ASH Honors Dr Judith Kleinerman

Dr. Kleinerman to be recognized at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting for decades of dedicated service to advancing hematology

(WASHINGTON – November 8, 2024) — The American Society of Hematology (ASH) will recognize Judith Kleinerman, MD, as the recipient of the 2024 ASH Exemplary Service Award. Dr. Kleinerman will be honored for her years of extensive service to ASH and significant contributions to hematology.

The Exemplary Service Award was established in 1998 to recognize individuals whose outstanding service, extending over a period of years, has significantly advanced the interests of Society. ASH President Mohandas Narla, DSc, will present this award during the 66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition.

“It has been a joy and privilege to work with Dr. Kleinerman, and we are delighted to honor her legacy here at ASH,” said Dr. Narla, distinguished scientist at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “Through her invaluable expertise, passionate advocacy, and dedication to ASH’s mission, she has made a lasting impact at the Society.”

An ASH member for more than 30 years, Dr. Kleinerman, now retired, formerly practiced at Steward Medical Group Specialists in Massachusetts and first became involved through her role as a member of the Committee on Practice. In that role, Dr. Kleinerman drew on her experience working at a private, community practice to contribute critical insights on hematology-related policy issues and the needs of practitioners. Even after her term on the committee, Dr. Kleinerman continued serving as an effective and passionate advocate on Capitol Hill, supporting ASH’s policy priorities with the stories of her own patients.

Dr. Kleinerman also served on the ASH Choosing Wisely Task Force, a group focused on identifying hematologic tests, treatments, and procedures that are insufficiently supported by evidence or unlikely to benefit patients. During her service on the task force, the group developed 15 evidence-based recommendations to facilitate conversations between clinicians and patients about the necessity and potential harm of tests and procedures. Her work in this role led to service on ASH’s Subcommittee of Stewardship and Systems-Based Hematology, where she helped develop materials and activities designed to encourage the stewardship of resources and enhance patient safety.

She chaired ASH’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) Accreditation Subcommittee, where she supported the review and compliance of ASH’s accredited educational activities and CME accreditation, and assisted staff with three successful bids for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

“I am extremely honored and thankful for this award. The volunteer work I have done at ASH is a source of great pride,” said Dr. Kleinerman. “I see the impact on clinical practice and educational programs, and through the allocation of funds from the ASH Foundation.”

Dr. Kleinerman continues to serve at ASH by lending her expertise to the CME Accreditation Committee and the ASH Foundation Committee, as well as remaining actively engaged in the ASH Clinicians in Practice program and the ASH Grassroots Network.

The Exemplary Service Award will be presented to Dr. Kleinerman on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time in Hall B of the San Diego Convention Center.

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) (hematology.org) is the world’s largest professional society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood. Since 1958, the Society has led the development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology.

The Blood journals (https://ashpublications.org/journals) are the premier source for basic, translational, and clinical hematological research. The Blood journals publish more peer-reviewed hematology research than any other academic journals worldwide.

Claire Whetzel, 202-629-5085
cwhetzel@hematology.org