The 20 Best Sickle Cell Disease Doctors Near Me in St Petersburg, FL

Find the Top Sickle Cell Disease Experts and Specialists

Last Updated: 04/28/2026

Save doctors for later
Sign Up
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
Already have a doctor?
Find A Second Opinion

MediFind found 52 doctor with experience in Sickle Cell Disease near St Petersburg, FL. Of these, 41 are Experienced and 11 are Advanced.

Location
LocationClose
52 providers found
    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Pediatric Hematology Oncology
    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Pediatric Hematology Oncology

    Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care, St. Petersburg

    601 5th Street South, Suite 320, Suite 320, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. New is the director of the Sickle Cell Disease Program in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute. She joined the hospital staff in 2023. She was previously a hematologist-oncologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she most recently served as director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and clinical director of the Egleston Sickle Cell Program in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Before that she was the Egleston hospital’s section chief of hematology-oncology and clinical director in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Egleston. She was also associate professor of pediatrics at Emory Pediatric Institute. Dr. New has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has given many talks internationally, nationally and regionally. Her research interests include recruitment for multi-center trials in sickle cell, as well as global initiatives in sickle cell disease service, education and awareness. Dr. New earned her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. She completed her pediatric internship and residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She then completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. New is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. She is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Sickle Cell Disease, Hemoglobinopathy, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, and Hemolytic Anemia. Dr. New is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.

    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Hematology | Pediatric Hematology Oncology
    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Hematology | Pediatric Hematology Oncology

    Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care, St. Petersburg

    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Greek
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Vlachos is the chief of hematology in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, and professor of pediatrics (PAR) in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She joined the hospital staff in 2024. She was previously professor of pediatrics at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and attending physician in hematology/oncology at Cohen Children’s Medical Center/Northwell Health, where she was head of the Bone Marrow Failure Program and head of the pediatric hematology/oncology trials office. Dr. Vlachos is internationally known for clinical care and expertise in bone marrow failure syndromes and her transformational research in Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) syndrome, a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome. Dr. Vlachos is the founder and has directed the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Registry (DBAR) of North America since its inception in 1991. She is the principal investigator and co-investigator on multiple grants funded by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has published numerous articles on her research findings and has been invited to author papers and book chapters on bone marrow failure syndromes and DBA. Dr. Vlachos is a member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board for the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Registry, is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation and holds a position on the Scientific Program Committee for Bone Marrow Failure of the American Society of Hematology. She earned her medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. She completed her residency in pediatrics at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. She then completed a clinical fellowship in bone marrow transplantation at North Shore University Hospital, followed by a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Videos Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome Expert Dr. Adrianna Vlachos at Johns Hopkins All Children’s. Dr. Vlachos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. She is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Aase Syndrome, Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Aplastic Anemia, and Transient Erythroblastopenia of Childhood. Dr. Vlachos is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease

    Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

    501 6th Avenue South, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, French, Spanish

    Dr. Betensky is an assistant professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Hematology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a pediatric hematologist in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Betensky is director of the hospital's pediatric thrombosis program, providing care for patients with complex thrombotic disorders. She has received various grants and awards to support her research in pediatric venous thromboembolism. Dr. Betensky also has worked to provide medical education, develop research collaborations, and build capacity of hematology programs in Latin America Dr. Betensky earned her medical degree at Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City, Mexico and her masters of public health at Boston University School of Public Health. She completed her pediatric residency and fellowship in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Betensky is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), Anemia, and Thrombectomy. Dr. Betensky is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Pediatric Hematology Oncology
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Pediatric Hematology Oncology

    Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Spanish

    Dr. Ortiz specializes in pediatric hematology-oncology in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute. He joined the hospital staff in 2018. Dr. Ortiz earned his medical degree from the Universidad de Ciencias Medicas (UCIMED) in San Jose, Costa Rica. He completed his residency in pediatrics and served as pediatric chief resident at Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. There he also completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology. He speaks Spanish. Dr. Ortiz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. His clinical expertise encompasses Sickle Cell Disease. Dr. Ortiz is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.

    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    Professional Health Care Of Pinellas

    1839 Central Ave, 
    St Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Nino Kurtsikidze is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in St Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Kurtsikidze is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. She is also highly rated in 28 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Sepsis, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Kurtsikidze is currently accepting new patients.

