Hope & Destiny With Dr. Allan Platt

SCD Stories

• Allan Pratt is the author of "Hope and Destiny," a book about sickle cell disease that aims to educate patients, families, and clinicians about the disease.
• The book was inspired by a lack of services for sickle cell patients in 1985 and was started by a mother who wanted to get a clinic started at Grady Hospital.
• The lack of education about sickle cell disease in the past has led to a misunderstanding of the disease and its impact on patients.
• The book "Hope and Destiny" serves as a tool for educating patients and families about the disease and has been successful in providing a baseline understanding of sickle cell disease.
• The progress made in sickle cell disease education and treatment, as well as the role of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in improving patient care, is discussed.
• The speakers emphasize the importance of patient communication and listening in healthcare, and how patients can become advocates for their own health.
• The transition from pediatric care to adult care for sickle cell patients is challenging, and more resources are needed for adult sickle cell patients.
• The speaker advises reaching out to the local sickle cell community service to find good doctors who are interested in managing sickle cell disease.
• It is important to understand that sickle cell is not just a disease that affects black people, but a global genetic issue that can affect people of any background.
• The stigma surrounding sickle cell should be looked past, and proper education and understanding should be promoted.