Heather Stefanski, MD, PhD
Chief Medical Officer
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Stefanski is responsible for evaluating the science behind cell therapies and their potential clinical impact, as well helping to determine opportunities to leverage the assets of our organization to partner with cell and gene therapy companies who are bringing therapies to patients. She is also Vice President of CIBMTR & Clinical Services at NMDP and board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology/oncology.
Previously, Dr. Stefanski was an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, providing clinical care and conducting research involving children with life-threatening blood and immune system disorders. One focus area was using cord blood units in hematopoietic cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy. Currently, she is focused on overcoming HLA barriers in stem cell transplant and ensuring all patients can receive their life-saving cell therapy.
Dr. Stefanski earned her medical degree and PhD from the University of Minnesota.