Trainee Activities and Services
ASH provides a variety of high-quality educational, career-development, and networking opportunities to help trainees make the most of their meeting experience. The following activities and services have been identified as most relevant to the unique interests of undergraduates, medical and graduate students, residents, and fellows and are open only to annual meeting attendees with a blue trainee badge.

ASH-a-Palooza
Micro-learning, mentorship, networking, and more! Come hang out and network with your peers at ASH-a-Palooza!
Friday, December 8, 2023 from 12:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time at Petco Park (and streaming on the virtual platform)!

ASH Talks
The ASH Talk sessions will be 18- to 20-minute presentations, similar to a TED Talk, with dynamic speakers presenting timely topics.
Blood Drops
The Blood Drop sessions are five to 10-minute presentations designed to provide short bursts of learning. Each micro-learning session will be done twice in a row and will allow the audience to move easily between each presentation.


Blood Buddies
In-person trainees will have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the field! Trainees can sign up for a one-on-one Blood Buddy 10-minute mentoring session with a faculty member.
Blood Booths
Trainees will have the opportunity to explore interactive booths at ASH-a-Palooza. Chat with peers, take part in live training sessions, learn from experts, and more!


Trainee Welcome Reception
This informal social event immediately follows ASH-a-Palooza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Petco Park outfield for in-person attendees. The reception provides the opportunity for undergraduates, medical and graduate students, residents, and fellows (DO, MD and PhD) to gather with their peers.
Other Trainee Activities and Services
Career-Development Lunch Sessions
This session will provide an intimate venue for trainees to meet with leaders in hematology to discuss careers in the wide array of practice areas within hematology, including basic, clinical, and translational research, PhD careers, careers in industry settings, and careers in private and clinical practice. There will be multiple tables dedicated to each career area and one faculty member at each table leading the discussion. A boxed lunch will be provided. This is a first come, first served event and is only offered in person.
Trainee Didactic Sessions
Offered during lunch on Sunday and Monday, the Trainee Didactic Sessions are designed to offer trainees an overview of timely and relevant career-oriented issues. Learn how to write the best CV, what it means to be an entrepreneur, make the transition from trainee to faculty seamlessly, and best practices on giving a scientific presentation. These sessions will only be offered in person and are not available through the virtual meeting.
Trainee Lounge
Trainees are invited to visit the Trainee Lounge located in ASH Central (San Diego Convention Center Sails Pavilion) to meet with colleagues and recharge with complimentary refreshments. The Trainee Lounge will be open on the following days (all times listed reflect the Pacific time zone):
Saturday, December 9 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Sunday, December 10 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Monday, December 11 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Tuesday, December 12 | 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. |