Joanne Kurtzberg, MD

I’m a pediatric blood and bone marrow transplant specialist. I see patients from all over the world, many of whom have very rare diseases. I take care of patients with leukodystrophies, leukemias and other blood disorders that are resistant to standard treatment, and children with brain injuries like cerebral palsy. It’s rewarding to make a difference when treating challenging diseases. I’ve been fortunate over my career to be able to develop new treatments in the laboratory that I take into the clinic to help patients. In fact, here at Duke I was involved in the first cord-blood transplant anywhere in the world. When meeting with patients, I focus on making their experience more than just the medicine. We have a family support program for things beyond medical needs, which is especially helpful for families that are far from home. Outside of work, I like to knit, bike and spend time with my family.