Sickle Cell Disease

Our doctors at Monroe Carell and Vanderbilt University Hospital work closely together as patients move from pediatric to adult care. Our transition program includes mentoring to help children with sickle cell disease prepare for adult life. We teach our patients about health care coverage challenges, age-related complications and the need for specialty referrals.

We work with experts in other regional hospitals to improve your care. Our partners include doctors at Meharry Medical Center, Tennessee Oncology, Cherokee Health System, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, LeBonheur Children's Hospital and Methodist University Hospital. Together, we discuss sickle cell cases and work toward better care solutions. Our connection to the Vanderbilt Transplant Program offers bone marrow transplantation as a possible cure.

Our case managers help you face the psycho-social effects of sickle cell disease, such as maintaining relationships and employment. We also provide help and advice with insurance. Through the Phi Beta Pi Rehabilitation Institute at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, we provide vocational counseling if you are unable to perform your job. We can also help you with access to ambulatory devices so you can continue with work and self-care.

A medical home is more than a basic clinic. It is a place where you will develop a lifelong relationship with doctors, nurses and staff. Our Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease brings together primary care providers and specialists from your area to treat you in one place. 

Our research efforts for sickle cell disease include two kinds of transplant-based research. Our goal is to provide you with even more treatment options in the near future and improve those already available.