About the Division of Hematology
WELCOME
The scientific mission of our division is to advance the understanding of blood and bone marrow in both health and disease. Our physicians specialize in treating a wide range of hematologic conditions, including blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, clotting disorders like hemophilia, and diseases of iron metabolism such as hemochromatosis.
With a legacy that began with Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe—one of the founding fathers of hematology and the University of Utah School of Medicine—our division has upheld a long-standing tradition of excellence in research, clinical care, and education. This commitment is reflected in our recent achievements: last year alone, our researchers secured more than $14.29 million in grant funding, presented groundbreaking findings at major scientific conferences, and published in top-tier journals. These accomplishments are made possible by the University of Utah’s exceptional collaborative environment and strong scientific foundation.
Our ultimate goal is to translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care. We recognize that every patient is unique and deserves an individualized approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. Central to this effort is a deep understanding of disease at the molecular level. As we continue to push the boundaries of hematologic research, we are also expanding our clinical services to ensure that the latest scientific advancements are accessible to patients throughout Utah and the Mountain West.
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Advances in Patient Care
The Division of Hematology & Hematologic Malignancies has a distinguished history of shaping the field through groundbreaking contributions to patient care, research, and innovation.
Pioneering work by Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe and Dr. George Cartwright helped establish hematology as a research-driven specialty. Their foundational studies in the pathophysiology and genetics of blood diseases laid the groundwork for modern hematology. In addition, they developed a rigorous training program that attracted physicians from around the world, fostering a culture of scholarship and scientific discovery. Their legacy continues to guide the division today, with a strong emphasis on research as the key to understanding disease mechanisms and developing transformative therapies.
Major contributions to patient care include:
- Red Cell Metrics: Development of quantitative measures for red blood cell indices, now essential tools in diagnosing and managing anemia and related disorders.
- Neutrophilia Pathogenesis: Advancing the understanding of neutrophil proliferation, contributing to improved insights into both inflammatory and malignant diseases.
- Hemochromatosis Genetics: Identification of the hereditary nature of hemochromatosis, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term complications.
- High-Altitude Adaptation: Research on the body's response to high-altitude environments, informing treatment strategies for hypoxia-related conditions.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Development of targeted inhibitors of the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase, transforming CML from hypoxia-related conditions.
Today, the division remains at the forefront of innovation through programs like the Cell therapy and Regenerative Medicine Program (CellReGen) and the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program. These initiatives have developed an expedited, in-house process to engineer novel chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, offering cutting-edge immunotherapy options for patients with hematologic malignancies.
Through these historic and ongoing efforts, the Division continues to set new standards in hematology and oncology-improving outcomes and advancing care for patients locally and globally.