Letter from the President
This 
year we are celebrating 20 years of FACT leadership. Two decades ago, ASBMT and ISCT leaders joined to hold themselves and their colleagues up to a higher standard (literally) for the benefit of our patients, to improve blood and marrow transplantation, protect the research environment, and minimize regulatory burden. The success of FACT’s standards and accreditation program, accomplished through a collegial network of supportive peers, soon appealed to other organizations and resulting partnerships with JACIE, NetCord, and several others has further expanded FACT’s influence around the globe.
The most remarkable point to make about FACT’s reputation as the pinnacle of quality in cellular therapy is that it is completely driven by us, those in the community. FACT’s Board of Directors, committee members, and inspectors are all from accredited programs. We set our own requirements, we inspect each other, we educate each other, and we encourage each other to improve. In an increasingly competitive world, the FACT international community can be proud to say that we are all helping each other. This spirit of collaboration is what truly benefits patients.
The first set of FACT Standards and the 11 founding Board members has grown to 12 different editions of Standards and thousands of participating cellular therapy professionals worldwide. We are fortunate to be part of a visionary field and our impact on the practice of medicine continues to grow. FACT accreditation has made cellular therapy more available to patients around the world, and I look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the future.
Sincerely, Dennis Gastineau, MD
FACT President
