Inspectors are the backbone of JACIE; without them, there is no certification process. Becoming an inspector is a wonderful way to contribute to maintaining global quality standards. As the number of JACIE applications has increased, we are constantly looking for new inspectors to join our ranks. At the moment, we are particularly keen to hear of German, French and Spanish speaking Clinicians and Quality Managers.
Each month, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our JACIE Inspector who will share his/her experience.
Read our interview with Dimitrios Bourantas.
Introduce yourself and your role(s) and position(s) within EBMT and outside of EBMT
My name is Dimitrios Bourantas. I am a Haematology Consultant and Quality Manager (QM) of the Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) and CAR-T Therapy Programme at Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain.
I began my haematology training in Greece and subsequently moved to the UK, where I completed four years as a Haematology Clinical Fellow. Since 2017, I have been working as a haematologist at Donostia University Hospital and, since 2019, I have also been the QM of the HCT/CAR-T Programme.
I have been a JACIE inspector since 2022 and have participated in seven inspections, with my eighth inspection coming up in the next few weeks. I enjoy being involved in different scopes of JACIE inspections, as I am interested in the entire journey of haematopoietic cells and in the care of patients and donors, from donation and collection to cell processing, administration and post-treatment follow-up.
Since 2026, I have also been a member of the JACIE Assurance Committee.
In November 2025, I started my PhD on biomarkers of CAR-T cell therapy in collaboration with the Biogipuzkoa Health Care Research Institute.
Why did you decide to become a JACIE inspector?
Having worked as a doctor in three different countries and healthcare systems, I realised how rewarding it can be to interact with professionals from different backgrounds. Such interactions can provide different perspectives and approaches to tackling problems and finding solutions. The opportunity to learn about different healthcare structures and practices and to exchange experiences with colleagues from other countries therefore appealed to me. At that time, our centre was also preparing for its first JACIE certification, so becoming an inspector was a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the certification process.
What has been the most memorable inspection that you have ever done?
All of them, without a doubt! I have learnt a lot from each and every inspection, at different levels, including documentation, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. The inspections outside Europe have been particularly memorable, as they involve long trips but also highlight the global reach that JACIE is achieving. And, of course, my first inspection as an observer was especially memorable, as I was trying to learn every little thing from my senior colleagues.
What ‘keys to successful JACIE certification’ can you share with us?
Strong institutional leadership is vital to support the certification process and ensure that the necessary resources are available. Good communication and collaboration between professionals from different backgrounds - doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, data managers and scientists - are equally important. We are all part of the haematopoietic cellular therapy “family”, which, like any family, can have its ups and downs but shares a common purpose: providing the best possible care for patients and donors while supporting their families.
Clear delegation of responsibilities and teamwork are also essential. JACIE certification, and subsequent recertification, cannot be a project led by just one or two people. As a QM myself, I cannot overemphasise the importance of this role; however, multidisciplinary contribution from all personnel is vital.
Our experience has led us to develop a structured framework for implementing a quality management system in HCT and CAR-T programmes, which we have described in a recent paper. This reflects our belief that a systematic approach can help programmes organise their preparation for inspection.
Finally, JACIE certification should not be seen as an endpoint but as an opportunity for continuous improvement and learning for everyone involved, ultimately contributing to patient care and product safety.
How has your career/work benefited from being a JACIE inspector?
Being a JACIE inspector has allowed me to learn a great deal about haematopoietic cellular therapies and gain valuable insights into different approaches to quality management.
It has also been very beneficial for our own HCT and CAR-T programme, as it has given me the opportunity to learn from different perspectives and understand how the standards can be interpreted and implemented in different settings.
In addition, it has opened up opportunities to participate in certification-related committees and initiatives in other areas, such as cancer centre certification in my region.
It has also been valuable for my research and PhD, particularly given my focus on quality management and cellular therapies.
Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects has been interacting with colleagues whom I might never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Do you have any tips or advice for anyone who aspires to become a JACIE Inspector?
Join the JACIE community if you want to learn more about haematopoietic cellular therapies, connect with professionals from around the world who share your enthusiasm for the field and gain insights into different programme infrastructures, systems, workflows and perspectives.
Becoming a JACIE inspector is a great opportunity to contribute to maintaining and continuously improving quality and safety standards in haematopoietic cellular therapy worldwide.