SCAPN ELECTION

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdejU0XIrsjXkkveoE8wXzYbMjOPSReRbi1e6xKXpTQaDnAmw/viewform?usp=header

SCAPN Election - Please Vote by December 28th 2025.  We are using a google form that requires login to google to vote.  If you do not have a google account you can e-mail your ballot to Shirley Miller shirleyrenee3@gmail.com

Nominations are below followed by the brief bios-the google form also includes links to the candidates website and a photo.   

President

John Strouse, MD, PhD

Vice President

Yvette Murillo, MSN, APRN

Laura DeCastro, MD

Treasurer

Fuad El-Rassi, MD

Secretary

Tarun Aurora, MD

Grace Takahashi

At-Large

Yvette Murillo, MSN, APRN

Payal Desai, MD

Morgan L. McLemore, MD

Grace Takahashi, NP - UCLA                                                                                  

Laura DeCastro, MD

Candidate Bios

Morgan L. McLemore, MD

Director of Sickle Cell and Classical Hematology Programs

Division of Hematology

Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology

Winship Cancer Institute

Emory University School of Medicine

Medical Director Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic at Grady Hospital

Emory University School of Medicine

404-778-2408

mlmclem@emory.edu

I am the director of one the largest adult sickle cell clinics in North America with over 1,600 active patients and over 3,500 clinic visits and 4,000 acute care visits per year. We have 7 MDs and 3 APPs. In addition we currently have multiple studies ongoing.

Tarun Aurora

SCAPN Secretary Application Statement

I am excited to apply for the position of Secretary of the Sickle Cell Adult Provider Network (SCAPN). As a dual-trained pediatric and adult hematologist with a focus on the transition and longitudinal care of individuals with sickle cell disease, I am deeply committed to advancing collaboration, communication, and continuity within our provider community.

In my current role at the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Memorial Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, I care for adolescents and young adults navigating the complex transition from pediatric to adult care. This work has reinforced the importance of clear communication, coordinated systems, and shared learning. I believe that these are principles that lie at the heart of SCAPN’s overall mission.

I bring strong organizational and leadership skills shaped through clinical practice, education, and research. I have coordinated multi-institutional and global projects, led educational initiatives for trainees and advanced practice providers, and contributed to collaborative research focused on improving sickle cell outcomes globally. These experiences have taught me the value of structure, collaboration, and consistent follow-up—qualities I would bring to the Secretary role.

As Secretary, I aim to strengthen the network’s communication infrastructure, ensure efficient documentation of our collective work, and help sustain the sense of community and purpose that makes SCAPN so impactful. I am eager to support the executive team and membership in fostering collaboration, advocacy, and innovation for adults living with sickle cell disease.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to contribute to SCAPN’s continued growth and success.

Sincerely,

Tarun Aurora

Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology

Emory University School of Medicine

Yvette Murilli, RN, FNP Summary Statement

Experienced Family Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of clinical expertise and leadership in diverse healthcare settings. Proven ability to deliver high-quality patient care, develop innovative healthcare programs, and mentor multidisciplinary teams. Adept at oncology, hematology, urgent care, and sickle cell care, with a strong commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing clinical excellence.

Nomination for the position of President

 Full Name: John Joseph Strouse, MD, PhD

 Current position: Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Director Adult Sickle Cell Program, Vice-Chief for Culture, Community, and Engagement, Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine

 Personal Statement: I have dedicated my career to improving the care of people living with sickle cell disease through program development, research, and advocacy.  I joined the Sickle Cell Adult Provider Network in 2007 and served as a steering committee member from 2011-2013, board member from 2013 onward, Treasurer from 2013 to 2020 and vice-president from 2020 onward.  During my time as treasurer, we obtained a grant from the Doris Duke Foundation to incorporate SCAPN as a tax-exempt organization with a formal structure to support continued operation with changes in leadership.  If elected as president, I will focus on identifying new board members and executive officers and strengthening collaborations with other organizations such as the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers and the American Society of Hematology.  I will continue SCAPN’s focus on the support and education of providers of care to adults living with sickle cell disease.