Expert pediatric hematology services
At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for blood disorders and childhood cancers. Our team of expert pediatric hematologists ensures each child receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. From common conditions like anemia to more complex disorders that need comprehensive care, such as sickle cell disease, thrombotic conditions, bleeding disorders and hemophilia, we are committed to delivering the highest level of care to your child.
“Welcome to the region’s only comprehensive program for children, adolescents and young adults with all types of sickle cell disease. We provide personalized treatment and integrated care tailored to each patient’s unique needs, and we’re committed to supporting your child with expert care and compassion throughout their journey to better health.”
Gayle Smink, MD, MPH, MBA
Director, Pediatric Hematology
Treatment and Programs
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital offers dedicated hematology programs in several specific areas.
Hemophilia Program
Our Pediatric Hemophilia Program provides multidisciplinary and comprehensive care for children with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease.
Services include:
- Diagnosis and management of hemophilia and its complications
- Diagnosis and management of von Willebrand disease
- Home infusion program
- Physical therapy
- Family counseling and support
Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program
Our Pediatric Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program cares for patients with thrombotic and bleeding disorders other than hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. This program focuses on patients with:
- Thrombosis (clotting disorders), including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
- Inherited hypercoagulable states (inherited clotting disorders)
- Other bleeding disorders
- Platelet function disorders
We also help patients on anti-coagulation medication (blood thinners) who need ongoing care.
Sickle Cell Program
Our Pediatric Sickle Cell Program provides comprehensive care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults living with all types of sickle cell disease. Our sickle cell program offers the full spectrum of care from newborn screening through groundbreaking therapies. Our expert team will develop an individualized treatment plan for your child that includes preventive care and therapy for both ongoing symptoms and acute complications.
Stem Cell Transplant
Our Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program serves children who need stem cell transplants to treat blood disorders.
Hematology
The benign hematology team at Penn State Health provides expert care for bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, clotting disorders, and non-malignant disorders of blood cells, such as anemia and platelet disorders.
Support programs for kids and families
Our pediatric hematology program offers a range of support services designed to care for both the medical and psychosocial needs of children and their families. From diagnosis through treatment and recovery, our team provides personalized resources to help navigate each step of the journey with confidence and compassion.
Art Therapy
Provides patients with opportunities for creative self-expression and relaxation
Child Life Program
Provides age-appropriate programming to build coping skills and reduce emotional distress.
Clinical Trials
Offers experimental treatments that are not yet approved for use by the public.
Facility Dog Program
Uses professionally trained dogs to provide customized patient interventions.
Genetic Counseling
Helps diagnose and manage genetic conditions.
Music Therapy
Uses music and music activities to help children heal and adjust to the hospital.
Language Assistance Services
Available for your medical care, free of charge
Pastoral Services
Provides spiritual and emotional support to patients and families of all faiths.
Patient Education and Resources
Offers treatment for a wide range of mental and behavioral health issues.
Social Work
Supports patients and their families and advocates for their interests.
Why choose Penn State Health for benign hematology
People choose Penn State Health for advanced, comprehensive care of blood disorders. The following are just a few reasons why patients and families trust us:
Nationally recognized care for blood disorders, hemophilia and related bleeding disorders
Get trusted, leading-edge care for a wide range of blood disorders – right here in your community. We offer specialized services and support, including advanced blood testing in our special hematology laboratory.
- We’re one of about 149 specialized hemophilia treatment centers in the nation and the only center in central Pennsylvania.
- We offer specialized services and support, including:
- Advanced blood testing in our special hematology lab
- Blood evaluation and medication management from specialists and in our Anticoagulation Clinic
- We provide a medical home for people with inherited bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. A medical home is a partnership among patients, care providers and families that ensures quality, comprehensive care that is patient-centered and accessible.
Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You
Our pediatric hematologists are board-certified in pediatric hematology and oncology.
- Our dedicated team includes hematologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, lab technologists, physical therapists and social workers.
- We work closely with specialists in orthopedics, pulmonology, cardiology, infectious disease, physical therapy, nutrition, genetic counseling, pain management and other areas.
- Our multispecialty doctors will develop a treatment plan that offers you the best possible results and the personalized care and attention you need.
Meet our team
Gayle M. Smink, MD, MPH
Huseyin H. Erdemir, MD
Rasaq R. Olaosebikan, MD
Pediatric hematology research and clinical trials
At Penn State Health, we’re dedicated to improving the care and quality of life of people with blood disorders. We’re exploring ways to enhance care in these and other areas of investigation, including:
- Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease
- Blood clotting disorders – deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Sickle Cell disease
- Other non-malignant blood disorders
Learn more about our clinical trials at Penn State Health.
FAQs
Why would a child be referred to Hematology?
A child would be referred to our pediatric hematology clinic if they have a known or suspected blood disorder, including children with bleeding or clotting disorders. Our pediatric hematologists also care for children with disorders such as anemia and bone marrow failure syndromes, as well as children with abnormal laboratory testing.
What to expect at a pediatric hematology appointment?
At your child’s appointment, a pediatric hematologist will review their previous lab tests and talk with you about any additional testing that might be needed. Some lab tests may be done before or after the visit. Between appointments, our dedicated hematology nurses may also follow up with you by phone to go over test results and check how your child is doing with their treatment.
At what age do pediatricians do blood work?
Pediatricians usually do blood work around your child’s first birthday and then later if your child has symptoms or you have any concerns.
