incoming ISTH President Pantep Angchaisuksiri, M.D., to support the ISTH Council and provide strategic direction on the activities of the Society. Per the ISTH leadership structure, Ruf will begin the role of ISTH President at the conclusion of the ISTH 2026 Congress.

“Wolfram Ruf is one of the world’s leading authorities in the field of coagulation physiology and his contributions in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis will lend to exceptional leadership in his upcoming role,” said current ISTH President Flora Peyvandi, M.D., Ph.D.

Ruf is an active leader in the ISTH community filling many roles, including the ISTH Council and the Executive Committee, Chair of the Publication Committee and Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. He has served on various task forces and program committees, as well as serving as Associate Editor of the ISTH’s flagship publication Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH). His research interests include preclinical and translational studies, focusing on the signaling and extravascular roles of the hemostatic system and coagulation in thrombo-inflammation, cancer, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, Ruf has directed and participated in several national and international research consortia in translational biomedicine and served on various academic advisory and review committees. He has mentored more than 50 doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows and physician scientists, highlighting his interest in strengthening career development programs for basic and clinical researchers.

“I am honored to serve in this important upcoming leadership role," Ruf shared. "As ISTH President, I look forward to continuing to strengthen the Society’s global collaborations, increase research funding, enhance resources for new developments and establish continued career development programs for generations to come."

The ISTH President-Elect is selected from among the previously elected ISTH Council members. After a nomination period, Councilors with voting privileges review the nominations and cast a ballot. The individual receiving the most votes is appointed as President-Elect. The term is two years as President-Elect, followed by a two-year term as ISTH President, beginning and ending at the ISTH Congress.

To learn more about the ISTH, visit www.isth.org.

About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,500 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 110 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees, and World Thrombosis Day on 13 October. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.

Media Contact:

Melissa DiMercurio

Media Relations Manager

International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

melissa_dimercurio@isth.org

# # #

Munira Borhany’s career aspirations were clear from a young age. As a child, Borhany dreamed of becoming a doctor. Through hard work and tireless ambition, her dreams came true.

Today, Munira Borhany, MBBS, FCPS, FRCPath, is a well-respected consultant hematologist in Karachi, Pakistan. She is an active International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) member holding a variety of leadership positions, as well as a strong advocate for women’s health and patients with bleeding disorders.

The early days of her medical career

Looking back, Borhany recalls that she never doubted her desire to pursue a career in medicine. “I had this clarity from the very beginning. I didn’t want to do anything else,” she said.

After graduating from medical college and embarking on a residency in internal medicine, Borhany was confronted with the reality that too many patients were suffering from bleeding and thrombotic disorders. Equally alarming, there was a shortage of specialist doctors equipped to address their needs. At that time, the field of hematology was still new in Pakistan; not many people knew about it or pursued it as a specialty.

“I originally wanted to be a pediatrician, but since I enjoyed the space and saw a dire need for competent hematologists in my country, I decided that was the field for me and also completed a residency in hematology,” she said.

Today, she specializes in both malignant and non-malignant hematology. She has worked in all areas, from blood film, bone marrow reporting and blood banking to performing bone marrow transplants. She is particularly interested in treating blood cancer patients, along with congenital blood disorders, as they are common in Pakistan due to a culture of family marriages, she noted.

Pursuing leadership opportunities at the ISTH

Borhany initially learned about the ISTH after reading literature about hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders. In 2008, she joined the ISTH as a Reach-the-World member. The ISTH Reach-the-World program provides access to thrombosis and hemostasis related knowledge and education to healthcare professionals from selected countries based on World Bank classification.

“After joining and coming to ISTH meetings, it seemed like a treasure trove where the experts gathered to share their knowledge,” she shared. “I wanted to connect with colleagues and mentors who shared similar interests, and this seemed like the perfect place.”

