Hematology Director's Message

I am delighted to be writing for the newly-formatted Division of Hematology newsletter. This new format conforms to the revamped Department of Medicine website. Our division has been in the forefront in aligning with departmental efforts to make our web presence robust, effective and inspiring. Thanks to Dr. Gillian Hawker, our Department Chair, for her leadership in providing direction for invigorating our web presence as befits the largest department within the U of T Faculty of Medicine. We are indebted to Jocelyn Lagerquist, the DoM communications officer, and our own Nina Chana for a great team effort in the launch of this edition of our newsletter.

As the largest academic division of hematology, our training program continues to attract some of the brightest and most gifted physician learners in the country. Under the able leadership of Martina Trinkaus, we continue to improve our training program to provide a unique and stimulating learning environment where time, energy and resources are strategically invested to achieve world-class performance and programs. Come July, let’s welcome our new PGY-4 trainees with strong belief in their abilities and our commitment to guide and inspire them on their paths to successful careers in hematology. Toronto remains the base for the flagship Annual Hematology Residents Retreat, a Canada-wide activity that keeps growing from strength to strength. With the support of the Development Office, we are engaged in building the funding resource capacity to establish and deliver vibrant U of T fellowship programs in benign hematology. This is an ambitious plan to make Toronto the hub for training the future leaders in the field.

Congratulations to Jeannie Callum and John Semple, the successful recipients of this year’s Alexandra Yeo Chair Grants for research in benign hematology. Thanks to all investigators who submitted very high-quality proposals for this grant competition. Please keep them coming for future opportunities.

Aaron Schimmer and the Research Committee have put in a remarkable effort in re-designing our Annual Hematology Academic Day to showcase scholarly activities in all the domains: basic and translational research, quality improvement and education. I look forward to the 9th Academic Day in May and sincerely hope that all of us-trainees and faculty- will fully engage.