Faculty Development Lectures

Faculty Development Lectures Series on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT) and Cell and Gene Therapies (CGT)

Introduction:

The Mikael Rayaan Foundation Global Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium (GTCTC) is dedicated to supporting and advancing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and cell and gene therapies (CGT) in developing countries. HCT/CGT represent life-saving approaches in the treatment of various hematologic disorders. However, developing countries have limited access to these advanced therapies due to a lack of expertise, resources, and infrastructure. As per the GTCTC charter, the Faculty Development Lecture Series and Conferences will be conducted aimed at building local expertise in HCT/CGT, thereby enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals in developing countries to deliver these life-saving treatments.

Objectives:
  • Enhance Knowledge: To provide foundational and advanced knowledge on HCT/CGT among faculty, trainees, and allied healthcare professionals.
  • Skill Development: To equip participants with practical skills necessary for implementing HCT/CGT.
  • Networking: To foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and organizations working in the field of hematology, transplantation, and cellular therapy.
  • Sustainability: To promote the development of local training programs and mentorship opportunities to ensure the long-term sustainability of expertise in the region.
Target Audience:
  • Medical faculty and trainees in hematology, oncology, and related fields.
  • Healthcare professionals involved in patient care, including nurses, pharmacists, and social workers.
  • Researchers interested in hematopoietic stem cell research and cell and gene therapies.
Format:

In 2025, we partnered with the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) MERIT initiative Hematology and Medical Oncology Webinar Series. In future, a focused lecture series will consist of a mix of live webinars, recorded lectures, and interactive workshops, that will cover the following areas:

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation:
  • Overview of HCT indications, types, and patient selection.
  • The transplant platform – donor choice, graft source, conditioning regimen, and graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis.
  • Pre-transplant workup and post-transplant care, including management of complications, survivorship, and long-term follow-up.
Cellular Therapies:
  • Understanding CAR-T cell therapy and other innovative cellular therapies.
  • Understanding of gene therapies.
  • Building a cellular therapy program in a resource-limited setting.
  • Pre-cellular therapy workup and post-cellular therapy care, including management of complications, survivorship, and long-term follow-up.
Research and Future Directions:
  • Current research trends in HCT and cellular therapy.
  • Opportunities for collaboration and funding.

Research and Future Directions:
  • Current research trends in HCT and cellular therapy.
  • Opportunities for collaboration and funding.
Delivery Method:
  • Webinars: Live sessions featuring experts from leading institutions around the world.
  • Recorded Lectures: Publicly accessible online for asynchronous learning, allowing participants to engage at their convenience.
  • Workshops: Hands-on workshops focusing on practical skills, case discussions, and problem-solving scenarios.
Evaluation:

To assess the effectiveness of the lecture series, we will implement the following evaluation methods:

  • Pre- and post-series surveys to gauge knowledge acquisition and confidence levels.
  • Feedback forms after each session to improve content and delivery.
  • Periodic assessments to evaluate the overall impact on participants’ clinical practice.
Conclusion:

The Faculty Development Lecture Series aims to address the critical shortage of expertise in HCT/CGT in developing countries. By investing in the education and training of local healthcare professionals, we can improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare systems, and ultimately save lives. We seek your support in making this initiative a reality.

We will post the lecture links over here. Stay tuned…