Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg

I’m a pediatric blood and bone marrow transplant specialist. I see patients from all over the world, many of whom have very rare diseases. I take care of patients with leukodystrophies, leukemias and other blood disorders that are resistant to standard treatment, and children with brain injuries like cerebral palsy. It’s rewarding to make a difference when treating challenging diseases. I’ve been fortunate over my career to be able to develop new treatments in the laboratory that I take into the clinic to help patients. In fact, here at Duke I was involved in the first cord-blood transplant anywhere in the world. When meeting with patients, I focus on making their experience more than just the medicine. We have a family support program for things beyond medical needs, which is especially helpful for families that are far from home. Outside of work, I like to knit, bike and spend time with my family.

Dr. Kurtzberg is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD), Leukodystrophy, Congenital Athymia, and Bone Marrow Transplant.

Dr. Kurtzberg is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics and American Board Of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. She is actively involved in clinical research, co-authoring 192 peer reviewed articles and participating in 10 clinical trials.