Medical Director, Sickle Cell Disease Program
Medical Director, THRIVE (Survivorship) Program
Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina, 1985-1989
Residency: University of Alabama Birmingham – Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 1989-1992
Fellowship: University of Alabama Birmingham – Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 1992-1995
Certification: American Board of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (1996)
Track: Clinician Educator
Interests:
Dr. Saccente joined UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital in September 1996. She immediately became the medical director of the sickle cell program, a position she still holds. Clinically, she cares for patients with a wide range of complex pediatric hematologic and oncologic disorders. She is also the medical director of the pediatric apheresis program and personally oversees stem cell collections, T-cell collections, and donor lymphocyte collections in conjunction with the bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy division. She oversees the red cell exchange program for sickle cell patients. In addition, she spearheaded opening the Thrive Clinic for follow-up of cancer survivors to provide more comprehensive long-term care. She is committed to the education of medical students, residents, and hematology-oncology fellows. Dr. Saccente is engaged in multiple mentoring committees for junior faculty.
Research:
Dr. Saccente has participated in many clinical trials as a faculty member. She has enrolled and treated patients on Children’s Oncology Group studies. She has engaged in multiple drug trials related to sickle cell anemia. She is currently actively involved in 3 trials involving GBT/Pfizer Inclacumab in patients with sickle cell anemia. She is the site Principal Investigator for the Heartland Sickle Cell Grant.
Leadership Roles:
Medical Director, Pediatric Sickle Cell Program
Medical Director, Pediatric Apheresis
Chair, Transfusion Committee