Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence

Welcome to the Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence, a leading partnership between Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical College. Our center is dedicated to comprehensive care for children and adults with sickle cell disease, advancing clinical research and providing support to individuals living with this lifelong condition. Since 2012, Meharry Medical College students have participated in our research initiatives during the summer, with a select group engaging in year-long projects.

Our Mission

We are committed to enhancing outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) through high-quality medical care, research excellence and professional mentorship. Our mission includes:

  • Delivering coordinated, multidisciplinary care for patients with SCD across all ages
  • Advancing knowledge through clinical and translational research to improve treatment and long-term outcomes
  • Supporting patients and families through comprehensive education and care planning
  • Promoting improved access to specialized services and medical resources
  • Training the next generation of medical professionals in clinical care, research and leadership in the field of hematology

  • Michael R. DeBaun, MD, MPH

    Michael R. DeBaun, MD, MPH
    Director, Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence
    Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
    J.C. Peterson Chair in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics
    Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Pediatrics

    Dr. Michael R. DeBaun is an internationally recognized physician-scientist focused on neurological complications in sickle cell disease. His leadership in the Silent Cerebral Infarct Transfusion (SIT) Trial established new protocols for stroke prevention in children with SCD. He has directed major research collaborations in Nigeria, home to the largest pediatric population with SCD. Dr. DeBaun also maintains a strong focus on improving care delivery and health outcomes for historically underserved groups, including youth involved in the justice system.

    View Dr. DeBaun's list of publications on PubMed.

    Adetola A. Kassim, MD, MS

    Adetola A. Kassim, MD, MS
    Director, Adult Sickle Cell Program
    Professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology

    Dr. Adetola Kassim is a leading expert in bone marrow transplantation and novel therapies for adults with Sickle Cell Disease. He is internationally recognized for his work on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, one of the few curative treatments for SCD. Dr. Kassim's research also focuses on understanding the long-term outcomes of transplantation and developing new strategies to make this life-changing therapy available to a wider range of patients. He leads multiple clinical trials investigating innovative approaches to curing SCD and improving the quality of life for adult patients.

    View Dr. Kassim's list of publications on PubMed.

    Emmanuel Volanakis, MD

    Emmanuel Volanakis, MD
    Physician, Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence
    Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

    Dr. Emmanuel Volanakis is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist who cares for children and young adults with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies. He has served as the site investigator for multicenter clinical trials focused on sickle cell disease.

    View Dr. Volanakis' list of publications on PubMed.

    Lori Jordan, MD, PhD

    Lori Jordan, MD, PhD
    Director, Pediatric Stroke Program
    Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Pediatric Neurology

    Dr. Lori Jordan is a globally-recognized neurologist who focuses on pediatric stroke and novel imaging strategies of the brain that may allow providers to identify children and adults adults with SCD at high risk for strokes or stroke recurrence. Her research explores the mechanisms behind overt and silent strokes in SCD and their impact on cognition. Through her work, Dr. Jordan aims to develop early detection and intervention strategies to prevent acute and chronic-term neurological complications in children with SCD. She is also involved in several clinical trials aimed at reducing the risk of stroke and improving neurological outcomes for pediatric patients.

    View Dr. Jordan's list of publications on PubMed.

    Additional Faculty & Staff

    With the three distinct and overlapping research teams, these distinguished professors of Pediatrics, Medicine and Neurology are driving research to transform the care and outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease. Their combined expertise in hematology, neurology, pediatrics and medicine ensures that our center remains at the forefront of SCD research and treatment.

    In addition to the research leaders, the team is committed to outstanding clinical care from dedicated clinical and research faculty and staff, including:

    Clinical Faculty & Staff

    • Michael DeBaun, MD, MPH
    • Emmanuel Volanakis, MD
    • Adetola Kassim, MD
    • Lori Jordan, MD, PhD
    • Jeannie Byrd, RN, MSN - Pediatric Sickle Cell/Benign Hematology Case Manager
    • Karina Wilkerson, FNP - Assistant in Medicine, Hematology/Oncology

    Research Staff

    • Jennifer Beck - Sr. Project Manager
    • LeShana Saint-Jean, PhD - Sr. Clinical Trials Specialist