Borhany sought out every new opportunity in the field and within the ISTH’s many programs and offerings. In 2011, she was the first Pakistani recipient of the ISTH Reach-the-World Fellowship, which offers junior clinicians and researchers from developing countries the opportunity to study at host institutes known for their expertise in thrombosis and hemostasis. 

For her fellowship, Borhany was trained in the hemophilia and thrombosis department at the Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Centre at the University of Milan in Italy. Her training focused on clinical evaluation, phenotype correlation with genotype and the treatment and management of bleeding and thrombotic disorder patients, among other projects.

Next, Borhany took on a new leadership role as a Co-Chair of the former ISTH Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC) Subcommittee on FXIII and Fibrinogen, and now as a Co-Chair of the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Women’s Health.

She has also been a facilitator for an ISTH team-based learning course, which offered her an opportunity to mentor others. She highlighted the ISTH team-based learning course as distinct for its innovative approach to collaboration and learning.

“Unlike traditional lecture-based formats, the ISTH team-based learning course emphasizes active engagement, teamwork and problem-solving among the students. It focuses on promoting critical thinking and an application of knowledge in a collaborative setting,” Borhany said. “By working closely with peers in small groups, participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas, debate concepts, and tackle real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.”

Taking on new research endeavors

Most recently, Borhany was a recipient of an ISTH SSC 2024 small grant award, which is an annual program that provides funding to support and advance state-of-the-art projects from the subcommittees of the ISTH SSC.

The SSC small grant is for a project focused on fibrin clot structure and function in patients with congenital FXIII deficiency. The goal is that she and her team will provide, for the first time, a detailed picture of the structure and function of fibrin clots in a large group of patients with congenital FXIII deficiency who are not on prophylaxis treatment.

“The grant was a pivotal moment in my career, empowering me to pursue my research interests, expand my impact within the field and contribute to the collective effort to improve patient care and outcomes,” she remarked.

Advocacy for women's health and improving education globally

Borhany is a dedicated advocate for women's health and patients with bleeding disorders, especially in underserved regions worldwide. In Pakistan, she highlights the pervasive issue of underdiagnosing or misdiagnosing bleeding disorders in women, often due to the misconception that these conditions primarily affect men. Additionally, societal norms and cultural barriers contribute to women's reluctance to disclose such health concerns, presenting further challenges.

“Increased education and outreach efforts are needed to ensure women are aware of the signs, symptoms and risks associated with thrombosis and hemostasis disorders,” she said. “In the future, I would like to see improved access to diagnostic facilities, specialized healthcare services and educational programs tailored to address the unique needs of women in Pakistan.”

She is involved in the Hemophilia Foundation of Pakistan, and currently serves as the Medical Director of the Karachi chapter. In this role, she helps lobby the provincial government to allocate separate funds for bleeding disorder patients.

Looking toward the future

Outside of her professional work, Borhany enjoys spending quality time with her children and family. In her free time, she can be found cooking or watching a movie (her favorite movies are thrillers!). She is passionate about traveling and exploring nature, and often carves out time to explore the local area when traveling internationally for work commitments and scientific conferences.

What is next for Borhany? In addition to her clinical work in Karachi, she looks forward to continued leadership opportunities with the ISTH and participating in upcoming programs and meetings.

“Involvement in the ISTH has significantly shaped and strengthened my career,” she noted. “It has provided invaluable networking opportunities, access to cutting-edge research and mentorship from seasoned professionals.

She is optimistic about the future of thrombosis and hemostasis, and as such, she hopes to inspire the next generation of ISTH members to take advantages of new opportunities, too.

“I encourage early career professionals to actively participating in ISTH events, seek mentorship and consistently attempt to better themselves,” she said. “Collaboration and teamwork are key, so seize opportunities to work with others to drive positive change in healthcare.”

We take all feedback seriously and the integrity and thoroughness of our guideline development processes are of paramount importance to us. We stand by the scientific rigor with which it has been conducted.

