Well, everyone.
We are in the week leading up to a major annual international conference, the American Society Hematology (ASH). During this meeting, bench and clinical myeloma research from all over the world will be presented and discussed.
I am excited, humbled, and fearful at the same time. I am humbled at this tremendous opportunity afforded to me by the IMF. I would love to see and hear everything over the 4 official days of the meeting, but that would be impossible. I heard that there are over 600 people who will share their research on multiple myeloma. I’m studying the agenda and trying to decide when and where to go, and whom to hear. It’s all virtual, so it should be easier, but not for me. There are so many wonderful and different choices!
Have you ever heard the phrase, “from bench to bedside?” It’s all about taking laboratory research from the laboratory to hospitals and clinics. The more important phrase for me is: “from bench to bedside to curbside.” I will spend more of my time in the translational research area, where the research reaches the “end-user” – the patient in the community…at home… at the curbside.
Of course, I am eager to hear about the new scientific advances in myeloma. I am also interested in what scientists have to say about health equity – or if, in the post- George Floyd era, if there is any mention of racism in medicine and how that might impact effectiveness of the delivery of vital research.
Is the best science available to everyone? This is a question raised by some who might hesitate to participate in the clinical trials. Will the best of the research be available to everyone in an equitable way – regardless of age, race/ethnicity, gender, or income level? These are some of the thoughts that will take me into the preparation and the first days of this incredible experience.
Gail McCray
Southside Atlanta, GA
Gail McCray, on Twitter: @IMFgailMYELOMA