Sickle Cell Disease

Hematology


617.638.6428

BMC’s Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease is the largest center of its kind in New England, serving more than 450 patients annually, from newborns to adults. The center’s multidisciplinary team is committed to providing patients with highly personalized care across childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. Our goal is to help patients manage their symptoms so they can live as normal a life as possible.

In addition to a designated pediatric sickle cell program and adult sickle cell program, our team offers a transitional care clinic to help young adults transition into adult care and learn how to play a role in their own health care. 

    Our team includes physicians and nurse practitioners from pediatric and adult hematology and primary care, as well as other specialties. Nurses, social workers, case management, and a patient navigator are also available to help guide patients through their care. Our team works with departments across the hospital to provide coordinated and consistent care between the Emergency Department, inpatient services, and outpatient clinics, including the pediatric STAR unit and the Infusion Center in the Adult Hematology/Oncology Clinic. 

    Highlights of our program include:

    • Largest combined pediatric and adult sickle cell disease (SCD) center in New England
    • A focus on research to learn how sickle cell disease affects the body and investigate new potential treatments
    • Unique programs to help patients navigate the transition of care from pediatrics to adulthood
    • Expertise in medical and surgical management of the complications of SCD  
    • Expertise in pain management
    • A diverse team that speaks several languages, including Spanish and French, as well as translation services for 263 languages 

    Contact Us

    Adult Clinic

    830 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
    3rd Floor
    Moakley Building     617.638.6428
    Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Pediatric Clinic

    850 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
    6th Floor
    Yawkey Center     617.414.4841
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30PM Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    Specialty Clinics

    Sickle Cell Disease - Adult Clinic

    At BMC, we’re home to the largest center for sickle cell disease (SCD) in New England, with hematologists who specialize in treating adults with SCD. Our core team also works closely with a wide range of sub-specialists, such as pulmonologists, nephrologists, and primary care doctors who understand the needs and many complications of patients with SCD.

    Sickle Cell Disease - Pediatric Clinic

    In our Pediatric Sickle Cell Program, our specialists provide comprehensive care for hundreds of pediatric patients and understand the specific needs of kids born with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our goal is to help children with SCD lead normal, healthy, carefree lives as much as possible.

    Sickle Cell Disease - Transitional Care

    At BMC, our Transitional Care Clinic works closely with patients and their families to gradually teach adolescent and young adult patients how to manage their own health and how to advocate for themselves. Our team provides support to help our young adult patients grow into mature, responsible adults who can manage their health on their own, while providing a safety net as they learn these new skills.

    Conditions We Treat

    Patient Stories

    Our Team

    Elizabeth S Klings, MD

    Pulmonologist, Director of the Center for Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Center

    Special Interests

    Pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease, pulmonary embolism, chronic dyspnea

    Amy E Sobota, MD, MPH

    Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist

    Special Interests

    Sickle cell disease, iron deficiency, menstrual disorders

    Placeholder image for doctor

    Santia Berberena, PsyD

    Clinical Health Psychologist

    Special Interests

    adult mental health, bariatric medicine, health psychology and stress management techniques, interventions in clinical hypnosis, trauma informed interventions and care, Latino and Afro-Caribbean mental health, immigrant mental health, Native American mental health, cognitive and personality assessment

    Robyn T Cohen, MD

    Director, Pediatric Pulmonary & Allergy Clinic

    Special Interests

    Asthma, pulmonary complications of sickle cell anemia, asthma health disparities, asthma in Latinx communities, social determinants of health

    Lillian E McMahon, MD

    Hematologist

    Special Interests

    Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Hemoglobin C Disease, Hemoglobinopathies

    Department News

    Athletes gearing up for Boston Triathlon on July 24

    Athletes across the city are pumping up their tires and lacing up their shoes for the Boston Triathlon next weekend. Many are raising important dollars for critical programs at Boston Medical Center.

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    Research

    BMC researchers are finding innovative new ways to treat and cure blood disorders.

    As our patient, you'll have access to a wide range of clinical trials from both BMC researchers and researchers at other institutions. While we enroll any and all eligible patients in clinical trials, BMC physicians are in particular leaders in the enrollment of under-represented minorities in clinical trials.

    Learn more about clinical trials for Sickle Cell Disease at BMC.

    Affiliations

    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Logo

    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

    As the principal teaching affiliate of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center is devoted to training future generations of healthcare professionals.  Learn more about Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

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