Dr. James N. George: A Champion of Diversity in Hematology Honored with 2024 ASH Award

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. James N. George, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Honorific Award - the ASH Award for Leadership in Promoting Diversity. This award is a testament to Dr. George’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the field of hematology.

Dr. George’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a more diverse workforce in hematology. During his tenure as ASH President in 2005, he spearheaded a collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AMFDP) to establish ASH-funded AMFDP positions in hematology. This initiative has since supported nearly 30 recipients, many of whom have ascended to senior faculty positions at their respective institutions.

In addition to this, Dr. George has been a staunch advocate of the ASH Minority Medical Student Award Program (MMSAP), a program designed to provide research support for medical students from underrepresented backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in hematology. The MMSAP has facilitated over 300 research opportunities for medical students to date.

Dr. George’s contributions extend beyond these programs. He co-developed and directed the ASH Clinical Research Training Institute (CRTI), a comprehensive year-long program that provides clinicians with a broad education on clinical research methods. His mentorship has touched the lives of countless budding hematologists, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, international students, women, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds. His tireless efforts in promoting diversity in the field of hematology are truly commendable. We are immensely proud to have Dr. George as part of our faculty and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.