The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has announced that Charles A. Schiffer, M.D., will be presented with one of two ASH Mentor Awards. Dr. Schiffer will receive his award during the 66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in December in San Diego, California.
Dr. Schiffer retired as a hematologist and medical oncologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in 2020. He was the leader of the Hematology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and is still very active with the team, often participating in panel discussions and more. He directed the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship program for approximately 15 years. He is now a professor emeritus in the department of Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Schiffer’s research focused on platelet and granulocyte transfusion therapy and the treatment of adult leukemias.
Mentoring the next generation of hematologists came naturally for Dr. Schiffer. He leads by example and challenges trainees to remain curious, seize opportunities, and think creatively. His mentees have described him as a one-of-a-kind generational teacher and characterize him as a “mentor of mentors.” Dr. Schiffer is widely known for his open-door approach and fine-tuned ability to provide clinical care with rigor, bright humor, and compassion. He has trained many successful clinical investigators whose contributions have substantially influenced leukemia and cancer research and improved patient outcomes.
When he retired, Dr. Schiffer’s team members had this to say:
"Dr. Schiffer is truly a legend in hematology, one that you read about in textbooks and journals. Due to his natural teaching ability and uncanny insight, he was an unparalleled teacher and mentor for countless trainees and colleagues alike. He will be impossible to replace. We will all dearly miss his leadership, words of wisdom, sense of humor, and friendship," said Jay Yang, M.D., hematologist, medical oncologist and Hematology Oncology MDT leader, stepping into the position after Dr. Schiffer retired.
Throughout his career, Dr. Schiffer has authored and co-authored more than 360 articles and 80 book chapters on topics concerning the treatment of leukemia in adults, platelet transfusion and granulocyte transfusion therapy, among others. He has served on numerous editorial boards, and many professional committees including Chairman of the Leukemia Committee of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B, Chairman of the Food and Drug Administration Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee and member of the American Board of Internal Medicine – Medical Oncology Board. He has been honored with prestigious awards including the Dr. John J. Kenney Award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, the Celgene Award for Career Achievement in Hematology, and is an elected member of the Academy of Scholars of Wayne State University, serving as President this past academic year.
In addition, Dr. Schiffer was instrumental in developing the Joseph Dresner Family Clinic for Hematologic Malignancies & Stem Cell Transplantation at Karmanos. In May 2012, the Dresner Family Clinic opened after a generous donation from The Dresner Foundation, whose namesake founder was treated by Dr. Schiffer. In 2015, Dr. Schiffer was named the first endowed Joseph Dresner Chair for Hematologic Malignancies.
The ASH Honorific Award Recipients are exemplary hematologists who have made significant contributions to the field. This year’s recipients are a group of pioneering scientists, innovative clinicians, and selfless mentors who have advanced hematology through vital contributions – from revolutionary achievements in cord blood transplants, hematopoietic stem cell research, and microbiome research to supporting medical students underrepresented in medicine.
“ASH is honored to recognize these outstanding hematologists, whose groundbreaking research, mentorship, and dedication have profoundly advanced the field,” said 2024 ASH President Mohandas Narla, DSc, distinguished scientist at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “These visionary leaders have left an indelible mark on hematology and made a lasting impact on the lives of those living with blood disorders.”
ASH is the world’s largest professional society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood. Since 1958, the Society has led the development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology.
Learn more about the ASH Honorific Awards here.