Former HHV-6 Foundation staffer and current medical student Josh Pritchett has been named a 2015 National Honors Award recipient by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) for his work on HHV-6 in bone marrow transplant patients. Now in his third year at the University of Minnesota, Pritchett will receive a stipend and travel grants to further his research.
Every year, ASH selects only a handful of promising young physicians and medical students from throughout North America to receive the award. The ASH HONORS Award is intended to “contribute to the development of the next generation of hematologists by supporting talented medical students and residents to conduct hematology research.”
Pritchett is mentored by Troy Lund, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and bone marrow transplant physician, and Michael Verneris, associate head of research in bone marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota.
“This is an incredible opportunity to learn what it means to ‘bring research to the bedside’ very early in my career,” Pritchett said. “In the clinic, I have had a chance to meet and learn from many extraordinary children who are fighting every day. Their courage and tenacity is so inspiring. Behind the scenes, I have now also been able to see brilliant researchers in action, using inspiration from these patients to push their field and fight alongside these kids and their families.”
Josh worked as a research associate with the HHV-6 Foundation from 2010-2013. He plans to present preliminary findings at the upcoming 9th International Conference on HHV-6 & 7 at Harvard Medical School, November 9-11, 2015.