Farewell to Dr. Galel, SBC’s Clinical Services Medical Director
By Deanna Bolio
Dr. Susan Galel, a fixture at Stanford Blood Center since the very early days, retired from Stanford as an Associate Professor Emeritus on May 1, 2014. Dr. Galel had been with Stanford Blood Center since 1983, first as a post-doctoral researcher in Dr. Ed Engleman’s laboratory. In September 1987, she was hired by the Department of Pathology as its first faculty member in transfusion medicine devoted to clinical blood banking. Since then, she has provided medical oversight of Stanford Blood Center clinical operations.
In addition to improving safety for donors and recipients, teaching the next generation’s leaders, and providing leadership for Stanford Blood Center, she has also received regional and national attention for her work in blood banking and transfusion medicine.
“Susan’s incredible impact will remain as part of the blood center for years to come,” said administrator Harpreet Sandhu. “We sincerely appreciate her incredible contribution to Stanford Blood Center and transfusion medicine. She will be missed, but we congratulate her on her new position.”
Dr. Galel will become Senior Director of Scientific Affairs for Blood Screening at Roche Molecular Systems effective May 5. In this capacity, she will be responsible for determining and supporting the donor screening needs of blood and plasma suppliers worldwide, a cause she has felt passionate about for many years.
Dr. David Oh, recently hired as SBC’s Co-Medical Director of Clinical Services, will be taking on many of Dr. Galel’s responsibilities. Dr. Oh brings more than 11 years of experience in blood banking medical direction to Stanford Blood Center.