Published on August 15, 2025
ASTCT Spotlight – Dr. Filippo Milano, MD, PHD
by Filippo Milano
This spotlight features Filippo Milano, MD, PhD, physician-scientist at Fred Hutch and member of the ASTCT Board of Directors. A global leader in cord blood transplantation, Dr. Milano has spent 17 years advancing access and outcomes for patients — especially those from diverse backgrounds — through innovative research and clinical care. In this Q&A, he reflects on being named the inaugural Endowed Chair in Cord Blood Research, the personal stories that fuel his passion and his commitment to mentorship, equity and the future of transplant medicine.
ASTCT: You’ve recently been named the inaugural Endowed Chair in Cord Blood Research. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you envision it shaping your work moving forward?
Filippo Milano, MD, PHD (FM): Being named the inaugural Endowed Chair in Cord Blood Research is deeply personal for me. It reflects a journey that began in Rome, carried me across the ocean to Seattle and has been shaped by the patients and families who have trusted us in their most vulnerable moments. This recognition honors not only my work, but the dedication of my entire team, past and present. It gives us the freedom to dream bigger, to pursue innovative, sometimes risky ideas that could transform the future of cord blood transplantation.
ASTCT: After 17 years advancing cord blood transplants at Fred Hutch, what continues to drive your passion for this field?
FM: After 17 years, my passion is still fueled by the faces and stories of the patients who trusted us when hope seemed out of reach. Cord blood transplantation is often a last chance, and to see someone walk out of the hospital, sometimes against all odds, is indescribable. This field challenges me to keep asking, ‘How can we make it better?’ For as long as I have this drive and passion in me, I can guarantee that I will keep advancing the field with all my strengths.
ASTCT: As an associate professor and researcher, how do you balance clinical innovation with mentorship and education?
FM: Balancing innovation with mentorship is not about splitting time, it’s about integration. Every advance in the clinic becomes a teaching moment, and every question from a trainee pushes me to think differently. Mentorship is one of the most rewarding parts of my work because it ensures the next generation will carry this field further than we can alone. In guiding others, I’m reminded daily that progress in medicine is a team journey, built on shared knowledge, curiosity and trust. I have been mentoring high school, undergrad and graduate students, as well as fellows, throughout my career, and despite the differences, the enthusiasm and the passion to have a good impact on their lives is what drives me and ‘keeps’ me young.
ASTCT: What motivated you to join the ASTCT Board, and how do you see your involvement with ASTCT contributing to your work and the broader transplant and cellular therapy community?
FM: I joined the ASTCT Board because I believe our field advances fastest when we share knowledge, set high standards and advocate for our patients together. ASTCT brings together clinicians, researchers and industry in a way that sparks innovation and drives change. Serving on the Board allows me to help shape the future of transplantation and cellular therapy.
ASTCT: What advice would you offer to early-career researchers or clinicians interested in cord blood or cellular therapy?
FM: Stay curious, be patient and never lose sight of the people behind the science. Cord blood and cellular therapy are fields where breakthroughs often come from persistence and teamwork, not quick wins. Find mentors who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to take risks on ideas you believe in. Most importantly, remember that every patient encounter is part of a much larger story, one that can change lives, and it is a privilege to be part of it.
ASTCT: Is there a book, podcast or article that’s recently inspired you — either professionally or personally?
FM: Recently, I was inspired by The Boys in the Boat. As someone with a passion for sports, the story of grit, resilience and teamwork is deep with me. It reminded me how success, whether in rowing or medicine, comes from trust, discipline and working toward a common goal. Mentoring athletes at UW has shown me how those same values translate into my own life and work: building strong teams, supporting each other through challenges and striving for excellence together.
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