2016 CRTI Summer Workshop - Project Summary
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) Clinical Research Training Institute (CRTI) was initiated in 2003
and prepares fellows and junior faculty to conduct patient-oriented clinical research in all areas of hematology,
including the hematological malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic
syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms) and non-malignant hematology (bleeding and clotting disorders and
diseases of red and white blood cells). Having a physician workforce prepared to conduct this research is
critical to converting developments in laboratory and pre-clinical research to the care of patients and
populations. CRTI is a year-long program that includes a week-long Summer Workshop, ongoing mentoring,
and two follow-up meetings. This application requests support for the 2015 CRTI Summer Workshop, which is
the “kick-off” event for the 20 fellows and junior faculty who will be trained in the program. The goals of the
Summer Workshop are to provide participants feedback on their research proposals, build professional
networks among the participants and faculty, and identify mentors who will work with the participants over the
course of the following year to ensure the investment in the CRTI experience is well utilized. The Summer
Workshop includes at least as many faculty instructors as participants. It features national and international
experts in hematology, clinical trial design, and biostatistics. The week-long program includes interactive
didactic sessions, small group breakouts, and time for informal interactions. ASH undertakes a multi-pronged
strategy to ensure the appropriate representation of women and minority participants in both the participant
and faculty groups. The strategy for participants includes initial outreach to secure the largest possible pool of
female and minority applicants as well as focused discussions about diversity goals during the finalist selection
process. Female and minority faculty are likewise actively identified from among past program participants and
through the network of past and current CRTI faculty. The CRTI Summer Workshop is evaluated by the
participants. Results of the 2015 CRTI Summer Workshop post-workshop evaluation indicate the event was
successful. The entirety of the program is also systematically evaluated. Of the 140 CRTI participants from
2003-2009 surveyed in 2010, 87% stated they had been successful in establishing a patient-oriented clinical
research study, 85% considered themselves to be clinical investigators, and 90% were conducting research as
part of their current jobs. Approximately 40% had an ongoing collaboration with a CRTI mentor. CRTI
participants have been extremely productive, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications, 170 book chapters,
and 100 review articles amongst them. They have earned 78 NIH grants as principal investigators.
