Help Celebrate the Legacy of Winfred C. Wang, MD
May 13, 2026
Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Also available virtually
The Symposium will bring together clinicians and researchers to discuss Dr. Wang’s significant contributions to clinical care and research for sickle cell disease, both nationally and globally. Some of Dr. Wang’s former patients will also share how his work impacted their lives.
Agenda
| Time | Event/Session | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:15 am | Breakfast | |
| 8:15 – 8:30 am | Welcome |
James Downing, MD Member, St. Jude Faculty / President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Pinkel Chair of Childhood Cancer Treatment St. Jude Children's Research Hospital |
| 8:30 – 8:45 am | Tribute to Dr. Wang | Mitchell J. Weiss, MD, PHD Chair, Department of Hematology Arthur Nienhuis Endowed Chair in Hematology |
| 8:45 – 9:45 am | Progress in sickle cell disease: Bending the arc towards health equity | Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH Elias Schwartz MD Endowed Chair in Hematology Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Professor of Pediatrics University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine |
| 9:45 – 10:00 am | The Ripple Effect of One Life in Medicine | Audrey Davis SCD Parent |
| 10:00 – 10:25 am | Break | |
| 10:25 – 10:55 am | The Evolution of a Sickle Cell Center of Excellence | Ulrike Reiss, MD Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty Director, Hemophilia Treatment Center |
| 10:55-11:05 am | Leadership, Compassion, and Quiet Excellence | Lynn W. Rodriguez, MSN, PNP-BC, APP (Ret.) Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD |
| 11:05-11:35 am | A Study That Changed the Future: Impact of The Babyhug Study on SCD Care | Jeremie Estepp, MD |
| 11:35 am-12:05 pm | A Mentor’s Role in Defining Lifespan Outcomes in Sickle Cell Disease: SCRIPP/TCD & Strokes | Jane Hankins, MD, MPH Member, St. Jude Faculty Director, St. Jude Global Hematology Program |
| 12:05-1:05 pm | Lunch | |
| 1:05-1:35 pm | From the PROPS Study to National Standards: Honoring a Colleague’s Teamwork and Legacy in Sickle Cell | Peter Lane Jr., MD Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics Emory University School of Medicine Past Director Sickle Cell Disease Program Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta |
| 1:35 – 1:55 pm | Patient Panel: Grateful Hearts: Patients Honor a Life in Medicine | Panelist: Moderator: |
| 1:55-2:15 pm | From Early Days to Enduring Impact: A Tribute to a Cherished Colleague | Judith Wilimas, MD Full Member (Ret.), Department of Hematology University of Tennessee Health Science Center |
| 2:15 – 2:45 pm | Early Childhood Assessment in Children with Sickle Cell Disease | Banu Aygun, MD Professor of Pediatrics Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Associate Chief of Hematology and Section Head of Sickle Cell Disease Cohen Children's Medical Center |
| 2:45 – 3:10 pm | Break | |
| 3:10 – 3:40 pm | “You Should Study Sickle Cell Kidney Disease” Dr. Winfred Wang, November 2017 | Jeffrey Lebensburger DO, MSPH Hugh Morgan Endowed Professor of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Vice Chair, Faculty Development Co-Director, UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center Director, Pediatric Hematology section Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| 3:40 – 4:10 pm | The Mentor Who Became a Colleague and a Friend | Michael Jeng, MD |
| 4:10 - 4:25 pm | Dr. Wang’s Family | |
| 4:25 - 4:30 pm | Closing Remarks | Clifford Takemoto, MD Member, St. Jude Faculty Director, Clinical Hematology Lemuel Diggs Endowed Chair in Sickle Cell Disease |
| 4:30 – 5:30 pm | Reception in Atrium | |