Sickle Cell Center

Meet the Clinical Team

The Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is home to specialists with a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of focus. As a team, this diversity makes us better prepared to care for your child’s healthcare needs. Learn more about our clinical faculty.

Division Director

A photo of Russell Ware.

Russell E. Ware, MD, PhD Director, Division of Hematology 513-517-2344 russell.ware@cchmc.org

A photo of Russell Ware.

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Russell E. Ware, MD, PhD

Director, Division of Hematology

Institute Co-Director, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute

Associate Director, Global Health Center

Marjory J. Johnson Chair of Hematology Translational Research

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2344

Fax 513-803-8941

Email russell.ware@cchmc.org

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Sickle cell disease; hemolytic anemia; immune-mediated cytopenia; PNH
Visit the Ware Lab.

Russell Ware, MD, PhD, has been involved with a wide variety of clinical and translational hematology research projects for over 25 years, but his primary interests have focused on sickle cell disease. Dr. Ware has substantial personal experience with directing patient-oriented research, and he currently runs an NIH-funded laboratory effort that investigates genetic modifiers of sickle cell disease. The main focus of his lab research is to understand the phenotypic variability that occurs with hydroxyurea treatment, through the study of hydroxyurea pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacogenomics. Dr. Ware is also the national principal investigator for several NIH-funded multicenter sickle cell clinical trials, including the recently completed Stroke With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (SWiTCH), and the current TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) and Sparing Conversion to Abnormal TCD Elevations (SCATE) studies that include non-US clinical sites. Most recently, Dr. Ware has moved his research efforts into the international arena, starting SCD pilot screening programs in Angola, and now conducting clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in developing countries.

Education and Training

MD: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 1979-83.

Residency: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 1983-86.

Fellowship: Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC, 1986-89.

PhD: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 1987-91.

Certification: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

Ndeezi G, Kiyaga C, Hernandez AG, Munube D, Howard TA, Ssewanyana I, Nsungwa J, Kiguli S, Ndugwa CM, Ware RE, Aceng JR. Burden of sickle cell trait and disease in the Uganda Sickle Surveillance Study (US3): a cross-sectional study. Lancet Glob Health. 2016 Mar;4(3):e195-e200.

Aygun B, Mortier NA, Kesler K, Schultz WH, Alvarez O, Rogers Z, Kwiatkowski J, Miller S, Sylvestre P, Cohen A, Ware RE. Therapeutic phlebotomy is safe in children with sickle cell anemia and can be effective treatment for transfusional iron overload. Br J Haematol. 2015;169(2):262-266.

Ware RE, Davis BR, Schultz WH, Brown, Aygun B, Sarnaik S, Odame I, Fuh B, George A, Owen W, Luchtman-Jones L, Rogers ZR, Hilliard L, Gauger C, Piccone C, Lee MT, Kwiatkowski JL, Jackson S, Miller ST, Roberts C, Heeney MM, Kalfa TA, Nelson S, Imran H, Nottage K, Alvarez O, Rhodes M, Thompson AA, Rothman JA, Helton KJ, Roberts D, Coleman J, Bonner MJ, Kutlar A, Patel N, Wood J, Piller L, Wei P, Luden J, Mortier NA, Stuber SE, Luban NL, Cohen AR, Pressel, Adams RJ. Hydroxycarbamide versus chronic transfusion for maintenance of transcranial doppler flow velocities in children with sickle cell anaemia-TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH): a multicentre, open-label, phase 3, non-inferiority trial. Lancet. 2015 Feb;387(10019):661-670.

Yawn BP, Buchanan GR, Afenyi-Annan AN, Ballas SK, Hassell KL, James AH, Jordan L, Lanzkron SM, Lottenberg R, Savage WJ, Tanabe PJ, Ware RE, Murad MH, Goldsmith JC, Ortiz E, Fulwood R, Horton A, John-Sowah J. Management of sickle cell disease: summary of the 2014 evidence-based report by expert panel members. JAMA. 2014 Sep 10;312(10):1033-48.

Ware RE. Is sickle cell anemia a neglected tropical disease? PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2013 May 30;7(5):e2120.

Ware RE and Helms RW for the SWiTCH Investigators. Stroke With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (SWiTCH). Blood. 2012;119(17):3925-3932.

