Pulmonary-Sickle Cell Program

UF Health’s Pediatric Pulmonary-Sickle Cell Program is a multidisciplinary practice, established to provide a comprehensive approach for children with sickle cell disease who suffer from pulmonary complications. It is the first combined program in Florida and is one of few centers in the United States that offers this multidisciplinary clinical service for patients with sickle cell disease.

The team is composed of providers from pediatric pulmonology and pediatric hematology and includes two nurse coordinators and support staff. Patients are referred to the program based on specific evaluation criteria in an attempt to achieve an early diagnosis to manage pulmonary complications, which can be potentially fatal is this patient population.

A state-of-the-art pediatric pulmonary diagnostic lab and an experienced team of respiratory therapists are used to provide diagnostic services to these patients. A pediatric social worker and child life specialist work closely with our team to provide support to patients, as well.

This interdisciplinary model has improved access to medical care for patients with sickle cell disease, and it has reduced hospitalization and emergency room visits. Our goal is to collaborate with other centers throughout the nation and enroll in clinical trials devoted to improved medical care.