About the
Montefiore Einstein
Comprehensive Adult
Sickle Cell Center
About Us
The Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Adult Sickle Cell Center has been leading the way in providing expert care for individuals living with sickle cell disease for over seven decades. We are not only the oldest sickle cell center and research laboratory in the nation, but also the second largest, serving over 1,208 patients, with 97 transitioning into adult care.
As the largest single center in New York City, we prioritize holistic care that extends beyond medical interventions to encompass emotional support, educational outreach and community engagement. With innovative leadership and the integration of leading-edge therapies, we strive to empower individuals with sickle cell disease to live their fullest lives while navigating the complexities of their condition with confidence.
Recognized as a leader in providing multidisciplinary, team-based care, we proudly serve as an anchor of excellence in our communities. We successfully collaborated with the New York State Department of Health to change its guidelines for Health Home enrollment and make sickle cell disease a single qualifying condition. This improvement makes it easier for individuals with SCD to access care and coordinating services.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide comprehensive, exceptional, compassionate and individualized care for people living with sickle cell disease (SDC). Given our geographical location and the higher incidence of SDC within our community, we recognize the urgency and significance of our work in this field. Through our holistic approach, we strive not only to provide medical treatment but also to address the broader challenges and disparities faced by those with SDC in our community, ensuring that our Sickle Cell Champions receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Living with sickle cell disease presents unique challenges, and we are prepared to support you every step of the way.
Ellen Friedman, MD, FACP
Acting Director, Sickle Cell Program
Associate Professor of Oncology & Medicine,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Your Sickle Cell Disease Team
Ellen W. Friedman, MD
Amy Sharma, MD
Our experts are renowned for their unparalleled care of individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Managing the complexities of this condition demands a seamless integration of diagnostic precision, pioneering treatment alternatives and comprehensive psychological and social support. Our world-class sickle cell team is dedicated to navigating these challenges with excellence, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach to care.
Gene Therapy Certified Treatment Center
We are one of the few gene therapy certified treatment centers for sickle cell disease in the country. Gene therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that has been shown to cure sickle cell disease by correcting or replacing the gene responsible for producing abnormal hemoglobin. For eligible patients affected by the condition, this innovative approach holds hope for providing a long-term cure and improving their quality of life.
