Pathways to Progress Series 3
In Person Event
CostFree
Description
Community Conversations is a quarterly series designed to bring patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare teammates together for open, engaging discussions about important topics affecting individuals living with sickle cell disease. Each session features expert perspectives and opportunities for meaningful dialogue, helping participants better understand complex healthcare decisions while empowering them with knowledge and resources.
During this session, participants will engage in an educational debate on Blood Transfusions in Sickle Cell Disease: Understanding the Benefits, Risks, and Decision-Making Process. This interactive discussion will feature Dr. Payal Desai and Jennifer Saunders, who will explore different perspectives related to blood transfusion therapy in sickle cell disease. Together, they will discuss when transfusions may be recommended, the potential benefits and challenges of treatment, and the factors that patients, families, and healthcare providers consider when making informed care decisions.
Attendees can expect a welcoming environment to learn, ask questions, and participate in thoughtful discussion. Whether you're living with sickle cell disease, caring for a loved one, or simply interested in learning more, this session is designed for all knowledge levels and encourages active participation.
What You'll Learn:
- The role of blood transfusions in sickle cell disease management
- Common reasons transfusions may be recommended for children and adults living with sickle cell disease
- Potential benefits and outcomes of transfusion therapy
- Risks and challenges associated with blood transfusions, including iron overload and alloimmunization
- Factors patients, families, and healthcare providers consider when making treatment decisions
- Questions to ask your healthcare team when discussing transfusion options
- Available resources and support for individuals considering or receiving transfusion therapy
Join Dr. Payal Desai and Jennifer Saunders for an informative and engaging debate designed to promote understanding, encourage dialogue, and support informed decision-making in sickle cell care.
Locations
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- Meeting point
All Participants please meet in the LCI Bldg I Conference Room 3035A-3035B
- Parking information
Parking
Park in the Yellow Parking Deck (Levine Cancer Institute & Morehead Medical Plaza Patient & Visitor Parking) at the corner of East Morehead Street and Kenilworth Avenue. Levels one through four are dedicated for visitors.
Directions to LCI Administration
Take the parking deck elevator to the third floor. After exiting the elevator turn right. Cross the breezeway/sky bridge to enter Morehead Medical Plaza/LCI building. Take a left at the end of the skybridge into the LCI building. At Caribou Coffee take a right and go to the end of the long hallway. Turn left for Administration and Conference rooms will be on the right.
If you enter the LCI building from the ground floor, stop at the information desk directly inside main entrance and ask for directions to Administration.
Agenda
- Welcome/Introduction of Speaker
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Welcome all participants and introduce the Speaker
- Presenter 1
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This will be Dr. Payal Desai
- Presenter 2
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This will be Jennifer Saunders
- Moderator
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This will be Stephanie Hart
- Guided Discussion
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We will open the floor for questions and discussions on the presented information.
Instructors
Payal Desai, MD
Dr. Payal Desai is board certified in internal medicine and hematology. She has clinical interests in sickle cell disease and benign hematology, such as bleeding and clotting. She is the director of the Adult Sickle Cell Enterprise at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. Dr. Desai has received numerous awards, including the Resident Teacher Award from the University of Louisville, the Physician Excellence Award from Ohio State, the Partnership Award with the Community Partner in Sickle Cell from the Faith Thomas Foundation and the Partnership Award as a sickle cell advocate from the City of Columbus. She has received multiple grants and funding for sickle cell disease research, including a grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for the Atrium Health Sickle Cell Program. Dr. Desai received her bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University and her medical degree at the University of Louisville.
Jennifer Saunders, NP
Jennifer Saunders is a board-certified nurse practitioner who specializes in hematology (blood disorders). She only treats patients with sickle cell disease. She completed her nurse practitioner training at the University of Southern Indiana.
Coordinators
- Stephanie Hart, MPH
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stephanie.hart4@advocatehealth.org