    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    Professional Health Care Of Pinellas

    1839 Central Ave, 
    St Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Vitalis Unaeze is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in St Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Unaeze is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Sickle Cell Disease, Sepsis, Low Potassium Level, Hip Replacement, and Endoscopy.

    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Advanced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    Professional Health Care Of Pinellas LLC

    6502 Park Blvd N, 
    Pinellas Park, FL 
     (7.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Hazem Al is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Pinellas Park, Florida. Dr. Al is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 167 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Necrosis, Peptic Ulcer, Pneumonia, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Al is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Al is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine

    Community Health Centers At Bayfront

    700 6th St S, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Holly Baab is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Baab is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. Her clinical expertise encompasses Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Sickle Cell Disease, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH), Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    Bayfront Health-St Petersburg

    701 6th St S, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Experience:
    10+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Kevin Li is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. He has been practicing medicine for over 10 years. Dr. Li is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. His clinical expertise encompasses Low Sodium Level, Stroke, Familial Neurocardiogenic Syncope, Ureteroscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Hematology | Oncology
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Hematology | Oncology

    Office

    601 5th St S Ste 302, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    E Leila is a Hematologist and an Oncologist practicing medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Leila is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. Her clinical expertise encompasses Sickle Cell Disease and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine

    Office

    700 6th St S Fl 3, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Lorna Fountain is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Fountain is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Asthma in Children, Grass Allergy, Volkmann Contracture, and Rhabdomyolysis.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine

    MDVIP - St. Petersburg, FL

    500 Roser Park Dr S, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (0.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Frederic Guerrier is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Guerrier is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, Ureteroscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Tatiana Arkhipenko is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Arkhipenko is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. She is also highly rated in 33 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Acute Kidney Failure, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Familial Colorectal Cancer, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Patrick Mella is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Mella is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Osteomyelitis in Children, Lung Metastases, Hip Replacement, and Ureteroscopy.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    David Lim is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Lim is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gallbladder Disease, High Potassium Level, Rhabdomyolysis, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Kaela Harron is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Harron is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. Her clinical expertise encompasses Pneumonia, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, Atypical Pneumonia, and Acute Kidney Failure.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Alexander Schreil is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Schreil is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. His clinical expertise encompasses Peptic Ulcer, Sepsis, Necrosis, Endoscopy, and Bladder Reconstruction.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Christopher Cooke is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Cooke is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Rhabdomyolysis, Atypical Pneumonia, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, and Pneumonia.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Internal Medicine

    St Petersburg Gastroenterology Associates LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Ricardo Pineda is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Pineda is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Rhabdomyolysis, Lymphangitis, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, and Atypical Pneumonia.

    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Sickle Cell Disease
    Family Medicine

    Professional Health Care Of Pinellas LLC

    1839 Central Ave, 
    Saint Petersburg, FL 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Leonard Confident is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Confident is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Lung Metastases, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and Osteomyelitis in Children. Dr. Confident is currently accepting new patients.

    Showing 1-20 of 52

    Last Updated: 04/28/2026

    What is the definition of Sickle Cell Disease?

    Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) is a genetic blood disorder that is the most common, severe type of sickle cell disease, in which the red blood cells, instead of being flexible and round, are rigid, sticky, and shaped like sickles or crescent moons (C-shaped). This rigidity and stickiness of red blood cells makes the hemoglobin in the cells carry less oxygen and get stuck in small blood vessels, while slowing or blocking blood and oxygen to the body tissues. Sickle cells additionally die early, causing a chronic shortage of red blood cells. When sickle cells get stuck in small blood vessels, they can cause pain, infection, acute chest syndrome, and stroke. In the United States, sickle cell anemia occurs most frequently in African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

    When should I see a Sickle Cell Disease doctor near St Petersburg, FL?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing a Sickle Cell Disease doctor near St Petersburg, FL?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Sickle Cell Disease doctors near St Petersburg, FL?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Sickle Cell Disease doctors near St Petersburg, FL?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with a Sickle Cell Disease doctor near St Petersburg, FL?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Sickle Cell Disease doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Sickle Cell Disease doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with a Sickle Cell Disease doctor near St Petersburg, FL?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Sickle Cell Disease doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Sickle Cell Disease doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Sickle Cell Disease doctors near St Petersburg, FL?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Sickle Cell Disease doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find a Sickle Cell Disease doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Sickle Cell Disease doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

    Read more about our Content Policy