Thomas D Coates

Thomas D Coates, MD, is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and Section Head of Hematology at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). He directs CHLA's Sickle/Hemoglobinopathy Program and leads the Coates Laboratory, which focuses on basic and translational research in sickle cell disease and iron overload management.

His research employs engineering-intensive methodologies, including MRI, laser Doppler flow, and digital signal processing, to study vascular disease mechanisms in sickle cell patients and optimize iron overload detection. Collaborations span CHLA's Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Radiology Departments, as well as USC's Biomedical Engineering and Physiology/Biophysics units.

Recent publications highlight his work on iron toxicity, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and novel therapeutic interventions like luspatercept trials for thalassemia. His clinical interests include pediatric hematology, neutrophil dysfunction, and coagulation defects. Media engagements and lab innovations further underscore his impact on hemoglobinopathy research.