A record number of attendees made their way through the doors at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting, held at the ACC in Liverpool.
After an exciting performance by the B-Positive choir, the Sunday sessions began with the inaugural awards presentations. BSH President Dr Josh Wright presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to not one but two very worthy winners of the prize, Professor Michael Makris and past President of BSH, Professor Cheng-Hock Toh for their outstanding contributions in the field of haematology.
The BSH judging panel could not pick between these two highly respected haematologists and so made history by awarding this joint honour to both.
Professor Michael Makris is one of the UK’s most prominent experts in the field of haemophilia, haemostasis and thrombosis. His contribution to the care of patients with blood clotting disorders over the last 30 years is outstanding. Professor Makris has been a member of the British Society of Haematology for over 30 years. During this period he has contributed to the development of many evidence-based guidelines spanning the full range of clotting and bleeding disorders.
Professor Michael Makris said of his award: “ I am honoured to receive the BSH Lifetime Achievement award for my work in haemostasis and thrombosis. The best way of knowing the value of your work is recognition by your peers and that is why this award means so much to me."
Professor Cheng-Hock Toh has been part of BSH history, serving as President for BSH between 2018-2020, where he encouraged a wider range of haematologists to join the membership and continues to encourage volunteering even to this day (with a special appearance in our volunteer video which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/f5P5DxQmHHs
Professor Cheng-Hock Toh said of the award: “I am grateful to BSH and accept this award on behalf of the many unsung haematologists whose careers make a positive lifelong difference to their patients and colleagues.”
You can also listen to Professor Cheng-Hock Toh interview as part of our 60@60 campaign, in celebration of our 60th anniversary in 2021: https://youtu.be/dpeMLIpp6z4