OU Faculty Member Leads 20-Year Analysis of Program Advancing Representation in Hematology

A recent 20-year analysis highlights the transformative impact of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Minority Recruitment Initiative, now the Hematology Inclusion Pathway (HIP), on broadening representation in the field of hematology. The study, published in Blood Advances by Dr. Deirdra R. (Dee) Terrell, associate professor of epidemiology and assistant dean for sovereignty, opportunity, belonging, and engagement at the OU Hudson College of Public Health, and co-author Dr. Belinda R. Avalos, underscores the program’s success in recruiting and retaining individuals historically underrepresented in hematology.

Established in 2003 in response to an Institute of Medicine report calling for greater representation in healthcare, the ASH Minority Recruitment Initiative provided research opportunities and mentorship. Over 20 years, the program grew to support prospective hematologists from medical school through fellowship and into early career, creating a sustainable pathway into the hematology field. A longitudinal pathway also exists for doctoral scientists that begins during graduate school and ends with a post-doctoral award.

The study found that program participants experienced lower attrition rates, greater career persistence in hematology, and sustained involvement with the ASH society following completion of their award. For example, graduate school participants had a 0% attrition rate compared to a national attrition rate for minority graduate students in science and engineering fields of 36%. Similarly, medical school participants had an attrition rate of just 2.2%, compared to 5.6% nationally for underrepresented medical students.

Dr. Terrell emphasized the importance of mentorship and community-building in these outcomes. “These lower attrition rates show that participants created their own networks – a group of people to connect with, text for advice, and gain empowerment from after hearing their stories,” she explained.

Notably, alumni of the program are also influencing ASH itself, taking on 353 different leadership roles and authoring over 1,100 abstracts presented at the ASH annual meetings. The impact of this program extends beyond individual careers to structural change within the field.

What’s Next?
Building on its success, ASH is evolving the program into the Hematology Inclusion Pathway (HIP). Future initiatives include implementing an annual assessment tool for awardees, conducting comprehensive mixed-methods evaluations, and expanding outreach through the ASH Ambassador Program to underserved regions.

Dr. Terrell underscored the importance of sustaining and expanding such initiatives. “Programs like this work, make a difference, and are necessary. We need to continue making sure everyone has a seat at the table,” she said.

This study reinforces the value of long-term investments in mentorship and equity-focused initiatives in shaping the future of hematology and healthcare overall.

Read more about the study in Blood Advances: ASH Opportunity Program Retained and Engaged Hematologists Historically Underrepresented in Field, 20-Year Analysis Shows.

For more information about ASH’s Hematology Inclusion Pathway, visit hematology.org.