Ware RE, Despotovic JM, Mortier NA, Flanagan JM, He J, Smeltzer M, Kimble AC, Aygun B, Wu S, Howard T, Sparreboom A. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics of hydroxyurea treatment for children with sickle cell anemia. Blood. 2011;118(18):4985-4991.

Wang WC, Ware RE, Miller ST, Iyer RV, et al. Hydroxycarbamide in very young children with sickle-cell anaemia: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial (BABY HUG). Lancet. 2011;377(9778):1663-1672.

Ware RE, Zimmerman SA, Sylvestre PB, Mortier NA, Davis JS, Treem WR, Schultz WH. Prevention of secondary stroke and resolution of transfusional iron overload in children with sickle cell anemia using hydroxyurea and phlebotomy. J Pediatr. 2004;145:346-352.

Zimmerman SA, Schultz WH, Davis JS, Pickens CV, Mortier NA, Howard TA, Ware RE. Sustained long-term hematological efficacy of hydroxyurea at maximum tolerated dose in children with sickle cell disease. Blood. 2004;103:2039-2045.

Program Director

A photo of Punam Malik.

Punam Malik, MD Director, Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center 513-636-1333 punam.malik@cchmc.org

Clinical Director

A photo of Charles Quinn.

Charles T. Quinn, MD, MS Medical Director, Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory 513-517-2234 charles.quinn@cchmc.org

A photo of Charles Quinn.

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Charles T. Quinn, MD, MS

Medical Director, Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory

Medical Director, Pediatric Sickle Cell Program

Academic Affiliations

Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2234

Fax 513-636-5845

Email charles.quinn@cchmc.org

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Clinical & Research Interests

Clinical

Sickle cell disease; thalassemia; hemoglobinopathies; genetics of hemoglobinopathies; anemia; autoimmune hemolytic anemia; disorders of red blood cells; iron overload and iron chelation; chronic transfusion therapy; hereditary spherocytosis (HS); hereditary xerocytosis (HX); immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Research

Identifying the causes of the cardiomyopathy and nephropathy of sickle cell disease and identifying new treatments for these complications; direct measurement of red blood cell turnover (rate of hemolysis); MRI methods for the quantitation of tissue iron; new agents for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Dr. Quinn conducts patient-oriented and translational research in sickle cell disease and thalassemia. He is the medical director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Program and the medical director of the Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He is also the medical director of the Ohio Department of Health Regional Sickle Cell Services Program – Region 1.

Education and Training

MD: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 1994.

MS: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 2008.

Residency & Chief Residency: Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 1998.

Fellowship: Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 2001.

Certifications: Pediatrics, 1998; Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, 2002.

View PubMed Publications

Cincinnati Center of Excellence in Hemoglobinopathies Research. Co-PI. National Institutes of Health. Aug 2013–May 2018. U01 HL117709.

A photo of Theodosia A. Kalfa.

Theodosia A. Kalfa, MD, PhD Co-Director, Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory 513-636-0989 theodosia.kalfa@cchmc.org

A photo of Theodosia A. Kalfa.

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Theodosia A. Kalfa, MD, PhD

Co-Director, Erythrocyte Diagnostic Laboratory

Academic Affiliations

Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-0989

Fax 513-636-3549

Email theodosia.kalfa@cchmc.org

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Research Interests

Signaling in erythrocytes; erythropoiesis; sickle cell disease; reactive oxygen species

Visit the Kalfa Lab.

Education and Training

MD: Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece, 1990.

PhD: Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece, 1997.

Residency: University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 1999.

Fellowship: Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 2003.

Certification: Hematology / oncology, American Board of Pediatrics, 2004; Pediatrics, American Board of Pediatrics, 2000; ECFMG Certification, 1995.

Licenses: Full and unrestricted medical license (OH Medical Board), 2003-present; full and unrestricted license of medical practice in Greece, 1990-present.

View PubMed Publications

Rho GTPases in Terminal Erythroid Maturation. Principal Investigator. NIH/NHLBI. Sep 2012-Jun 2016. #1R01HL116352.

Cincinnati Center of Excellence in Hemoglobinopathies Research. Co-investigator. NIH/NHLBI. Aug 2013–May 2018. # U01 HL117709.

A photo of Karen Kalinyak.

Karen A. Kalinyak, MD Director, Outcomes & Quality Improvement 513-517-2234 karen.kalinyak@cchmc.org

A photo of Patrick McGann.

