President’s Letter
FACT’s season of annual meetings is winding down, and as everyone gets back to their homes and day jobs, I hope you have time to rest and reflect on the relationships built and progress made during the past several months. FACT continues to have a presence at the annual meetings of its parent societies, ASBMT and ISCT, and those of other partner organizations, including ASFA, ASGCT, ASH, and SITC. We look forward to participating in the inaugural Cord Blood Connect congress in September, hosted by the Cord Blood Association.
The articles in this newsletter reflect many of the lessons learned and accomplishments made possible by meeting with our colleagues in person at these meetings. Some discussions were complex and nuanced, such as the BMT Time Out commendable practice identified by the FACT Clinical Outcomes Committee and advice on adverse event reporting. Some discussions were intently focused on large tasks, such as review of the draft second edition of the FACT Common Standards in preparation for the public comment period. Other events welcomed new inspectors to the FACT community and celebrated the accomplishments of outgoing Board members.
We appreciate everyone’s participation in the in-person events, and also via volunteer committee teleconferences. Please allow the energy and excitement of these meetings to influence the important work you do on a daily basis.
Sincerely,
Dennis A. Gastineau, MD
FACT President
