Leukemia

At Winship Cancer Institute, our multidisciplinary team of leukemia specialists combine their expertise in clinical care and translational research to provide you with exceptional personalized care. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-0519.

Our leukemia program offers a multidisciplinary approach.

Our team of hematologists, pathologists, cancer geneticists, and a care team focused in acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and related disorders work to provide you the most-effective treatments medicine has to offer, many available only through NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like ours.

Our tumor board meets weekly to discuss individual cases, review treatment plans and assess clinical trial eligibility. Personalized care plans are developed based on the most current discoveries in leukemia treatment, and research including genetic or molecular testing for specific gene mutations. Our blood cancer specialists are adept at translating these discoveries into better patient care and quality of life during and after treatment.

Our multidisciplinary team approach offers a number of benefits to you, including:

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with leukemia, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0519 to make an appointment with a leukemia specialist. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Here is more information to help familiarize you with Winship and give you an idea of what to expect on your first visit.

Refer a Patient

Referring physicians, you or your staff may refer a patient by contacting us at (404) 778-0519 or via email. For information about our clinical trials, call (404) 778-1868 to speak with one of our research coordinators.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells. Leukemias are classified by the type of cell affected and by the rate of cell growth.

Acute leukemia involves a rapid growth of very immature blood cells and is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Chronic leukemia involves the growth of more mature blood cells, and sometimes does not require immediate treatment. However, some chronic leukemias do progress to a form of acute leukemia.

The most common types of leukemia are:

  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); the most common type of leukemia in children.
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); the most common type of leukemia in adults.
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); a slow-growing leukemia affecting mostly older adults.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough normal blood cells, and may progress into acute leukemia.

At Winship, our specialized clinicians use the latest precision medicine treatments and procedures that improve leukemia care.

Depending on your diagnosis and the stage of your leukemia, your treatment options will vary and may include:

Targeted Therapy: This treatment approach uses drugs that work by attacking specific parts of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is used to treat certain types of acute leukemias, and may be used in combination with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for leukemia and may involve one or a combination of anticancer drugs that destroy cancer cells. Each type of leukemia is sensitive to different combinations of chemotherapy.

Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation: This treatment consists of destroying cancerous bone marrow cells using higher doses of chemotherapy and in some cases, radiotherapy, and then replacing them with healthy bone marrow or stem cells to help patients build a new and healthy immune system. Winship has pioneered many advances in bone marrow transplant procedures and drugs.

Cellular Therapy: CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses a patient's own white blood cells (T-cells) to recognize and kill cancerous cells. Through genetic engineering, the white blood cells are able to recognize specific antigens located on tumor cells. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved CAR T-cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Winship's Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Center has pioneered many advances in stem cell transplant and cellular therapy procedures and drugs.

Some specific leukemias may also be treated with monoclonal therapy and biological therapy.

Clinical Trials

One of your best options may be participation in a clinical trial. Our leukemia patients have access to some of the most advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials offered anywhere. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.

Cascade Link

William G. Blum MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 William G. Blum MD
William G. Blum MD

William G. Blum MD

  • Dr. Blum specializes in bone marrow transplantation and treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other myeloid malignancies.
  • Director, Acute Leukemia Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Martha Arellano MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Martha  Arellano  MD
Martha Arellano MD

Martha Arellano MD

  • Dr. Arellano is a key member of the patient care team at Winship specializing in treatment of leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
  • Associate Director, Division of Hematology, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Leon Bernal-Mizrachi MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Leon  Bernal-Mizrachi MD
Leon Bernal-Mizrachi MD

Leon Bernal-Mizrachi MD

Andres Chang MD, PhD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Andres Chang MD, PhD
Andres Chang MD, PhD

Andres Chang MD, PhD

Michael J. Hochman MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Michael J. Hochman MD
Michael J. Hochman MD

Michael J. Hochman MD

  • Dr. Hochman treats patients with acute leukemia, myelodysplastic neoplasms and other myeloid malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Anthony M. Hunter MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Anthony M. Hunter MD
Anthony M. Hunter MD

Anthony M. Hunter MD

Amelia A. Langston MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Amelia A. Langston MD
Amelia A. Langston MD

Amelia A. Langston MD

  • A bone marrow transplant specialist, Dr. Langston treats patients with leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and other blood cancers.
  • Director, Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Nikolaos Papadantonakis MD, PhD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Nikolaos Papadantonakis MD, PhD
Nikolaos Papadantonakis MD, PhD

Nikolaos Papadantonakis MD, PhD

  • Dr. Papadantonakis specializes in the treatment of acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms and other myeloid hematological malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Joseph C. Rimando MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Joseph C. Rimando MD
Joseph C. Rimando MD

