Horizons in Hematology: A New Initiative to Inspire the Next Generation of Hematologists

Medical students and residents often receive limited exposure to hematology during the early stages of their training. A recent national ASH survey found that 42% of U.S. hematology-oncology fellows first considered a career path in the field before or during medical school, while 32% did so during residency.¹ These findings underscore the need to expand early education and awareness in hematology to better engage potential trainees and strengthen long-term recruitment and retention.

Recognizing this need, ASH is excited to launch Horizons in Hematology, a new digital education and career exploration platform designed specifically for early-stage trainees exploring potential career paths. Content will be updated by ASH staff and educators to ensure relevance and alignment with current practice and needs. This initiative aims to engage, inform, and inspire medical students and residents by offering accessible, interactive, and community-driven learning experiences.

Hosted on a free, mobile-friendly platform, Horizons in Hematology will feature:

Community and Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and colleagues based on a variety of factors, including shared interests, location, career goals, and more. Highly engaged users will have the chance to attend an in-person retreat in Washington, DC, at ASH headquarters designed for community building and career development.
Live Online Workshops: Expert-led sessions covering topics across clinical practice, research, and diverse career pathways in hematology
Video Interview Series: Short, candid videos with hematologists at different career stages, offering insight into their daily work, motivations, and lessons learned
Comprehensive Resource Hub: Centralized access to ASH programs, awards, and initiatives, helping trainees navigate opportunities early in their careers

Horizons in Hematology is set to launch by early spring of 2026, beginning with curated educational content and many of the core features outlined above. Trainees will be notified of the launch through the ASH Trainee Newsletter. From there, the platform will continue to expand with new materials, workshops, and updates added regularly. Ongoing social media outreach will keep participants informed, engaged, and connected as the program evolves.

ASH invites hematology trainees and early-career professionals to share their feedback!

Which features are you most excited about? What content would be most valuable to those considering hematology? Your input will help shape the future direction of Horizons in Hematology and can be sent to horizons@hematology.org.

By fostering early exposure to hematology, expanding educational resources, and cultivating a connected community of aspiring hematologists, Horizons in Hematology aims to inspire and equip the future leaders in our field. Stay tuned for more information about Horizons in Hematology later this year!

Masselink LE, Erikson CE, Connell NT, et al. Associations between hematology/oncology fellows’ training and mentorship experiences and hematology-only career plans. Blood Adv. 2019;3(21):3278-3286.

Disclosure Statement: Dr. Tijaro Ovalle and Ms. Drysdale indicated no relevant conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment: This article was edited by Ryan Mack, PhD, Urshila Durani, MD, MPH, and Ruby Arora, MD.