The guideline development process, initiated in 2019, has been conducted with global expertise from clinicians, researchers, and patient representatives, ensuring inclusivity and comprehensiveness. By utilizing the GRADE methodology, the Guideline Panel meticulously reviewed evidence, considered patient values, preferences, and resource constraints. Stringent measures were implemented to manage conflicts of interest which is integral to maintaining the credibility of the process.

We greatly appreciate the engagement of stakeholders, including the submission of over 400 comments during the public comment period in October 2023. These contributions have been helpful in shaping the guidelines, prompting the panel to address concerns, refine language, introduce limitations, and identify areas for further research as was within the parameters of the methodology.

As the Guidelines undergo finalization, it is paramount to emphasize that the intention is to complement individualized patient care decisions and provide recommendations. Healthcare providers must exercise independent judgment based on patient-specific circumstances.

The ISTH is committed to advancing thrombosis and hemostasis care through evidence-based guidelines, supporting researchers, clinicians, educators, and students in their practice.

The ISTH acknowledges the importance of thoughtful engagement and a constructive dialogue and process to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the guidelines in advancing global hemophilia treatment.

Since the publication of the original guidelines, over a dozen new RCTs have provided valuable insights into the treatment landscape for COVID-19. To ensure clinicians stay abreast of the latest evidence, the guideline panel initially proposed a focused update, approved by ISTH in March 2023.

This update was intended to incorporate new findings and add a section on vaccination against COVID-19 and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). However, upon review of the new literature, it became apparent that significant modifications were necessary to the original recommendations, prompting the project to evolve from a focused update to a comprehensive revision of the entire guideline.

"As a rapid response to more than a dozen new RCTs on antithrombotic treatments for COVID-19, the ISTH has produced a complete update of the 2022 guidelines," said Sam Schulman, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the guideline panel. "A new section provides recommendations pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination, as well as diagnosis and treatment of VITT. The guidelines are relevant for countries with different health care resources."

One of the challenges faced during the update process was the lack of variant-specific data from studies conducted since mid-2022. Despite efforts, most studies enrolled patients with early variants of COVID-19 or did not specify outcomes by variant, making it not feasible to provide variant-specific recommendations at this time. Another consideration was whether recommendations should be tailored to patients' vaccination status but the available data did not provide sufficient detail to inform differences in management based on vaccination status. Therefore, treatment recommendations were primarily tailored to the severity of illness.

The updated guidelines aim to provide clinicians with clear and evidence-based recommendations for antithrombotic treatment in COVID-19, considering the latest research findings and clinical insights. Clinicians are encouraged to consult the full guideline document for comprehensive guidance on patient management.

The updated guidelines are available in JTH here.

Meet the Reach-the-World Fellow: Nataliia Habshydze

Home country: Ukraine

Host institution: University of Ottawa (Canada)

+++

ISTH: What motivated you to apply for an ISTH Reach-the-World Fellowship?

Habshydze: The Reach-the-World Fellowship will allow me to enhance both my research and clinical skills. I am also eager to work in a completely different working environment to learn best practices and adapt them to my own work.

ISTH: How do you look forward to improving your professional skills through this fellowship?

Habshydze: My Ph.D. project is about hypercoagulation and endothelial dysfunction after COVID-19 pneumonia. However, in the Ukraine—where I am from—there is no specific training dedicated to thrombosis and coagulation. At the same time, we have patients with such disorders and have to provide care about them. Therefore, acquired knowledge will be helpful to finish my Ph.D. thesis and for the university hospital and department where I work as well.

ISTH: What are you most excited about as you prepare for your fellowship?

Habshydze: Above all, I am thrilled by the prospect of working within a community of outstanding scientists and physicians. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we all understood that education extends beyond mere information acquisition. Education is also about being immersed into working processes, about formal and informal communication and collaborative dialogues. I am enthusiastic to work alongside with this research group and, at least for some time, become a member of an international research society.

To support early career professionals within the ISTH, please consider making a donation.