Joseph C. Rimando MD

Edmund K. Waller MD, PhD, FACP

  • Hematologist
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                                 Edmund K. Waller MD, PhD, FACP
Edmund K. Waller MD, PhD, FACP

Edmund K. Waller MD, PhD, FACP

  • Dr. Waller specializes in bone marrow transplants for acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasms, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, sickle cell disease and in the management of graft-versus-host disease.
  • Rein Saral, MD Professorship in Cancer Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD

  • Hematologist/Medical Oncologist
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                                 Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD
Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD

Ahmad H. Al-Hajj MD

  • Dr. Al-Hajj is a community oncologist treating patients with cancer at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Neela Natarajan MD

  • Hematologist/Medical Oncologist
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                                 Neela Natarajan MD
Neela Natarajan MD

Neela Natarajan MD

  • A board certified medical oncologist, Dr. Natarajan sees patients with cancer at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Ajay Tadepalli MD

  • Hematologist/Medical Oncologist
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                                 Ajay Tadepalli MD
Ajay Tadepalli MD

Ajay Tadepalli MD

  • Dr. Tadepalli is a community oncologist treating cancer patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and The Emory Clinic at Buford.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Anusha Vallurupalli MBBS

  • Hematologist/Medical Oncologist
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                                 Anusha Vallurupalli MBBS
Anusha Vallurupalli MBBS

Anusha Vallurupalli MBBS

  • Dr. Vallurupalli practices general medical oncology and hematology with a focus on treating hematological malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Brooj Abro MD

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 Brooj Abro MD
Brooj Abro MD

Brooj Abro MD

  • Dr. Abro is a board certified hematopathologist located at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5227

Saja Asakrah MD

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 Saja Asakrah MD
Saja Asakrah MD

Saja Asakrah MD

  • Dr. Asakrah specializes in hematopathology and is located at Emory University Hospital.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-1266

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-5646

Anna Bausum ND

  • Integrative Oncology Specialist
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                                 Anna Bausum ND
Anna Bausum ND

Anna Bausum ND

  • Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients' conventional oncology care regimens.
  • Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0600

Stephanie Boyea MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Stephanie Boyea MS, RD, CSO, LD
Stephanie Boyea MS, RD, CSO, LD

Stephanie Boyea MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Boyea provides blood cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship with personalized nutrition advice.
  • Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-7991

Laura Brachman MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Laura Brachman MD
Laura Brachman MD

Laura Brachman MD

  • Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
  • Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
  • (404) 778-6448

Kyle T. Bradley MD, MS

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 Kyle T. Bradley MD, MS
Kyle T. Bradley MD, MS

Kyle T. Bradley MD, MS

  • Dr. Bradley is a board certified hematopathologist located at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5227

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

  • Ms. Caprara serves as lead nurse practitioner and co-investigator on early drug development trials in the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit at Winship.
  • Lead Nurse Practitioner, Phase I Unit, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C

  • Ms. Cohen works with patients treated for all types of malignancies and disorders that may need consideration for radiation treatment.
  • Social Worker, Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Hannah H. Collins NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Hannah H. Collins NP
Hannah H. Collins NP

Hannah H. Collins NP

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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                                 Kimberly A. Curseen MD
Kimberly A. Curseen MD

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
  • Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-6448

Tiffany Dawkins LMSW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Tiffany Dawkins LMSW
Tiffany Dawkins LMSW

Tiffany Dawkins LMSW

George Deeb MD

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 George Deeb MD
George Deeb MD

George Deeb MD

David A. Frank MD, PhD, FACP

  • Hematologist
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                                 David A. Frank MD, PhD, FACP
David A. Frank MD, PhD, FACP

David A. Frank MD, PhD, FACP

  • Board certified in medical oncology, Dr. Frank cares for patients with hematologic malignancies, specializing in leukemia.
  • Director, Division of Hematology, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Theresa Hoffman LCSW, ACM

  • Social Worker
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                                 Theresa Hoffman LCSW, ACM
Theresa Hoffman LCSW, ACM

Theresa Hoffman LCSW, ACM

  • Ms. Hoffman leads the social services team at Winship Cancer Institute, and provides clinical social work for patients with hematological malignancies.
  • Manager of Social Services, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

David L. Jaye MD

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 David L. Jaye MD
David L. Jaye MD

David L. Jaye MD

  • Dr. Jaye is an attending pathologist specializing in hematolymphoid malignancies.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5947

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Ashish Khanna MD
Ashish Khanna MD

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Dr. Khanna focuses on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
  • Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Susan K. Kunihiro MD
Susan K. Kunihiro MD

