Impact of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society trainee workshop in recruiting the next generation of nonmalignant hematologists

The United States is facing a shortage of physicians dedicated to nonmalignant hematology to meet future needs. The Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society (HTRS) developed a medical education program for trainees, “HTRS Trainee Workshops: Building a Career in Hemostasis and Thrombosis” in 2016. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the workshop in recruiting the next generation of nonmalignant hematologists. Two surveys (post-workshop survey and alumni survey) were conducted. The post-workshop survey occurred within 30 days of each workshop and was completed by 81.9% (n = 185) of participants. Majority of respondents reported that the workshop had a positive impact to their practice and/or research (93.0%, n = 174) and career development (87.7%, n = 164). For the alumni survey which was conducted in 2018, 73 participants responded to the survey (38.2% response rate). Of the 38 respondents who had graduated from fellowship at the time of the survey, almost all chose a career in academic medicine. 41.7% (n = 15) reported their specialty as adult nonmalignant hematology and 25.0% (n = 9) as pediatric hematology/oncology with a nonmalignant hematology focus. 41.1% (n = 30) developed collaborative professional relationships, and 78.1% (n = 57) reported that the workshop had a positive influence in their choice to pursue nonmalignant hematology as a career. 67.1% (n = 49) were actively involved in research in nonmalignant hematology, with the most common being clinical research. This survey suggests that the HTRS Trainee Workshop is meeting its goals to recruit, train, and mentor the next generation of nonmalignant hematologists.