Meet the Reach-the-World Fellow: Sadia Taj

Home country: Pakistan

Host institution: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (United Kingdom)

+++

ISTH: What motivated you to apply for an ISTH Reach-the-World Fellowship?

Taj: The basic motivation for applying a Reach-the-World Fellowship was to learn the latest modalities and protocols for the management of thrombotic disorders. I am keen to gain a practical insight into the use of novel anticoagulation drugs, VTE prophylaxis and management of thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemias. This training will not only benefit me, but also my local healthcare sector as well. I will be able to share my knowledge and experience with my peers for the greater benefit of humanity.

ISTH: How do you look forward to improving your professional skills through this fellowship?

Taj: The fellowship will provide a chance to broaden my clinical skills and add an important milestone in my medical career. It will give me an opportunity to connect, learn and, most importantly, collaborate with a global research and medical network. It will expand my clinical vision in thrombosis and hemostasis through working with international hematology professionals.

ISTH: What are you most excited about as you prepare for your fellowship?

Taj: I am really excited to work with Prof. Roopen Arya, who is an expert in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis.

To support early career professionals within the ISTH, please consider making a donation.

• Associate Editors – currently seeking five (5) candidates with the following expertise to begin in January 2025:
  • Biochemistry of hemostasis (1 position)
  • Biochemistry of hemostasis and inflammation (1 position)
  • Clinical research on bleeding disorders (1 position)
  • Clinical research on thrombotic disorders (2 positions)

The ideal candidates will have extensive experience in peer review processes. If selected, each Associate Editor can expect to devote two to three hours weekly to the role. An honorarium is provided annually.

• Methodological Reviewers – currently seeking candidates to review papers on an as-needed basis with the following expertise:
  • Clinical research methodology
  • Statistics
  • Analysis of big data such as obtained in –omics studies
  • A combination of the above

The ideal candidates will have experience in peer review and/or methodological review processes. If selected, reviewers are provided annually with an honorarium based on the number of papers reviewed.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds (geography, gender identity, race/ethnicity, etc.) are strongly encouraged and welcome to apply. The Editors-in-Chief are committed to creating an editorial team that reflects the global nature of the ISTH, in alignment with the Society’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement. 
  
Applicants must be current ISTH members. Interested candidates may apply via this link and provide an updated CV highlighting relevant experience (if applicable) along with a brief statement of interest and a completed Conflict of Interest Disclosure. Applications are due by Friday, March 29.
  
The Editors-in-Chief will review applications and reach out to selected candidates to arrange interviews either virtually or during the ISTH Congress in Bangkok.

The continued collaboration offers the opportunity to foster scholarly exchange with the publication on high-quality research from HTRS members, encompassing both original research and review articles. The HTRS Publications Committee Chair will serve on the RPTH Editorial Board and all accepted publications will be hosted within the journal’s HTRS Collection.

RPTH, now in its seventh year of operation, is dedicated to science and discourse among researchers, clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, as well as patients. RPTH serves as a catalyst for global discussion and connects scientists and clinicians with the non-scientist public to discuss the latest findings and research in the field.

"We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with HTRS for the fourth consecutive year. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing scientific research and promoting excellence in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis,” said Michael Makris, M.D, RPTH Editor-in-Chief. “The contributions of HTRS members enrich our journal and we look forward to furthering our mutual goals of knowledge dissemination and academic exchange.”

A key feature of the collaboration includes the publishing of abstracts accepted to the biennial HTRS 2025 Scientific Symposium, highlighting the contributions of invited speakers in RPTH. Additionally, throughout the year, ISTH and HTRS will embark on joint marketing and communication opportunities.

For more information about RPTH, visit rpthjournal.org.

About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,500 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 110 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees, and World Thrombosis Day on 13 October. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.

