The lecture will review the role of transfusion medicine specialists in defining adverse transfusion reactions that require more extensive studies, involving experts in ongoing research to mitigate transfusion reactions. The goal of these studies is to understand the pathophysiology of these reactions and develop strategies that can be implemented to prevent adverse transfusion effects or reduce their incidence and severity. The lecture will feature discussions of infectious complications including viruses and bacteria, delayed hemolytic and serologic transfusion reactions due to alloimmunization, and allergic transfusion reactions.

Award Description: The Emily Cooley Memorial Award and Lectureship began as a lectureship in 1963, and was designated as a Memorial Award in 1983. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated teaching ability and has made a major contribution to the field of immunohematology and transfusion medicine or cellular therapies.