Alison A. Bertuch, MD, PhD
- Cancer and Blood Disorders

Sidney L. and Donald F. Faust Chair of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Director, Bone Marrow Failure Program
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine (primary appointment)
Professor, Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
Office location:
1102 Bates Avenue
Houston, TX 77030
Get to know Alison A. Bertuch, MD, PhD
Dr. Alison Bertuch has been named the Sidney L. and Donald F. Faust Chair of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.
Dr. Bertuch is a board-certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist, a Professor of Pediatrics, and the Director of the Bone Marrow Failure Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. She is an internationally recognized figure in research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of telomere maintenance, structure, and function in yeast to human cells and how these mechanisms are disrupted in the telomere biology disorders (TBDs). She hopes to exploit the knowledge gained from these studies to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bone marrow failure and cancer in children with these rare genetic disorders.
Dr. Bertuch has served as chair of the American Society of Hematology Scientific Committee on Bone Marrow Failure, chair of the National Institutes of Health Molecular Genetics B Study Section, and member of the inaugural Executive Committee of the North American Pediatric Aplastic Anemia Consortium. She is currently a leader in the Clinical Care Consortium for Telomere Associated Ailments.
Related Links
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
Learn more about Alison Bertuch, MD, PhD on BCM.edu
Education
School | Education | Degree | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Baylor College of Medicine | Post-doctoral Fellowship | Research Training | 2003 |
Baylor College of Medicine | Fellowship | Pediatric Hematology-Oncology | 1996 |
Baylor College of Medicine | Residency | Pediatrics | 1994 |
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry | Medical School | Doctor of Medicine | 1993 |
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry | PhD | Doctor of Philosophy, Biology | 1993 |
Baylor College of Medicine | Internship | Pediatrics | 1993 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelors | Bachelor of Science, Biology | 1985 |
Organizations
Organization Name | Role |
---|---|
American Society of Hematology (ASH) | Member |
American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI) | Member |
Board Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics
American Board of Pediatrics - Hematology/Oncology
Honors and awards
- 2024
-
Carson Family Telomere Biology Disorder Research Award
- 2022
-
Master Clinician Award, Baylor College of Medicine
- 2021
-
Teaching and Mentorship Award, Department of Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
- 2018
-
Women of Excellence Honoree, Baylor College of Medicine
- 2014
-
Elected, American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI)
- 2012
-
Research Mentorship Award, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
- 2012
-
Elected, Society for Pediatric Research
- 2005
-
Faculty Education Award, Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Hematology Service
- 2002
-
Forbeck Scholar Award, William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation
- 1996
-
Ralph D. Feigin Fellowship
* 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.
Highlights
Research Area:
Bone Marrow Failure
Dr. Alison Bertuch's research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms of telomere maintenance, structure and function. Her research uses yeast as a model system for the rapid identification and investigation of the genes that govern telomere homeostasis. Of particular interest is set of proteins previously shown to be crucial for the rejoining of DNA breaks that paradoxically also function at telomeres. In addition, Dr. Bertuch's laboratory studies the role of telomere dysfunction in the development of bone marrow failure in children. A long term goal is to exploit the knowledge gained from these studies to aid in the treatment of not only bone marrow failure, but also cancer.
She is chair of the Molecular Genetics B (MGB) Study Section of the National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review. Applications reviewed by the MGB study section involve molecular mechanisms of genome replication, maintenance and gene expression.
Research Interests
Telomere structure and function
Telomere dysfunction in the development of bone marrow failure in children