Kristina Harrell, MD

“My goal is to help children with sickle cell grow up to be healthy, empowered adults who are ready to take on the world. The kids and families I work with are awesome and always bring joy to my day.” 

Dr. Harrell is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology (cancer and blood disorders). She specializes in treating children with sickle cell disease. She is the interim director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center. In addition to sickle cell disease, she specializes in benign hematology, such as anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and bone marrow failure syndromes. 

She chose hematology because she wanted to address the systemic biases that led to inequality in the care of those with sickle cell disease. 

Dr. Harrell received her medical degree at the University of Michigan and completed her residency and fellowship at The Ohio State University. 

She is currently involved in research improving the transition to adult medical care for young people with sickle cell disease. Her other research interest is finding new ways to address chronic pain for those with the disease. She received an ACCEL grant in 2020 to help primary care providers learn more about sickle cell disease and encourage collaboration to provide better care for children. 

Dr. Harrell enjoys being the favorite auntie and spending time with her nieces and nephews riding roller coasters, watching movies and going to the park. She also enjoys reading mysteries and historical fiction, kickboxing, African and hip-hop dance and international travel.