ATLANTA (August 1, 2012) – The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit health care system and a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant programs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Clinton H. Joiner, M.D., Ph.D., as Director of Hematology. Joiner will also be a Professor in the Emory University Department of Pediatrics.
Joiner’s appointment concludes a nationwide search for a leader to continue the Aflac Cancer Center’s tradition of excellence in pediatric oncology, hematology, and blood and marrow transplantation. Joiner comes to Children’s from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where was Director of the Division of Hematology, Co-Director of the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. A leader in the field of sickle cell disease, he was also the Director of the NIH-funded Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.
“We could not be more pleased to welcome Dr. Joiner as the new leader for the hematology program at the Aflac Cancer Center. To recruit such a tremendous talent who will lead us forward to find better treatments and ultimately cures for conditions like sickle cell and hemophilia is truly incredible. We look forward to working with Dr. Joiner to continue to grow our already strong program,” said Dr. William G. Woods, Director of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine.
Joiner is a leader in hematology research. Joiner’s laboratory focuses on abnormalities in salt transport and volume regulation in sickle red blood cells, and he has been a leader of national research efforts to test new therapies for sickle cell disease. A contributor to more than 150 research articles, book chapters, and presentations, Joiner has served on numerous national advisory panels and holds membership in a variety of professional organizations. His addition to the Aflac Cancer Center and Emory University will enhance the center’s research activities aimed at improving the care and quality of life for sickle cell disease patients globally.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells are abnormally shaped, resulting in chronic anemia, painful episodes, serious infections, and damage to body organs. Thanks to advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, most children born with this disorder now reach adulthood, although sickle cell disease remains a serious, life-shortening condition.
A native of Atlanta, Joiner is a graduate of Druid Hills High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology, and his M.D. and Ph.D. in physiology and pharmacology from Duke University. He completed a pediatric residency at Duke University Medical Center and hematology and neonatology fellowships at Children’s Hospital Boston. He has held faculty positions at Harvard Medical School, the University of Alabama, and most recently the University of Cincinnati. In returning to Atlanta, Joiner brings additional scientific expertise and national prominence to the hematology programs of the Aflac Cancer Center and Emory University Department of Pediatrics.
Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s
The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant programs, serving infants to young adults. Recognized as one of the top childhood cancer centers in the country, the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 370 new cancer patients each year and follows more than 2,700 patients with sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders. Visit www.aflaccancercenter.org or call 404-785-1112 or 888-785-1112 for more information.
