My name is Camelia Iancu-Rubin. I am a professor in the department of pathology, molecular and cell-based medicine at Icahn School of Medicine in New York. I started my career in basic research in stem cell and megakaryocyte biology. I later redirected my interests toward translational research with the goal of translating the scientific findings from the laboratory to the clinic. One of the research projects in which I was participating as an investigator involved developing cord blood-derived cellular therapies for transplantation in patients with hematological malignancies. I initially led the pre-clinical efforts for product characterization. I then became involved in the process required for bringing these cellular products to the bedside, which concluded with an FDA-approved clinical trial. That journey, combined with my scientific background, provided the confidence and determination to continue the remainder of my career in biotherapies. In addition to my role as a professor, I am currently the director of the cellular therapy laboratory at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where I oversee the conduct and compliance of standard of care procedures for stem cells transplantation products, immune effector cell therapies and other cell-based investigational products administered to our patients.
I learned about the CABP program very soon after its launch from the AABB website and from colleagues in the biotherapies community.
When I first browsed the CABP curriculum, I realized it seemed both comprehensive and challenging. It covered multiple areas, some of which I was not very familiar with. Nonetheless, I was determined to pursue the certification as a challenge to myself and as a means for professional advancement.
I covered each of the program's topics by reading recommended references, other pertinent literature and applying my own experience in the lab. For the topics for which I did not have direct experience, I went back to the processing room and shadowed my staff in performing procedures and calculations, completing worksheets and forms. For the sections related to genetic engineering and viral vectors, I refreshed my knowledge from the time I spent in the research laboratory. For other areas (i.e. pancreatic islet cells, iPS), I reached out to expert colleagues for advice. Finally, I reenforced everything with examples from published literature, which I found for almost every CABP topic.
Yes, I was more confident in some topics than others. My past experiences at the research bench were instrumental in refreshing my knowledge of basic immunology, molecular and cell biology. Similarly, my involvement in submitting and enabling an FDA-approved IND application was critical in understanding the regulatory underpinnings of the process. However, preparing for the less familiar topics was the most satisfying aspect of studying and that helped me beyond the CABP certification. It improved navigating day-to-day lab operations, interacting with my community during scientific meetings and professional discussions. When I later became part of AABB’s CABP writing committee, I realized that studying for the exam made my participation and approach to the writing effort so much easier.
I started studying about four months prior to the exam and I was ready at the end of that period.
Most exams I took in my career were with a pen and paper. I did not know what to expect as this was my first exam taken online. I was surprised how easy it was to navigate the online platform. My advice to others would be to be prepared, relaxed and patient.
I felt very accomplished after obtaining my CABP certification, I felt honored to be in the company of other CABP colleagues and I felt more confident in approaching new professional challenges. CABP certification brought my knowledge and expertise to a new level, advanced my professional standing, and positioned me at the frontline of delivering biotherapies to patients in a safe and compliant manner.
Any professional seeking advancement in the biotherapies field, in industry or academia, should consider the CABP certification. It is a great opportunity to expand one’s knowledge and to be recognized among the highly qualified workforce driving innovation, safety and compliance in biotherapies.
Bonus Offer: Complete your CABP application and, upon approval, receive a special offer from AABB: Free CABP Exam Prep Bootcamps video series (a $275 value).
All CABP applications subject to AABB approval. AABB reserves the right to end this offer at any time.
AABB's CABP Sample Exam Question sets are an essential resource when preparing for the CABP exam. Developed by experts, each set includes 100 downloadable, printable sample questions that cover content across the exam's seven domains.
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