Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg

As director of Duke’s sickle cell transition program, my practice and research focuses on treating children and adults with sickle cell disease. When I work with children, I try to focus on teaching them about their condition and how to transition successfully to living with the disease as an adult. For all patients, I focus on providing the medical, social and psychological support they need to remain healthy. My research aims to increase engagement of sickle cell patients with their own care using mobile technology. Through the use of applications, we’re hoping to help patients, specifically children, better manage their symptoms and medications. Outside of work, I have a strong interest in art. In fact, one of my undergraduate majors was biological illustration. I enjoy drawing plants, animals and people. I’ve recently started getting back into this hobby. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Anemia. His top areas of expertise are Sickle Cell Disease, Hemoglobinopathy, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

I became interested in medicine after studying tropical forest in college and realizing that I wanted more contact with people than trees. In medical school, I cared for children and adults with sickle cell disease and was inspired by the challenges and complexity of this chronic illness. I chose to train in both pediatric and adult hematology and now see both children and adults with non-malignant blood disorders. I joined Duke Health in July 2016 to direct the Adult Sickle Cell Program and focus on the care of children and adults with disorders of hemoglobin. Dr. Strouse is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Anemia. His top areas of expertise are Sickle Cell Disease, Hemoglobinopathy, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

I treat children with cancer and blood disorders, such as anemia and sickle cell disease. When families come in, there is understandably a huge amount of anxiety. I try to spend a lot of time with them and discuss what we know, what we need to find out, and how we plan to care for their children. My goal is to make it the least scary as possible for both the children and the parents/caregivers while providing the best care. Even in the setting of severe illness, interacting with children is uplifting and extremely rewarding. Children truly demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit. What I love most about my job is having relationships with children and seeing them grow; it is a wonderful experience. Dr. Rothman is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Anemia. Her top areas of expertise are Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, and Splenectomy.