James R. Eckman, MD

James Eckman, MD, is emeritus professor of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology and held appointments as professor of medicine and adjunct professor of pediatrics in medical genetics at Emory University School of Medicine. He was committed to establishing a sickle cell program at Grady Memorial Hospital, and after intensive state lobbying for funding in 1984, became medical director of the world’s first 24-hour comprehensive acute care sickle cell center.

Dr. Eckman’s other interest is in public health services for individuals with genetic diseases. He has championed newborn screening for sickle cell disease on a local and national level. His work has saved the lives of many sickle cell children who would have died from pneumococcal sepsis if timely preventive care with oral penicillin prophylaxis was not started. He serves as a member of several local and national committees and acts as an advocate to continue awareness and support of these programs.

Dr. Eckman has broad research experience in basic science, translational research, clinical research and clinical trials. These have included studies of red cell metabolism; sickle erythrocyte endothelial interactions; coagulation activation with sickle complications; psychological and social complications from sickle cell disease; drug and chemotherapy of sickle complications; pain assessment and management; and bone marrow transplantation in sickle disease.