The goals of the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium is to create and sustain a multi-institutional international research group which coordinates and facilitates basic and clinical research dealing with the cellular and genetic basis of the of the Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative disorders.
The Consortium utilizes the data generated from basic research projects as a platform and rationale for the creation and execution of investigator initiated phase I/II clinical trials, which are pursued at multiple institutions belonging to the Consortium.
Ronald Hoffman, MD, has an extensive background in laboratory based stem cell research as well as hands on care of patients with hematological malignancies. His background provides a range of experiences, which are ideally suited for pursuing this type of translational research.
His interests and passion for scientific investigation in the area of myeloproliferative disorders spans a period of nearly 30 years beginning as an instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine under the direction of Lewis Wasserman, MD, who was the Principal Investigator of the Polycythemia Vera Study Group. Dr. Hoffman was the Executive Secretary of the Polycythemia Vera Study Group from 1976-1977.
Dr. Hoffman has held administrative roles as president of the International Society of Experimental Hematology and of the American Society of Hematology, both a demonstration of his skills for supervising and coordinating the activities of a cadre of highly qualified investigators that comprise the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium. Additionally he is co-author of the textbook Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice and editor of the journal Experimental Hematology.
His extensive track record in flow cytometry, the performance of a variety of surrogate functional assays of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, immunohistochemistry and molecular biological based assay systems to study hematopoiesis serve as a foundation to act as the Principal Investigator of Project 5, which deals with stem cell trafficking patterns in patients with primary myelofibrosis. His position at Icahn School of Medicine does not require such internal administrative responsibilities, and this unique situation permits him to concentrate on the scientific, regulatory, and administrative duties that are needed for the principal investigator of an ambitious PPG to be successful.