Insight into the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM)
Written by: Rebecca Barty, MLT, BA, MSc Regional Manager, Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN- Southwest Region) | McMaster University (Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research) CSTM Vice President & Co-Chair 2026 CSTM Conference [Hamilton ON]
The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) is an interprofessional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in transfusion medicine for all Canadians. Its vision is to inspire and promote safe transfusion practices; to promote quality and provide guidance for hospital transfusion services; to facilitate opportunities for education and research in transfusion medicine; and, to cultivate regional, national, and international partnerships with key stakeholders.
CSTM is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, guided by the Society’s mission, vision, and by‑laws. The Board includes the Past‑President, President, Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Directors (Central, Eastern, and Western), and two Directors‑at‑Large (English and bilingual), providing a broad range of expertise and perspectives. The CSTM has a volunteer Conference Coordinator position that oversees the annual conference and supports the annual conference working groups and subcommittees with planning and execution.
Each year, CSTM recognizes excellence within the transfusion community through four annual awards and additional educational bursaries, acknowledging members who make significant contributions to transfusion medicine.
CSTM is proud to support ongoing professional development through virtual educational events held three to four times annually, complemented by a flagship in‑person annual conference. The 2026 annual conference theme, “Cascading Connections,” reflects the transformative impact of shared ideas, meaningful relationships, and collaboration across the transfusion medicine community. The program emphasizes donor and patient perspectives, emerging topics, and critical issues facing the field. Together, these sessions foster new insights, inspire innovation, and encourage partnerships that extend well beyond the conference itself. Hamilton Ontario will welcome conference delegates from June 4-7th.
CSTM advances its work through member‑led subcommittees, which translate strategic priorities into action across key areas of transfusion medicine. These include the Canadian Obstetrical and Pediatric Transfusion Network, the Transfusion Safety Network, the Standards Working Group, and the Specialist in Transfusion Science committee.
Community and mentorship are central to CSTM’s culture. The Society provides a national forum that connects transfusion medicine professionals across disciplines and geography. Through conferences, education, and committee involvement, members engage in shared learning, mentorship, and collaboration—strengthening transfusion practice and supporting excellence in patient care nationwide.
Benefits of being a CSTM member include engagement with clinical, technical and scientific leaders, members-only preferred rates and funding opportunities for the annual conference, access to the ISBT resources as an affiliate member, opportunities to volunteer on the Board or committees, participate in stakeholder surveys and attend the CSTM annual general meeting. Membership provides exclusive access to the CSTM Standards for Hospital Transfusion Services and CSTM Education Day presentation recordings in English and French (when available).
Reference:
Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine. CSTM landing page [Internet] Markham, ON: CSTM; 2026 [cite 2026 March 31]. Available from: https://transfusion.ca/
Acknowledgment Statement: Microsoft Copilot was used in the editing and refining of this document. In addition, the CSTM Board of Directors reviewed and made and further editorial changes.