Julie Kanter, M.D.Julie Kanter, M.D., renowned sickle cell disease clinician and researcher, has been recruited to the University of Alabama at Birmingham as director of the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic within the Division of Hematology and Oncology and Department of Medicine. Kanter will have an appointment as an associate professor, and she will also be appointed co-director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Center and have a secondary appointment within the Department of Pediatrics.
Kanter comes to UAB from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she has served as director of sickle cell disease research, with clinical and research interests in sickle cell disease, improving access to care for affected individuals, and identifying and developing novel therapies for sickle cell disease, as well as enhancing horizontal care for patients with sickle cell disease.
“Coming to UAB and being a part of the sickle cell team is something I am very much looking forward to, as the Division of Hematology and Oncology has a reputation for excellence in both research and clinical care,” Kanter said. “I am eager to serve the patients of Alabama living with sickle cell disease throughout their life span in coordination with the pediatric program, and continue to conduct impactful research that can help others moving forward.”
In her role at UAB, Kanter will oversee the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic, which will deliver exemplary care for patients with sickle cell disease in a comprehensive, cohesive and integrated manner, through a specialized sickle cell disease clinic and collaborations with primary care and specialists, leading to reduced ER visits and hospitalization, and reduced rate of long-term complications.
Kanter will also co-direct the UAB Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Center with Jeff Lebensberger, D.O., associate professor in UAB’s Department of Pediatrics, which will coordinate universitywide efforts to provide medical care to patients with sickle cell disease, conduct research to improve treatment, and provide education about sickle cell disease to health care providers, patients and the community.