EHA's Long-Term Advocacy for Hematology Achieves a Major Milestone

The election of EHA Past President Professor António Almeida as the first President of the newly established Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS) Section of General Haematology marks an important milestone in EHA’s long-standing commitment to driving the recognition of hematology as a distinct medical specialty across Europe.

EHA has worked closely with UEMS and national stakeholders for almost a decade to elevate the profile of hematology. Through persistent advocacy, EHA has championed the harmonization of specialist training, supported professional mobility across borders, and promoted high standards in continuing medical education. The establishment of the UEMS Section of General Haematology represents the culmination of these efforts.

Through his roles in the EHA Curriculum Committee and EHA Education Committee as well as EHA President and current Past President role, Prof Almeida has always advocated for the harmonization of education in Europe. Having attended medical school at Cambridge University and receiving his hematology training at Imperial College London in the UK before moving back to Portugal to work at the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon, made him realize how different the practices can be between countries and even between institutions within the same country.

Through his leadership, he helped bring together collaborators from across EHA and the wider European hematology and medical education communities, fostering the partnerships and shared commitment that were instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

The establishment of the hematology section also demonstrates the impact of collective advocacy by EHA and National Societies. Since health and education authorities often use the UEMS classification as reference for decisions on specialty training and funding, the creation of the hematology section was a priority goal for national hematology communities.

Looking ahead, the work of the Section has the potential to deliver even greater benefits for the hematology community. UEMS recognition will also reinforce advocacy for modernization of the Professional Qualifications Directive, in particular its Annex V which regulates automatic recognition of specialty training across the EU. Collaboration between EBAH and UEMS-EACCME could pave the way for the mutual recognition of accreditation points across Europe, further facilitating professional development and lifelong learning.

EHA congratulates Prof Almeida on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to his continued contributions. Known for his collaborative leadership style he is well positioned to help advance the field and foster greater alignment across the European hematology community.

EHA looks forward to working closely with the UEMS Section of General Haematology to further strengthen the profession and advance mutual recognition of CME activities across Europe.