J. Evan Sadler, MD, PhD
Ayalew Tefferi, MD
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) will recognize J. Evan Sadler, MD, PhD, of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Ayalew Tefferi, MD, of Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, with the 2016 Henry M. Stratton Medal for their seminal contributions in the areas of basic and clinical/translational hematology research, respectively.
The Henry M. Stratton Medal is named after the late Henry Maurice Stratton, co-founder of Grune and Stratton, the medical publishing house that first published ASH’s journal Blood. The prize honors two senior investigators whose contributions to both basic and clinical/translational hematology research are well recognized and have taken place over a period of several years. Drs. Sadler and Tefferi will accept their awards at the 58th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, California, in December 2016.
Dr. J. Evan Sadler
Dr. Sadler, the recipient of the 2016 Henry M. Stratton Medal for Basic Science, is Professor of Medicine and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, as well as Director of the Hematology Division at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Sadler has pioneered the study of a number of blood coagulation factors, and his contributions have been particularly critical to the molecular, genetic, and biochemical characterization of von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13, two proteins associated with bleeding and clotting disorders. His laboratory identified the molecular basis for a range of subtypes of the bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease, which has led to improved diagnosis and therapy. In addition, his complementary studies of ADAMTS13 structure and function have important implications for understanding the pathophysiology of the rare clotting disorder thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. His findings have also led to improved treatment. This molecular understanding of these diseases enabled Dr. Sadler to lead efforts to develop the current clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of von Willebrand disease and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Dr. Sadler served as the 2011 President of ASH and remains a dedicated member of the Society. He has served on many committees and journals, including the editorial board of Blood and the ASH Nominating Committee. In addition to his dedicated volunteerism with ASH, Dr. Sadler has served on and chaired study sections at the National Institutes of Health and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). His most distinguished awards include the William Dameshek Prize from ASH, the Investigator Recognition Award and Distinguished Career Award from ISTH, and election to the National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Sadler earned his doctorate in biochemistry and his medical degree from Duke University. He completed his postgraduate internship at Duke University before heading to the University of Washington in Seattle, where he completed his fellowship. He began his academic career at Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Ayalew Tefferi
Dr. Tefferi, the recipient of the 2016 Henry M. Stratton Medal for Clinical/Translational Science, is Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He has devoted his career to the study of myeloproliferative neoplasms and other myeloid malignancies. He has been instrumental in establishing the myeloproliferative practice at the Mayo Clinic, where he trained young staff to help conduct translational and clinical research. Dr. Tefferi is best known for his groundbreaking work in defining the pathogenesis and prognostic features of myeloproliferative neoplasms, as well as testing novel treatments. He has been a leader in the discovery and characterization of pathogenic mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms and their rapid translation into disease classification, prognostication, and treatment, which has led to his clinical trial work using JAK inhibitors in patients.
Dr. Tefferi has also served on the World Health Organization classification committee for myeloid neoplasms and has led the effort in revising the diagnostic criteria for myeloproliferative neoplasms. His expertise in the field and superior lectures are well recognized, and he has been a key faculty member of many national board review courses, including those sponsored by Harvard Medical School, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and George Washington University.
Dr. Tefferi is a member of many societies, including ASH. He has also served on the editorial board of several journals, including Blood; the Journal of Clinical Oncology; Leukemia; the American Journal of Hematology; and the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the Blood Cancer Journal. In 2008, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center awarded Dr. Tefferi the Emil J Freireich Medal, its highest award for achievement in the management of cancer.
After earning his medical degree from the University of Athens Medical School in Greece, Dr. Tefferi completed a residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. He went on to complete his fellowship at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and later joined the institution’s faculty. ■
