Stergios Zacharoulis, MD

Howard J. Worman, M.D. is Professor of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Worman received his BA from Cornell University and MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He did clinical training in internal medicine at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and postdoctoral research training in cell biology at Rockefeller University. He then obtained clinical training in liver diseases at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Worman is internationally recognized for his research in cell biology and hepatology. His laboratory research is focused on primarily on the cell biology of rare genetic diseases. These include different types of muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, lipodystrophy and premature aging syndromes (progeria) . He also does research on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and on the characterization of antibodies in autoimmune liver diseases. His clinical practice is primarily devoted to consultation in liver diseases. Dr. Worman is an author on over 200 scientific publications. In 1998, he was elected to membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigator and, in 2010, to the Association of American Physicians. He has served on the Editorial Boards of Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Molecular Biology of the Cell and Journal of Autoimmunity and as a Section Editor of BMC Cell Biology. Dr. Worman is also author of the popular Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook (McGraw-Hill, 2006). Email: hjw14@cumc.columbia.edu

My expertise is in pediatric hematology and oncology, with a particular focus on leukemias and lymphomas, or cancers of the blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes. I am especially interested in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Because children are growing and developing, CML treatment and management present unique challenges—the same treatment options that work best for grown-ups may not be the right strategies for kids. I treat children, adolescents, and young adults. I love working with this population and developing long-lasting relationships with my young patients. I am especially passionate about delivering personalized care to each of them—because no two kids are the same. Diseases like leukemia and lymphoma are challenging for anyone, but they can be especially hard on children. Symptoms like fatigue and joint pain can make it hard to move, play, and act like a kid, and some treatments can have severe side effects. I work to manage children’s symptoms and choose the right treatments for their disease, based on their individual needs. Helping these children is the most satisfying goal I can imagine. My research revolves around the treatment of pediatric leukemias and lymphomas. I continue to explore the impact of current treatments, and I collaborate with basic science researchers to translate their breakthroughs into new drug development. I have also been involved in cancer survivorship research. As a professor and the section head of pediatric oncology, I am deeply committed to educating and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows and helping to prepare the next generation of leaders in pediatric hematology/oncology.

Diane George, MD cares for children and adolescents undergoing stem cell transplantation as a treatment for cancer (particularly leukemia and lymphoma), noncancerous blood disorders (like sickle cell anemia), and immunodeficiencies. She specializes in transplantation for patients who don't have a related bone marrow donor, and also takes care of patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation for solid tumors. Dr. George was originally attracted to the field of pediatric oncology because she wanted to take on the challenge of fighting pediatric cancer, and stem cell transplantation offers the ultimate cure in select patients. It is a complex medical field, and Dr. George enjoys being able to take care of children with complex medical conditions. Dr. George also conducts clinical research. She is currently evaluating a procedure called "CD34-selected stem cell transplantation" to remove T-cells from donor bone marrow. This approach reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) - a potential complication of bone marrow transplantation in which T-cells from the donor attack the tissue of the recipient. This approach benefits patients who do not have a well-matched family donor, and it could potentially make bone marrow transplantation an option for more patients. Dr. George is also interested in studying how a patient's immune system rebuilds itself after CD34-selected stem cell transplantation. At NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, every member of a child's healthcare team shares the same compassion and dedication to helping them get well. Dr. George looks forward each day to the camaraderie, intellectual stimulation, and problem-solving she shares with fellow team members. After being in the field for more than 20 years, Dr. George uses the knowledge and experience she has gained to benefit patients and their families.