About the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society (HTRS)
HTRS is the leading North American professional society dedicated to research, mentoring, workforce development, and continuing medical education for physicians, investigators, and all health care professionals interested in advancing care for people with hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. Incorporated as a nonprofit, 501c3 organization in the State of Wisconsin in 1994, HTRS is a professional medical society with more than 650 members from the United States and Canada, offering its members grants and awards, continuing education, career development networks, and trainee workshops prior to national meetings to foster the next generation of academic hematologists. Visit HTRS online at www.htrs.org.

Media Contact:

Melissa DiMercurio

Media Relations Manager

International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

melissa_dimercurio@isth.org

# # #

Meet the Reach-the-World Fellow: Mark Allan Lim

Home country: Philippines

Host institution: The Royal London Hospital - Barts Health NHS Trust (United Kingdom)

+++

ISTH: What motivated you to apply for an ISTH Reach-the-World Fellowship?

Lim: My motivation for applying for a Reach-the-World Fellowship is to pursue more specialized training in the field of hemophilia and thrombosis. Through this opportunity, I plan to contribute to the advancement of the hematology practice in my country by gaining knowledge and skills from international experts. I am confident that collaborating with professionals on a global scale will enable me to bring back invaluable insights and practices, enhancing the field of hematology in the Philippines.

The Reach-the-World Fellowship also offers a unique platform for me to engage with international experts, fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas that can further strengthen the collaboration between the Philippines and the global community.

ISTH: How do you look forward to improving your professional skills through this fellowship?

Lim: The fellowship can improve my skills and knowledge as a physician by providing a unique opportunity for me to undergo specialized training in the field. By collaborating with international experts, I will have exposure to the latest studies, advanced medical practices and diverse perspectives that may not be readily available in the Philippines.

The fellowship will also enable me to incorporate international best practices into my clinical approach. The hands-on experience gained through interactions with experts will deepen my understanding of complex cases and broaden my diagnostic and treatment capabilities, enabling me to contribute more effectively to the improvement of patient care in my country.

ISTH: What are you most excited about as you prepare for your fellowship?

Lim: I am excited about the idea of working with international experts in the field of hematology and thrombosis. This opportunity not only promises to broaden my horizons, but it also offers a chance to engage with a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. Furthermore, I look forward to gaining a wealth of knowledge and the potential for establishing lasting connections with professionals who share a passion for making a positive impact not only in hematology, but also in our patients’ lives.

ISTH awards three Reach-the-World Fellowships to recipients from the Philippines, Pakistan and Ukraine  

The ISTH Education Subcommittee on Training has recently awarded three Reach-the-World Fellowships for 2024 with awardees from the Philippines, Pakistan and Ukraine.

Reach-the-World Fellowships offer junior clinicians and researchers from developing countries (countries classified by the World Bank as low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income) the opportunity to study at host institutes known for their expertise in thrombosis and hemostasis. 

ISTH Fellowships are intended to provide support for short-term training opportunities for early career professionals - clinical or fundamental research - in the field, who wish to study at host institutes known for their expertise in thrombosis and hemostasis. 

 
2024 Reach-the-World Fellowship Recipients:

• Mark Allan Lim from the Philippines; host country is the United Kingdom 
• Sadia Taj from Pakistan; host country is the United Kingdom
• Nataliia Habshydze from Ukraine; host country is Canada
  
  

The ISTH program aims to promote knowledge and expertise in one or all the areas of medical care, laboratory methods and/or research. As part of the program, the ISTH provides fellows with financial support for travel, accommodation and living expenses for a fellowship period of up to four months. Applicants must be a resident of a high-income economy country as designated by the World Bank. Click here to learn more.

For Olha Kostenchak-Svystak, M.D., Ph.D., becoming a hematologist was not merely a career choice. It was a response to a personal tragedy. It was also influenced by a personal family experience.

When Olha was a teenager, her aunt was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Her aunt lived with the family and Olha helped care for her in her final days.

“I couldn't understand how there was nothing we could do by then, so I made up my mind to know, learn and make some difference,” Olha said. “After considering all other specialties, I instantly fell in love with hematology and it became my passion.”