Patrick T. McGann, MD, MS Member, Division of Hematology 513-517-2234 patrick.mcgann@cchmc.org

A photo of Patrick McGann.

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Patrick T. McGann, MD, MS

Member, Division of Hematology

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-517-2234

Fax 513-636-6929

Email patrick.mcgann@cchmc.org

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Dr. McGann was a leader in the development of a newborn screening and treatment program in the Republic of Angola. Toward this end, he worked and lived in Angola for much of two and a half years. This work helped to develop many relationships and is the foundation for much of his continued research and public health efforts in Angola. His research efforts during this time were supplemented by formal training in clinical research through the American Society of Hematology's Clinical Research Training Institute and through the master's program in clinical research at Baylor College of Medicine.

He is also actively involved in global hematology and global child health through such organizations as the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network, the Central African Sickle Cell Network (REDAC), the American Society of Hematology, and the AAP's Section on International Child Health (SOICH).

Upon arrival to Cincinnati Children's, Dr. McGann was the recipient of the Procter Scholar Award, which will help to support his international research efforts.

Education and Training

MD: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 2006.

Residency: Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 2009.

Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 2009-2011; Baylor College of Medicine, 2011-2012.

MS: Clinical Research, Baylor College of Medicine, 2013.

Board Certification: Pediatrics, 2009; Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, 2013.

View PubMed Publications

A Phase I/II Study of Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Angola. Principal Investigator. Procter Scholar Award, Cincinnanti Children's Hospital Medical Center TAPS Program. Jan 2014-Dec 2016.

Sickle Cell Education and Screening for Angolan Adolescents. Co-Director/Mentor. AAP International Community Access to Child Health (ICATCH). Jan 2014-Dec 2016.

A photo of Omar Niss.

Omar Niss, MD Member, Division of Hematology 513-517-2234 omar.niss@cchmc.org

A photo of Naomi Joffe.

Naomi E. Joffe, PhD Pediatric Psychologist, Clinical, Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology 513-636-4336 naomi.joffe@cchmc.org

A photo of Naomi Joffe.

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Naomi E. Joffe, PhD

Pediatric Psychologist, Clinical, Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology

CBDI Patient and Family Wellness Center

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-4336

Email naomi.joffe@cchmc.org

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Pediatric psychology; coping with chronic illness; adherence to treatment/self-management; pain-management; cognitive-behavioral therapy

Naomi Joffe, PhD, joined Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology as an assistant professor of pediatrics within the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine after completing her fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s under the mentorship of Dr. Lori Crosby.

During her fellowship, Dr. Joffe contributed to a study working to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care among young adults with sickle cell disease with the goal of improving patient adherence/self-management and disease outcomes. She continues to collaborate in this area and looks forward to developing quality improvement projects within the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (CBDI) to improve psychological care for patients with hematological disorders.

Dr. Joffe also works within the CBDI to help patients diagnosed with hematological disorders cope with the demands of having a chronic illness, improve their adherence to treatment, and learn non-pharmacological strategies to assist in pain management.

Education and Training

PhD: Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 2012.

Residency: O’Grady Residency in Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2012.

Fellowship: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2013.

View PubMed Publications

A photo of Emily McTate.

Emily McTate, PhD, LP Pediatric Psychologist, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology 513-636-4336 emily.mctate@cchmc.org

A photo of Emily McTate.

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Emily McTate, PhD, LP

Pediatric Psychologist, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology

Academic Affiliations

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Phone 513-636-4336

Email emily.mctate@cchmc.org

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Emily McTate, PhD, joined the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology as an assistant professor of pediatrics within the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine after completing a two-year fellowship in pediatric and clinical child psychology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

During her fellowship, Dr. McTate contributed to various studies working with various populations including patients with chronic pain, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and mood disorders. In addition to clinically working with children and families both inpatient and outpatient referred by various medical specialties.

Dr. McTate works within the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute at Cincinnati Children's, helping patients and families being treated within the Division of Hematology and the Division of Oncology cope with the demands of having a chronic illness, improve their adherence to treatment, assess for and treat current emotional and behavioral concerns, and learn non-pharmacological strategies to assist in pain management.

Education and Training

Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Pediatric and Clinical Child Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

PhD Candidate: Clinical Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.

Pre-Doctoral Internship: Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY.

MS (Research): Clinical Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.

BA: Psychology, Creighton University, Omaha, NE.

View PubMed Publications

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