Meet Dr. Amy Lu
The number of children and youth living with inherited blood disorders in Southwestern Ontario has increased significantly in recent years. Dr. Amy Lu is thrilled to have joined an exceptional multidisciplinary team at Children’s Hospital who is making a difference for these patients.
Since 2017, Children’s has seen a 290% increase in patients with thalassemia and 256% increase in those with sickle cell disease. Thalassemia leads to abnormal hemoglobin production, potentially requiring regular blood transfusions. Sickle cell disease results in abnormally shaped red blood cells that can clump together, causing slow or blocked blood flow that can lead to frequent pain episodes and severe complications like stroke and organ damage.
The Lifespan Hemoglobinopathy Program provides collaborative support, integrating medical, psychological, and social services. Dr. Lu gushes about her new clinic team and haematology colleagues and their transformational work.
Highly trained and well-regarded, Dr. Lu completed her medical degree, paediatric residency, and paediatric haematology/oncology fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto. She brings a distinctive focus on health equity.
“One of my main research interests is in trying to understand and address disparities in paediatric haematology/oncology care and outcomes, particularly as they relate to social determinants of health,” said Dr. Lu. “My other area of interest is on the postgraduate learning environment and how trainees from diverse backgrounds can influence and contribute in that setting.”
Driven by her passion for medical education, Dr. Lu fully embraces her additional role as the Postgraduate Education Lead for paediatric haematology/oncology. At the core of all her efforts lies her profound dedication to her patients.
“It is such a privilege and so rewarding to work with families as they navigate paediatric haematology/oncology, whether they’re experiencing a chronic disease or a new oncology diagnosis,” said Dr. Lu. “I am eager to familiarize myself with the local landscape and engage in focused research to create a significant impact for our haematology patients in Southwestern Ontario.”