Olha pursued a career in medicine, graduating from medical school in 2017, followed by a Ph.D. in 2022, both from Uzhhorod National University in Ukraine.

Her dedication to hematology is palpable. Olha noted that she is aware of the lack of medical specialists in Ukraine, particularly in hematology. Her commitment to filling this gap led her to explore the "magical world of hemostasis," driven by the urgency to address thrombophilia and bleeding disorders in her patients.

Olha became an ISTH member with the goal of accessing the latest knowledge and research in the field, as well as to make connections with colleagues and mentors.

Eager to expand her skills and expertise, Olha applied for a prestigious ISTH Reach-the-World Fellowship, a program that gives junior clinicians and researchers from selected Reach-the-World countries the opportunity to study at host institutes known for their expertise in thrombosis and hemostasis.

Olha was accepted as a 2024 Fellow and will train at the Medical University of Vienna’s Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology in Austria. She encourages other ISTH professionals to consider applying for a Reach-the-World Fellowship.

“Having a plan and an idea of what you want to learn and study is crucial,” she said. “It would be great if you could know where exactly you want to practice and discuss it with your mentor. But even if you don't have one (as it was for me), ISTH is a very friendly community and will help you find the right place.”

Olha is also a participant in the most recent ISTH team-based learning course, recognizing the value of collaboration and shared learning experiences. The ISTH team-based learning course program, which is free for ISTH members, focuses on bringing together early-career physicians and mentors from around the world to collaborate on complex cases in bleeding and clotting. The course accommodates three learning teams, each consisting of up to fifteen students and three facilitators.

Reflecting on her involvement, she called the team-based learning course “an incredible chance to meet colleagues from all over the world and enhance my knowledge."

“I like that all information was very structured and easy to learn. It was enjoyable for me—even if you're uncertain or shy, there's still an opportunity to voice your opinion,” Olha said. “This course is structured in a way that for some time you will be divided into small groups, where you will definitely need to answer, but in a totally comfortable and safe environment.”

In addition to her professional achievements, Olha builds in time to enjoy personal interests. She is an avid traveler and enjoys reading, listening to music and playing volleyball. She is looking forward to traveling to Austria soon to begin her fellowship.

Looking ahead, she encourages others to take advantage of all that an ISTH membership has to offer.

"Getting involved in the ISTH helped me to be more confident and not to feel as alone in the world of hematology. There are so many options and programs. It’s really amazing to be here.”

Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis (RPTH) has named three early career investigators as the recipients of the annual RPTH Editor’s Awards.

The RPTH Editor’s Awards are presented annually to three early career investigators who submit exemplary articles as selected by a jury of editors. Recipients of this award receive a travel grant and complimentary registration to the ISTH 2024 Congress, providing the opportunity to network with other exceptional researchers in thrombosis and hemostasis.

In order to qualify for this award, candidates must be the first author and member of the ISTH in one of the early career membership categories at the time the article is submitted. Candidates may indicate their interest to be considered for the award during the submission process at rpthjournal.org.

2024 RPTH Editor’s Awards Recipients:

Estelle Carminita, Ph.D.

A thrombus is formed by a gradient of platelet activation and procoagulant endothelium

Ryan Thomas, M.D.

Development of a computable phenotype using electronic health records for venous thromboembolism in medical inpatients: the Medical Inpatient Thrombosis and Hemostasis study

Brooke Sadler, Ph.D.

Characterization of copy-number variants in a large cohort of patients with von Willebrand disease reveals a relationship between disrupted regions and disease type

The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) is pleased to announce the official launch of the ISTH Expert Directory, a membership directory designed to connect ISTH members with thought leadership opportunities in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis.

The ISTH Expert Directory is an exclusive member benefit (ISTH Academy Members not included) that serves as a centralized hub for professionals across the globe to showcase their knowledge, skills, and availability for opportunities that lend their expertise. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and engagement within the thrombosis and hemostasis community.

