On January 1st, 2021, Doctor Mohamad Mohty, Professor of Haematology, and head of the Haematology and Cellular Therapy Department at the Saint-Antoine Hospital (EBMT center: CIC 775) and Sorbonne University (Paris, France), had the tremendous privilege of being nominated by the French President as a “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur”, the highest French award, and one of the world’s most widely recognised decorations. The Legion of Honor brings together, around the criteria of personal merit and accomplishments, famous personalities as well as citizens unknown to the broader public. A nomination as a “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur”, is the culmination of a long and rigorous process, involving a series of complex steps according to a specific timetable.
We, at the EBMT, are extremely proud of such achievement. Needless to say, Professor Mohty has always been a key figure of the EBMT and in the stem cell transplant and cellular therapy field. Over the past 25 years or so, Professor Mohty has been a very active member of the EBMT. After being the chair of the Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP) during two terms (2010-2014 and 2018-present), he has also served as our Society’s President for 4 years (2014-2018).
According to all his colleagues, the involvement of Professor Mohty's involvement in stem cell transplantation and with the EBMT, is about passion, vision, and serving. He has been dedicated to haematology and to the transplant field since his early years of medical school when he lost a beloved close family member after a stem cell transplant. Since then, he has been continuously committed to this field, for the ultimate benefit of patients. After completing his MD and PhD degrees, he was appointed Full Professor of Hematology, at the age of 37 (one of the youngest professors of medicine in France at this time). His track record illustrates a long-term commitment, with more than 750 highly ranked peer-reviewed articles as a principal author or co-author (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=MOHTY+M) in the field of stem cell transplantation, leukemia, and myeloma. He has also helped establish and support transplant programs in low and middle income countries, and has been with the EBMT at the forefront of the defense of patients’ rights throughout the years.
All those who know Professor Mohty can speak about his leadership skills, dedication, tremendous energy, and continuous enthusiasm in all circumstances. After receiving his honor, Mohty said: “At this exciting time, where we witness an incredible hematological revolution with the advent of innovative cellular, immune, and targeted therapies, this award of the legion of honor is a recognition of the importance of our field, and an acknowledgment of the work of all those searching to cure these terrible blood and bone marrow cancers. Thank you all for everything.".
Below is a letter that was written by a patient to Mohamad Mohty earlier this year:
Professor,
I cannot allow myself to forget those who healed me and revived me.
So, also in this new year, I once again wish you joy and my best regards!!
We are going through difficult times and as always what would we do without research and doctors??
Very well done and thank you, as well as thanks to all of your colleagues!
All the best for your private life too!
Have a beautiful year!