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Dr. Kunihiro works to improve quality of life for patients with cancer, no matter the stage of illness - from initial diagnosis, during treatment, in remission or closer to end of life.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Celia Lett NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Celia Lett NP
Celia Lett NP

Celia Lett NP

Shiyong Li MD, PhD, FASCP

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 Shiyong Li MD, PhD, FASCP
Shiyong Li MD, PhD, FASCP

Shiyong Li MD, PhD, FASCP

  • Dr. Li is a board certified pathologist interested in the development of new diagnostic techniques in hematopathology.
  • Director, Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Emory Medical Laboratory, Emory University Hospital
  • (404) 712-5867

Carol Lipscomb RN, BSN, OCN, BMTCN

  • Nurse Navigator
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                                 Carol Lipscomb RN, BSN, OCN, BMTCN
Carol Lipscomb RN, BSN, OCN, BMTCN

Carol Lipscomb RN, BSN, OCN, BMTCN

  • Ms. Lipscomb coordinates care for patients in the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Center at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Nurse Navigator, Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Meredith Maxwell MD
Meredith Maxwell MD

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Dr. Maxwell collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship to help patients address symptoms and improve their quality of life during their journey with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Rebecca McConnell LCSW

  • Social Services
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                                 Rebecca McConnell LCSW
Rebecca McConnell LCSW

Rebecca McConnell LCSW

  • A licensed clinical social worker, Ms. McConnell supports patients who are cared for by the malignant hematology and stem cell transplant teams at Winship.
  • Social Worker, Hematology/BMT, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW
Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

Jessica Neely PA

  • Physician Assistant
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                                 Jessica Neely PA
Jessica Neely PA

Jessica Neely PA

Sonal Oza MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Sonal Oza MD
Sonal Oza MD

Sonal Oza MD

  • Dr. Oza is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with fellowship training in cancer rehabilitation medicine.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Dr. Peacock leads the Winship Spiritual Health Team in the work of offering compassionate, inclusive, supportive, evidence based care to patients, families and staff.
  • Director of Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-8029

Deniz Peker MD

  • Hematopathologist
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                                 Deniz Peker MD
Deniz Peker MD

Deniz Peker MD

  • Dr. Peker is a board certified hematopathologist located at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5947

Kharyne Pierre MSW, LMSW

  • Social Services
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                                 Kharyne Pierre MSW, LMSW
Kharyne Pierre MSW, LMSW

Kharyne Pierre MSW, LMSW

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Jesse A. Soodalter MD
Jesse A. Soodalter MD

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • A palliative care specialist, Dr. Soodalter provides specialized outpatient medical care with a focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer and other illnesses.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

T. Michelle Tooson RN, BSN, OCN

  • Nurse Navigator
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                                 T. Michelle Tooson RN, BSN, OCN
T. Michelle Tooson RN, BSN, OCN

T. Michelle Tooson RN, BSN, OCN

Colin A. Vale MD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Colin A. Vale MD
Colin A. Vale MD

Colin A. Vale MD

  • Dr. Vale specializes in stem cell therapy and in the treatment of patients with acute leukemia and other hematologic malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Raymond provides administrative leadership to the Winship Spiritual Health Team, supporting and assisting in their work of compassionate and inclusive care of patients, staff, and their loved ones.
  • Process Improvement Specialist III, Senior Spiritual Health Clinician, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Luqiu Wang BS, PA-C

  • Physician Assistant
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                                 Luqiu  Wang BS, PA-C
Luqiu Wang BS, PA-C

Luqiu Wang BS, PA-C

Destenie Willis LCSW

  • Social Worker
Photo of 
                                 Destenie Willis LCSW
Destenie Willis LCSW

Destenie Willis LCSW

  • Ms. Willis provides support to patients who are treated by the malignant hematology and stem cell transplant teams at Winship.
  • Social Worker, Hematological Malignancies, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Janghee Woo MD, PhD

  • Hematologist
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                                 Janghee Woo MD, PhD
Janghee Woo MD, PhD

Janghee Woo MD, PhD

  • Dr. Woo specializes in the treatment of hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and other myeloid disorders.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Palliative Oncologist
Photo of 
                                 Ali J. Zarrabi MD
Ali J. Zarrabi MD

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Linsheng Zhang MD, PhD

  • Hematopathologist
Photo of 
                                 Linsheng Zhang MD, PhD
Linsheng Zhang MD, PhD

Linsheng Zhang MD, PhD

  • Dr. Zhang's specializes in diagnostic hematopathology integrating morphologic examination, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, FISH, and microarray studies; and molecular diagnosis of solid tumors.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5867
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