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Department
LocationCancer and Hematology Center
Hematology Center
General Hematology Program
Global Hematology Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE)
Immune Hematology Program
Iron Disorders and Nutritional Anemias Program
Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Program
William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology
Young Women's Bleeding Disorder Clinic
Texas Medical Center
Specialty
Cancer and Hematology
Phone: 832-822-1320
Fax: 832-825-4362
Email
sekirk@texaschildrens.org
Address
6701 Fannin St., Ste. 1580
Houston, TX 77030
Research Area
Susan E. Kirk, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine
Education
| School | Education | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine | Other | Diploma of Tropical Medicine | 2013 |
| University of Kentucky, College of Health Sciences | University | Master of Science of Physician Assistant Studies | 2008 |
| Mississippi State University | University | Bachelor of Science, Biological Engineering | 2003 |
About
Susan Kirk has been treating children with blood disorders for over 10 years. She is a member of the immune hematology, general hematology, and hematosis and thrombosis teams. Susan treats children with many conditions including anemias, low blood counts and bleeding and clotting disorders. She is particularly interested in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and bone marrow failure disorders. Susan works with the hematology teams in clinical trials, including therapies for ITP and aplastic anemia. Susan's goals are to have her patients and famillies understand their diagnosis and treatment options and to help them navigate all of the aspects of their care.
Her primary clinical interests include immune mediated hematologic conditions, particularly immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). She also has clinical interest in general hematologic conditions including nutritional anemias, enzyme deficiencies, membranopathies, and hemoglobinopathies.
Board Certifications
Certificate of Added Qualifications: Pediatrics by National Committee for Certification of Physician Assistants
Licensed in Texas as Physician Assistant
Licensed in Tennessee as Physician Assistant
Certified by National Committee for Certification of Physician Assistants
Organizations
| Organization Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Society of Hematology/Oncology | Member |
| American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) | Member |
| American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) | Member |
| American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) | Member |
| National Hemophilia Foundation | Member |
| Society for Physician Assistants in Pediatrics | Member |
| Texas Academy of Physician Assistants | Member |
| Texas Gulf Coast Physician Assistant Association | Member |
Research Statement
Susan Kirk’s research interest is focused on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and the study of novel agents to treat this condition. Susan is actively involved in expanding access to diagnostic tools and life-saving treatments for sickle cell disease in the U.S. and internationally through Texas Children’s Global Hematology Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE). Susan spends much of her time at international sites supporting global projects in areas where the burden of sickle cell disease is greatest.
Selected Publications
Bernhardt MB, deGuzman MM, Grimes A, Kirk S, Nelson S, Bergsbaken J, Minard CG, Despotovic JM "Rapid infusion of rituximab is well tolerated in children with hematologic, oncologic, and rheumatologic disorders." Pediatric Blood & Cancer. 2017; Pubmed PMID: 28792663
Kim T, Grimes AB, Kirk S, Arulselva A, Lambert M, Grace RF, Despotovic J "Association of a positive direct antiglobulin test with chronic immune thrombocytopenia and use of second line therapies in children: A multi-institutional review." Am J Hem. 2019; Pubmed PMID: 30663792
Kirk SE, Grimes AB, Shelke S, Despotovic JM, Powers JM "The cost of a “benign” condition: Healthcare utilization and infectious outcomes in young children with primary autoimmune neutropenia." Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2019; Pubmed PMID: 31886613
Kirk SE, Scheurer M, Bernhardt MB, Mahoney DM, Powers JM "Phosphorus levels in children treated with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose." Am J Hem. 2021 Mar 18; Pubmed PMID: 33735470
Vorster L, Kirk SE, Muscal E, Despotovic JM, Cohen C, Sartain S "COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA BNT162b2) and COVID-19 Infection-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Adolescents." Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022; Pubmed PMID: 35373880
Grimes AB, Kim TO, Kirk SE, Flanagan J, Lambert MP, Grace RF, Despotovic JM "Refractory autoimmune cytopenias in pediatric Evans syndrome with underlying systemic immune dysregulation." Eur J Haematol. 2021 Feb; Pubmed PMID: 33570766
Awards & Honors
2022 Star Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Care, Baylor College of Medicine
2020 Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching and Evaluation
2020 Carl E. Fasser Visionary Leadership Award, Baylor College of Medicine
2016 Dr. Marilyn Hockenberry Advanced Practice Provider Award for Excellence in Education, Research and Clinical Practice
Language
English
* Texas Children's Hospital physicians' licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician's office and were not verified by Texas Children's Hospital.