Cheryl Mensah, MD, specializes in hematology, focusing on the treatment of hemoglobinopathies (inherited, generic blood disorders), such as thalassemia, as well as a range of anemias and other hematologic conditions.
“My favorite part of my job is witnessing an intervention I’ve performed significantly improve a patient’s symptoms and quality of life,” she says. “These moments make my work profoundly rewarding.”
Equally important to Dr. Mensah is easing the anxiety that patients often feel when visiting a doctor’s office. “I encourage my patients to prepare before their visit, ask questions, and provide any relevant information in advance so that I can address their concerns more comprehensively,” she says.
“Additionally, I reassure them that they are always welcome to ask further questions even after the appointment, to ensure they feel fully supported,” she adds. “Many patients are anxious before the visit, however, the goal of the visit is to help them with either a diagnosis, treatment, or to rule out aggressive hematologic conditions. They should come prepared with questions and feel empowered to engage in their health care.”
An assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Mensah is the inaugural medical director of the Thalassemia Program at the Yale Cancer Center. Her research aims to enhance understanding and treatment of hemoglobin disorders. As both a clinician and researcher, her passion is working on red blood cell disorders. It’s a passion she developed by working with her first mentor, Dr. Anthony Shields, a hematologist-oncologist.
“My career goal is working with with patients with hemoglobin disorders and participating in research that advances the field,” she says.
Dr. Mensah completed her medical training at Wayne State University and her residency and fellowship training in hematology-oncology at Northwell Health.
