History of ISH

In 1946, an international conference was organized by Dr.Uribe Guerola (Mexico) in Dallas and this meeting was attended by 90 delegates from Canada, United States, Great Britain, China, Greece and Mexico. In this small session an inspiration was received from free exchange of scientific information. The group including clinicians, clinical pathologists, chemists, genecists and morphologists were motivated and highly interested in the study of blood. They were also determined to offer education and new benefits to all concerned. International Society of Hematology (ISH) was founded by 18 fellows and 90 delegates from, on November 23rd, 1946. Fellows voted to have the Dallas and Mexico City meetings designated as the First Congress of the International Society of Hematology (ISH) and Dr.Joseph M.Hill as its first president.

The first formal ISH Congress was held in Buffalo , New York from August 23rd to 26th, 1948. In this congress, there were 740 attendees from 21 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, France, United Kingdom, Greece, The Netherlands, Israel, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, United States and Venezuella. In the Congress, the ISH Bylaws . The initial membership for Fellows in ISH numbered approximately 400 representing 21 nations. Dr.Joseph M.Hill was elected officially as the first president of ISH and Board of Councillors was also determined.

A new ISH Constitution was ratified at the international congress held in New York City in 1968 and three Divisions were established namely, the Inter-American (IAD),European – African (EAD) and Asian-Pacific (APD) Divisions. Then, each Division was decided to be governed by a Secretary-General reporting to ISH Chair of Council.

The third ISH congress was held at Cambridge, U.K., August 21 – 26, 1950. There were 491 attendees from 29 countries and 200 papers were presented. In this congress, an article was amended to read that new members nominated by national societies of hematology and to be approved by the Board of Councillors. The fourth ISH Congress was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in September 1952 and fifth ISH Congress was held in Paris in September 1954. In the Paris meeting, Prof. William Dameshek (Boston, USA) was elected President of ISH. The sixth ISH Congress was held in Boston in 1956 and the seventh ISH Congress in 1958 was held in Rome.

During the Business Meetings held in Paris Congress in 1954, the ISH Constitution was amended so that President-Elect would serve one term prior to his office duties as President for the next term.
Reference : Oliver P.Jones (Historian of ISH, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, N.Y.) : History of the International Society of Hematology (1946 – 1976).

International Society of Hematology (ISH)

ISH is the oldest and only world hematology organization established by the national hematology societies, in 1946. ISH is an independent organization dedicated to education of professionals and public in all areas of hematology. The Society is also concerned with advancing scientific research as well as the practice of hematology at both clinical and laboratory levels. The Society always has the strongest commitment to serve, educate and keep up-to-date knowledge in hematology as well as to promote highest ethical and scientific standards.

ISH membership is open to any person with medical or scientific qualification of good professional standing with active interest in hematology for a period of at least 5 years. ISH has over 4.500 active members, worldwide.

Aims and Objectives

1. To provide an international educational source and forum for hematology by contributing to the creation of an academic, scientific and research network in hematology to :
   • improve the technology of hematological diagnosis and clinical practice in different hematological subspecialities,
   • strengthen the communications between academic and research institutions,
   • increase of exchange between research groups and industry
   • promote training in hematological technology and contribute to education and practice of hematology in developing countries
2. To encourage collaboration in scientific basic and clinical hematological research
3. To promote the advancement of hematology and its recognition as a branch of the bio-medical sciences.
4. To standardize hematological methods and nomenclature on an international scale.
5. To facilitate faster and better understanding of the basic scientific principles of hematology among hematologists, basic science investigators, practitioners, laboratory hematologists and general practitioners.