2024 ASH President Begins Term for Society

Mohandas Narla, DSc, a Distinguished Scientist at New York Blood Center Enterprises, began a year-long term as President of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), succeeding Robert Brodsky, MD. Dr. Narla will serve as ASH President through December 2024.

Dr. Narla’s research interests include red cell physiology and pathology, and he currently serves as Head of the Laboratory of Red Cell Physiology at New York Blood Center Enterprises. His research focuses on advanced understanding of the molecular and structural basis for red cell membrane disorders, as well as insights into the pathophysiology of thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.

During his tenure, Dr. Narla will focus on global efforts such as overseeing the selection of the Editor-in-Chief of Blood Global Hematology; continuing collaborative programs like the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa, which screens children for sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa; and supporting training programs in Latin America.

“ASH has become a global influence in hematology, both in practice and research. I’m looking forward to showing how ASH can help improve patient care and equity around the world,” Dr. Narla said in a press release. “We at ASH are committed to addressing health care inequalities.”

Dr. Narla also plans to strengthen the hematology workforce by sustaining mentorship initiatives such as the Hematology-Focused Fellowship Training Program.

Dr. Narla has been a member of ASH for 34 years and has served on four different committees, including the ASH Research Collaborative. He has served as Associate Editor for Blood, the flagship journal of ASH. He also received the Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology in 2020, which recognizes hematologists who demonstrate a lasting commitment to the field.

“Hematology has always been at the forefront of biomedical research, and global research has only grown in the 50 years I’ve been in hematology,” Dr. Narla said in the release. “ASH has been my professional home, and I am honored to serve as ASH President.”