The health care workforce is changing. Organizations are confronting staffing shortages, burnout and shifting expectations among professionals at every career stage. The blood and biotherapies community is no exception. As an AABB member, you are part of a global community committed not only to advancing the field, but also to strengthening the workforce that sustains it. Whether you are just beginning your career, stepping into a leadership role or looking for new ways to grow professionally, continued learning and meaningful connections with colleagues can help you prepare for what comes next.
Through resources such as the AABB Mentoring Program, educational opportunities, volunteer leadership and professional networking, members can build skills, develop relationships and continue growing throughout their careers.
This issue of AABB News examines workforce challenges and highlights the people working to strengthen our community. Our cover story explores the benefits of succession planning and the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders in transfusion medicine. The second article spotlights Prof. Simon J. Stanworth in recognition of his exemplary contributions to transfusion medicine and advancements in patient outcomes worldwide.
In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, this issue also features a profile of Tabatha L. McGee, PhD, a warrior advocate and CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. McGee, who has dedicated her career to improving access to comprehensive care for sickle cell warriors, discusses the most pressing challenges facing the community.
Next month, I look forward to gathering with our community at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting in Atlanta. As you prepare to join us, be sure to check out this issue’s preview of new and returning events designed to help attendees connect, learn and engage with colleagues from across the global blood and biotherapies community.
I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta.
Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP
AABB President
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Succession Planning in Transfusion MedicineBACK TO ISSUE
September 2026
Transfusion is AABB’s scholarly, peer-reviewed monthly journal, publishing the latest on technological advances, clinical research and controversial issues related to transfusion medicine, blood banking, biotherapies and tissue transplantation. Access of Transfusion is free to all AABB members.
Learn More About Transfusion Journal
Keep abreast of what's happening in the field of biotherapies with CellSource - AABB's monthly update on the latest biotherapies news.
To submit news about the blood and biotherapies field to AABB, please email news@aabb.org.
President
Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP
Chief Executive Officer
Debra Ben Avram, FASAE, CAE
Chief Communications and Engagement Officer
Julia Zimmerman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jay Lewis, MPH
Managing Editor
Kendra Y. Mims, MFA
Senior Communications Manager
Drew Case
AABB News
(ISSN 1523939X) is published monthly, except for the combined November/December issue for the members of AABB; 4550 Montgomery Avenue; Suite 700 North Tower; Bethesda, MD 20814.
AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in transfusion medicine, cellular therapies and patient blood management. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety.
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