Description of Services

The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology provides diagnosis, treatment and complete follow-up for children, adolescents, and young adults with hematologic and oncologic disorders. All patients with cancer are eligible to participate in the current Children’s Oncology Group (COG) protocols – studies of the most promising and newest cancer therapies. Children’s Hospital is a full member of the COG and is able to enter patients in all therapeutic and research protocols.

All outpatients are treated in the Marty Ostrow Hematology/Oncology Treatment Center. The center has all the necessary facilities for evaluating and treating patients. Hospitalized patients are treated on a dedicated hematology/oncology unit. Both the inpatient and outpatient units are staffed by specially trained personnel.

The Sickle Cell and Hematology Program provides comprehensive health care, emphasizing preventive medical care to children with sickle cell anemia and related blood disorders.

The sickle cell program is a state-supported comprehensive sickle cell center. The Bone Marrow Transplantation Program provides state-of-the-art stem cell transplants for patients with very high risk malignancies, blood disorders, and immunodeficiency states. The Coagulation Program has dedicated personnel to diagnose and treat bleeding and clotting disorders.

All of the comprehensive patient care programs offer support services for the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. A counselor/nurse, child-life specialist, and social worker are all integral components of the health care team.

Referral Requirements

Referrals are required from primary care physicians or other Children’s Hospital specialty services. Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans also may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician. All necessary referral and authorization forms must be received before the patient’s visit. For accurate provider numbers or more information, please call the office number listed above. At the time of the telephone referral, a brief clinical history is required. All pertinent laboratory reports should be faxed to the treatment center.

Chief of Service
A. Kim Ritchey, MD

Faculty
Debra Cohen, MD
Rakesh Goyal, MD
Sriya Gunawardena, MD
Regina Jakacki, MD
Lakshmanan Krishnamurti, MD
Salvatore Orlando, MD
Edward Prowchownik, MD, PhD
Peter Shaw, MD
Jean Tersak, MD
Yatin Vyas, MD
Michael Wollman, MD