Program Director
Vice Chief of Staff, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Director of Pediatric Partnerships, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Medical Director, Vascular Anomalies Center of Excellence
Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Joana Mack is a dedicated educator and clinical researcher in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, with a passion for mentoring future leaders in pediatric medicine. She leads innovative educational initiatives across all levels of training—from medical students to fellows—and has been recognized with multiple institutional and departmental awards for excellence in teaching and mentorship. Most recently, she was honored with the Program Director Graduate Medical Education (GME) Award. Her research focuses on vascular anomalies, thrombosis, and supportive care, with a goal of integrating clinical excellence and academic growth.
Associate Program Directors
Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Lauren Appell is a bone marrow transplant physician with a strong commitment to education, clinical care, and research. She developed the SCORE board review series—an intensive, structured curriculum designed to support pediatric hematology/oncology fellows in their preparation for board certification. As an educator, she is known for her mentorship and dedication to trainee success. Her research focuses on the impact of nutrition and exercise on outcomes in patients with leukemia, bridging lifestyle medicine and supportive care to improve quality of life and long-term survivorship.
Assistant Medical Director, Innovative Cancer Therapeutics
Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Dave Douglass is a pediatric solid tumor specialist whose work bridges clinical care, research, and education across pediatric and young adult hematology/oncology. He plays a key role in fostering collaboration between divisions, helping to build and expand the newly approved dual fellowship in pediatric and adult hematology/oncology. Dr. Douglass also leads the Combined Adult and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Seminars (CAPS) program, supporting cross-disciplinary education and mentorship that strengthens continuity of care and trainee development across the cancer care spectrum.
GME Program Coordinator
Jill Hare has been a dedicated member of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences since 2012 and currently serves as the GME Program Coordinator for the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, a role she stepped into in December 2023. She brings with her over six years of valuable experience coordinating both residency and fellowship programs. Jill thrives in a collaborative environment and takes pride in being part of a team committed to continuously advancing the fellowship and supporting the development of exceptional, well-rounded fellows. She finds deep fulfillment in witnessing the growth and success of the fellows, and knowing she plays an integral role in those achievements fuels her passion and motivation to keep pushing the program forward.