Sylwia Jasinski, MD

When I was growing up, I was fascinated with science and wanted a job helping others. This inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. I chose to specialize in pediatric hematology and oncology because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and help families during the most difficult of times. The resiliency of children, even when facing life-threatening illnesses, amazes me. I feel truly blessed to be able to work with such strong patients.

Many of my patients have a wide variety of blood disorders, such as anemia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia, a condition in which the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, an important component of red blood cells. I also treat children who have forms of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors, and brain tumors. I personalize treatment plans and use the most up-to-date therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, as well as targeted therapy based on specific genetic mutations of tumors. Our division works with national pediatric oncology cooperative groups, which offer enrollment in innovative clinical trials.

When a child receives a diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder, it is a trying time for the entire family. I practice a family-centered approach in shared decision-making. In addition to the medical aspects of care, I support the patient and family as a whole, with the help of social workers and child life specialists. My goal is to address patients’ medical, psychological, and social needs as they navigate treatment.