Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine

The CSTM is the voice for transfusion medicine professionals in Canada

Summer 2010

Dear Colleagues,

I am both thrilled and overwhelmed to have taken over from Shelley Feenstra as President of the CSTM. I am looking forward to working with the members of the Board both new and returning. 

The Annual Conference and AGM this past May in Vancouver has yet again raised the bar with respect to excellence in planning and execution of such a complex event. I have to extend my heart-felt thanks to the organizing committee and their dedicated volunteers for their commitment to the task and to the CSTM. For those of you who were able to attend this year, I think you will agree that we are all just a wee bit smarter now for having had the opportunity to hear excellent speakers, read about the many initiatives and projects taking place across Canada (and the World!) and see the new gizmos in the marketplace designed to make our jobs that much easier. Thanks again to all for a job well done.

As we move into a new activity year for CSTM we have identified some key areas where we will be focusing our efforts. First out of the gate is the Standards Committee, who has already begun the task of assembling their team and preparing for the marathon sessions that are needed to generate the next draft of the CSTM Standards for Hospital Transfusion Services. This document is of the utmost importance to the CSTM and although it has its competitors, it is still valued by many as the benchmark for how we conduct our everyday business in providing the best quality Transfusion Medicine service for our patients.

Fast on the heels of the Standards Committee, we have an enthusiastic group charged with the responsibility for taking the Bulletin and Website to the next level. They will take the concept that Pat Letendre developed for the CSTM over many years and move it forward for the next generation of Transfusion Medicine professionals. Sincere thanks go out to Pat from us all as she passes the torch on.

As I conclude this my first President’s message, I have to say……what happened to Summer? It is almost mid-June as I write this and the forecast for tonight in Southern Alberta is for frost!

Have a great “Summer” everyone, bundle up and enjoy your well-earned vacation time.

Cheers,
Kieran
CSTM President