From March 15-21, 2026, the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology seminar brought 36 fellows from 24 countries to Salzburg, continuing a program committed to international collaboration despite ongoing global uncertainties. From Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, and Kazakhstan, fellows continue to share the intention to strengthen clinical knowledge and improve care for children in their home countries.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology has been delivered across all three OMI hubs: Salzburg, Mexico, and Vietnam. Each location has contributed to building a network of physicians focused on addressing the complexities of pediatric blood disorders and cancers among different healthcare systems.
The course was led by an experienced international faculty. Dr. Suzanne MacFarland, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Cancer Predisposition Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), served as course director in oncology. She was joined by Dr. Abraham Haimed, attending physician in the Division of Hematology and Quality Improvement Champion, in this endeavor. From St. Anna Children’s Hospital, Dr. Leo Kager contributed again as co-course director. He has been involved in the program since 2011. Additional faculty included Dr. Jason L. Freedman and Dr. Julia T. Warren from CHOP, alongside Dr. Rachel Bortnick from the General Hospital of Salzburg.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. MacFarland described the seminar as “a comprehensive and exciting educational experience,” noting the diversity of participants and the shared commitment to improving outcomes for children. She emphasized that while healthcare systems and resources differ significantly, the group was united by a common purpose. Fellows presented rare and complex cases, exchanged perspectives, and explored practical approaches to clinical challenges. She also highlighted the value of the seminar as a hub for global knowledge sharing, adding that the experience fostered connections likely to support continued collaboration beyond Salzburg.
Dr. Haimed, serving as course director for the first time, pointed to the fellows’ engagement as a defining feature. He shared: “They are genuinely excited to be here, highly engaged, and bring an energy and enthusiasm that elevates every discussion. They ask thoughtful questions, push conversations forward, and clearly want to make the most of the experience. It’s been refreshing to see that level of participation.”
The course content included the complexity of pediatric hematology and oncology. Lectures addressed both malignant conditions, such as leukemias, sarcomas, and brain tumors, and nonmalignant disorders, including anemias, bleeding disorders, and bone marrow failure. In addition, the curriculum covered supportive care and long-term considerations, including late effects of treatment.
The seminar also focused on the integration of emerging therapies into clinical practice. Faculty introduced advances in gene therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments, emphasizing their potential in managing conditions that have historically been difficult to treat.
Pediatric hematology and oncology remains a particularly demanding area of medicine, where diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and long-term follow-up are essential. The seminar highlighted the importance of equipping physicians with both foundational knowledge and awareness of evolving treatment strategies, especially for those working in resource-limited environments.
We extend our thanks to our faculty members for their expertise and commitment. Their leadership made this seminar a meaningful experience in addressing complex pediatric conditions to improve care for children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide.
Solomon Chemogo, MD
OMI fellow from Ghana
“Each faculty member demonstrated a wealth of knowledge on all the interesting topics. The discussions on the care of children with hemoglobinopathies and bleeding disorders by Dr. Abraham Haimed were very relevant and relatable to my practice in Africa.”
Rabiya Sabitova, MD
OMI fellow from Kazakhstan
“I had the great opportunity to talk to Dr. Julia T. Warren. We discussed how the healthcare system works in the USA, as well as some of the challenges in Kazakhstan. I truly appreciated the openness and engagement of the faculty members. You could ask questions at any time.”
Gabriela Tomova, MD
OMI fellow from Bulgaria
“The lecture on bone marrow transplantation by Dr. Jason Freedman was particularly meaningful to me. Our center has recently started performing bone marrow transplants and I am actively involved in this program. The opportunity to speak directly with experienced faculty members, ask questions about specific cases, and hear their advice was extremely valuable.”