The ISTH is always looking for new volunteers to share the latest science and medical practices through webinars, courses, media interviews, and speaking opportunities at ISTH Congresses, meetings and programming. Our committees and leaders hope to use this new directory to more easily locate experts in every area of thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH members are encouraged to also use this tool to locate experts for opportunities outside of the ISTH settings.

Key Features of the ISTH Expert Directory:

Comprehensive Expert Profiles: Members can create detailed profiles highlighting their areas of expertise, experience, and accomplishments. This information will be easily accessible to event organizers, conference planners, and other professionals seeking experts for thought leadership opportunities and engagements.

Searchable Database: The directory features an advanced search functionality, allowing users to find experts based on specific criteria such as specialty, location, and availability. This streamlines the process for event organizers looking for the perfect speaker for their conferences or events, for example.

Global Reach: The ISTH Expert Directory is open to ISTH professionals worldwide, promoting diversity and inclusivity in the thrombosis and hemostasis community. This global platform facilitates connections between experts and organizations, transcending geographical boundaries.

Networking and Collaboration: The ISTH Expert Directory encourages networking and collaboration among professionals in the field. Experts can connect with each other, share knowledge, and explore potential collaborative projects.

To get started, simply visit the My ISTH Community Expert Directory and update your Expert Profile, which is separate from your standard profile. Indicate your areas of expertise. Watch the introductory videos below:

How to complete your expert profile:

How to use the directory to find other experts:

Join the ISTH Expert Directory here.

The Guidelines and Guidance (G&G) Committee requires a process for guidance manuscripts to go through a public comment period before approval to submit the manuscript to the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH).

The G&G Committee announces that the guidance manuscript titled, "Delphi consensus guidance recommendations for neuraxial anesthesia in adults with platelet disorders and coagulation defects: Guidance from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on von Willebrand factor," is now open for public comment. Note: This manuscript is confidential and in draft form.

Please click here to submit your comments by Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Kindly email Andrea Hickman at andrea_hickmand@isth.org if you have any questions or concerns. 

• Group Skills – the ability to work as part of a dynamic team, solving problems together and prioritizing group goals over an individual agenda
• Interpersonal Skills – the ability to communicate effectively, listen to others, build and maintain relationships, and have an effect on the behavior and decision-making of others 
• Strategic Skills – the ability to analyze issues, develop creative solutions or adapt previous solutions in new ways and make decisions that set and support the intended direction of the Society.
• Technical Skills – the ability to participate in informed decision-making and offer guidance on critical issues based in knowledge of and expertise in the thrombosis and hemostasis field and the Society overall.
• Personal Attributes – demonstration of commitment to the Society, a high degree of integrity and a balanced assessment of the time and cognitive capacity to fully engage as a leader of the Society.
  

Five members will be elected to the Council Class of 2030, including one seat designated for a member from a Reach-the-World country.
  
The Society is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and its ongoing efforts to have leadership be reflective of the diverse global thrombosis and hemostasis community. Nominations for women, those from outside of North America and Western Europe, and members in Reach-the-World countries are welcomed and encouraged! In addition, we also encourage nominations from non-traditionally hematology backgrounds who can help us to meet our goals of collaborating with other sub-specialties.
  
Nominations will close Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
  
Click here to submit nominations and learn more about:

• WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION TO THE ISTH COUNCIL? 
• WHAT DOES THE COUNCIL DO? 
• HOW CAN MEMBERS SUBMIT NOMINATIONS?
• HOW ARE COUNCIL CLASS MEMBERS ELECTED? 

Thank you for your consideration and participation in this important process. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Guidelines and Guidance (G&G) Committee requires a process for guidance manuscripts to go through a public comment period before approval to submit the manuscript to the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH). The G&G Committee would like to announce that the guidance manuscript titled, "Evaluation, analysis, and reporting of medication adherence for clinical trials of anticoagulants in children: Guidance from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Pediatric and Neonatal Thrombosis and Hemostasis," is now open for public comment. Note: This manuscript is confidential and in draft form.