Sickle Cell Awareness

Dr. Kim Smith-Whitley, MD, Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development at Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), discusses sickle cell disease (SCD) and health disparities affecting patients, challenges with access to care, and how new developments may impact the community. She talks about HIV as an example of how investment in a community and increasing resources is of vital importance when it comes to health equity and how this approach can also work for SCD, as well as ways industry is working to enhance health equity. She also talks about news regarding the COVID-19 vaccine booster for immunocompromised patients. To learn more about how GBT is working to change the treatment paradigm in sickle cell disease, while helping the community advocate for quality care, visit Global Blood Therapeutics’ website.

Kim Smith-Whitley, M.D., Head of Research and Development at Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT): Dr. Smith-Whitley is a world-renowned hematologist and sickle cell disease thought leader and advocate with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Smith-Whitley has an impressive track record of developing innovative programs that advance patient care and has dedicated her career to transforming this devastating disease into a well-managed condition. She is a former chief medical officer of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), where she continues to serve as a member of the board of directors. Dr. Smith-Whitley received her M.D. from George Washington University and completed her postgraduate training at the Children’s National Medical Center and CHOP.