From Central Office
Q&A with ISBT President - Pierre Tiberghien
What started your interest in blood transfusion?
My journey into the world of blood transfusion began with my early experiences as a clinical hematologist taking care of patients with leukemia and lymphoma and with a special interest in allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation. This direct involvement in patient care underscored the significance of transfusion medicine. Simultaneously, my work as a researcher in immunology brought me into the realm of cellular immunotherapies and experimental transplantation. I was particularly interested by the complex interplay between graft-versus-host disease and the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Developing and testing means to harness the therapeutic potential of alloreactivity while minimizing harmful side effects was (and remains!) a compelling challenge.
Moreover, the broader public health challenges associated with blood transfusion and other substances of human origin drew my attention. From managing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections to addressing the needs of diverse patient populations as well as donor safety, these challenges underscored the critical role of transfusion medicine in public health. This public health perspective further deepened my interest in blood transfusion.
How did this interest develop and what are your main topics of interest now?
In my early days as a clinical hematologist, I encountered the important impact of blood components on patient care. Despite their long-standing use, I came to appreciate that blood components, often perceived as a familiar therapeutic option, still harbor many unknowns. As my career evolved, my interests broadened into areas like cellular immunotherapy. Transitioning into immunology expanded my focus to include the numerous interactions between blood transfusions and the immune system. I delved into issues like inflammatory responses to blood components, and the roles of antibodies in passive immunotherapy. My journey has been greatly enriched by the guidance of exceptional mentors. I wish to cite here Dr Patrick Hervé in France and Dr Dan Longo in the United States. Their wisdom and support have been invaluable. Today, my scientific curiosity encompasses the entire spectrum of transfusion medicine: from donor health to understanding the long-term impacts of transfusion on recipients.
What have been the most rewarding times in your career?
Reflecting on the most rewarding moments of my career, I find that they are deeply intertwined with my relationships with patients, the thrill of discovery, and the joy of transmitting knowledge. The profound privilege of caring for patients goes beyond the mere provision of medical treatment; it encompasses the human connection that occurs. On the scientific front, contributing to the understanding that deleterious allogeneic T cells can be targeted and mitigated, exploring how the risk of fainting in blood donors can be mitigated or demonstrating that convalescent plasma can significantly benefit immunosuppressed COVID-19 patients has been incredibly gratifying. To teach and see young students gain the autonomy and expertise needed to innovate and push further the boundaries of knowledge have been very fulfilling.
What made you decide to apply for the post President of the ISBT?
I highly value the pivotal role of our Society in advancing basic and translational science in transfusion medicine – from the donor to the recipient -, consolidating and disseminating essential knowledge. Addressing critical issues such as donor health, blood product quality and safety, the appropriateness of transfusions, and patient care on a global scale is essential for ensuring optimal donation and transfusion practices both today and in the future. ISBT champions education, knowledge dissemination, and international outreach. The opportunity to lead ISBT as its President represents an exciting challenge that I embrace with great enthusiasm, as it allows me to further contribute to shaping the future of our field and driving forward our mission to enhance transfusion practices worldwide.
What are your personal goals concerning ISBT?
"Being a leader in transforming knowledge into practice," is strategic goal of our society I find particularly important. ISBT is successfully engaged in fulfilling this goal, notably through activities of the ISBT working parties, the congresses, the publications of the society, the webinars and several educational initiatives. Nevertheless, important gaps between actionable knowledge and effective implementation can be found across transfusion practices and jurisdictions globally. ISBT may move a step further to support its members in their efforts to transfer knowledge into practice in their settings. Such a support could include education and training to empower ISBT members and the wider transfusion community to effectively access, assess, and implement knowledge in diverse contexts globally.
To further assist its members, the society may also consider producing focused recommendations that translate recent as well overlooked less recent knowledge into practical steps for implementation by professionals in the field. These developments will not only enhance the role of ISBT as a leader in translating knowledge into practice but also tightly align with our society’s mission to advance transfusion medicine globally
What energizes you most at work?
What truly energizes me at work is the dynamic interplay of collaboration, discovery, and contributing ever so modestly to improving human health. Working with others is a source of immense motivation. The synergy of diverse minds coming together to improve care is so invigorating. The exchange of ideas, the mutual support and the thrill of discovery are powerful driving forces in my professional life. Lastly, working in a field that is so intimately connected to people and to their lives is a privilege.
What do I do in my spare time?
Spending time with my wife, my family and friends is a continuous source of joy. Playing piano offers me pleasure and wonderful emotions. I also have passion for mountain climbing summer and winter. Reaching a summit is very rewarding!
Finally, what do you wish to add, or what would you like to say to our Transfusion Today readers?
Together, we are building a future where our collective efforts enhance the quality of care, improve patient outcomes, preserve donor health, and elevate the standards of transfusion practices worldwide. Thank you for being part of the ISBT community and for your dedication. I am excited to progress together and look forward to the achievements we will accomplish in the years to come.
