Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephanie Fritch Lilla has accepted the role of medical director of the sickle cell program. She is stepping into the position following the departure of Dr. Derrick Goubeaux who accepted a new position out of state to be closer to family.
Dr. Fritch Lilla will lead a strong multidisciplinary team with specialized expertise in caring for the unique individual needs of this patient population. Children’s Minnesota’s Sickle Cell program is nationally recognized and treats over 80% of children and teens in the state who have sickle cell disease.
Dr. Fritch Lilla completed medical school and residency at the University of Minnesota. Her fellowship training in pediatric hematology and oncology was completed at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina where she first developed an interest in caring for individuals with sickle cell and thalassemia. In 2016 she developed the Comprehensive Thalassemia Program at Children’s Minnesota and continues as the medical director. She has worked alongside former Sickle Cell Medical Directors Dr. Stephen Nelson and most recently Dr. Goubeaux. She is excited to bring her experience caring for individuals with sickle cell, as well as her leadership experience in the thalassemia program, into this new role.
