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About Us

University of Miami Lifespan Sickle Cell Program

Visit the Department of Pediatrics

Our program is proudly housed within the University of Miami Department of Pediatrics, where leading specialists drive innovation in care, research, and education.
Welcome to the Sickle Cell Lifetime Program. At the heart of our work is the belief that every child, teen, and adult living with sickle cell disease deserves consistent, compassionate care - through every age and stage of life.
Ofelia Alvarez, M.D. & Thomas J. Harrington, M.D.

Our Sickle Cell Lifetime Program is a bridge:

  • From newborn diagnosis to thriving adulthood.
  • From uncertainty to empowerment.
  • From pediatric care to adult independence - with guidance every step of the way.

Both the Pediatric and the Adult Program are members of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC).


The Lifespan Program

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease, our program is designed to offer multidisciplinary support throughout the lifespan.

Patients have access to a dedicated team that includes licensed clinical social workers, mental health professionals, community health workers, and care coordinators - each playing a vital role in addressing the complex medical, emotional, and social needs of this population. We work closely with patients and families to navigate referrals and coordinate care with specialty providers, ensuring comprehensive care and support along the way. Convenient on-site diagnostic imaging and laboratory services within our hospital system enables timely and efficient evaluations, work-ups, and routine screenings.


Program Leadership

Meet the multidisciplinary team of program leaders committed to supporting individuals with sickle cell disease at every stage of life.
Ofelia A Alvarez, M.D.

Ofelia A Alvarez, M.D.

Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Clinical Profile | Publications
Biography: Dr. Ofelia Alvarez is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Miami and the Director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program. During childhood, Dr. Alvarez discovered her calling to medicine. She completed a bachelor's degree in Biology and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan. After training in pediatrics, Dr. Alvarez did...
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 Thomas J. Harrington, M.D.

Thomas J. Harrington, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine , Hematology
Clinical Profile | Publications
Biography: Dr. Thomas Harrington an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine/ Division of Hematology. He is director of the Adult Sickle Cell program as well as the director of the adult program for the University of Miami Hemophilia Treatment Center.
He graduated from Boston College with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and University of Miami School of Medicine....
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