The Canadian Hematology Society represents all physicians and scientists with an interest in the discipline in Canada. At present there are over 280 members.

The first annual meeting of the Society was held in the Richelieu Room of the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa on the 20th of January 1971, with fifty-six members present. The draft bylaws were presented by the executive and approved. R.K. Smiley was appointed as the first president with Al Cousineau as vice president, W. Corbett as secretary treasurer.

In 2008, for the first time, the society did not hold an annual meeting in Canada and this will continue in 2009. We are in the process of deciding what the future holds since we have identified 7 hematology subgroups, all of which hold Canadian meetings.

Historically, Canadian Hematologists have gathered for a social evening on the Sunday evening of the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting. This tradition remains unchanged from the founding days with the addition, last year, of an awards night in which selected abstracts from the ASH meeting are reviewed. This year awards are to be given for the two best resident abstracts, the two best abstracts from PhD’s and one award for a junior faculty member. In 2008 we began a new tradition of combining the reception, awards evening and a gala dinner for all Canadian hematologists. This is a major function for the CHS as it brings together the largest group of Canadian hematologists under one roof and is a great chance to network.

The CHS has published a newsletter for the past many years. This is distributed via this web site along with information concerning job postings.

Membership is open to physicians engaged in the practice of clinical or laboratory hematology in Canada or Canadian physicians engaged in such practice, or persons with university degrees making continuing contributions to research in physiology or pathology in hematology in Canada. In appropriate cases, the requirement for a university degree or other qualifications may be waived if in the opinion of the Executive Committee the candidate is making significant continuing contributions to science.

Non-members may be invited to become Honorary Members of the Corporation by virtue of their outstanding contributions to any discipline which is of importance to hematology.

Only Active Members shall vote, hold office and pay dues. Honorary and Emeritus Members shall have the privileges of the Corporation except for voting, holding office and paying dues.

Fellows-in-training may apply to be Associate Members of the Society and will not be required to pay dues until completion of training. The membership form is available on this website or can be obtained from CHS office at 613-748-9613 or email:canadianhematology@uniserve.com. The annual fee is $50.00.