Q&A with Michael Eckrich, MD, MPH, visiting associate professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Transplant, and Cellular Therapy
Hometown: Carbondale, Illinois
Educational/professional background: I went to high school and college in Upstate New York. I attended medical school at the State University of New York-Syracuse, where I completed my pediatrics residency. I then started my career by completing a hematology oncology fellowship and obtaining my masters in public health at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. From there, I completed a two-year clinical research in transplant fellowship at the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) and Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. My first practice build was in Charlotte before taking the medical directorship of Texas Transplant Institute in San Antonio to lead phase one clinical trials. I then returned to the Charlotte practice to assist the program grow into novel expansion trials.
Previous position (title, institution): Medical director for transplant and cellular therapy, Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, and clinical associate professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am interested in all transplant and cellular therapies, and I entered this work because it is the closest thing to being a PICU doctor for blood cancer patients I can imagine. To me it is the challenge, and the opportunity, to guide your patients and families through a difficult and long operation and journey, where the outcome is not always guaranteed. I love taking care of kids and applying my detail orientation to the safe practice of transplant. I am privileged to have been able to care for many of the first brave patients to undergo gene editing therapy for sickle cell disease. Much of this work was accomplished when we had no idea what we were doing because not many sickle cell patients had not been taken through the apheresis suite before.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? We are all made up of lots of interesting cells! The bone marrow garden is where all the healthy cells we need to survive are made. I help kids to grow healthy bone marrow gardens and treat diseases that make their blood sick. I also try to have fun doing it!
What attracted you to UW–Madison? They recruit you during the spring and summer, when it’s evident this might be the nicest place on earth to live. Friendly people, college town in the Midwest, and a division of high-caliber scientists and clinicians who clearly have great pediatric oncology care down. I grew up at Vanderbilt and my fondest memories all involve being surrounded daily by people who were a lot smarter than I was. Madison is reminiscent of the same environment, so it was an easy decision to move the family.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? Ride the bike. Amazing rails to trails, cycling paths, supportive and safe roads, and endless hills and farm country. The scenery is amazing.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? In setting out to challenge the paradigm for sickle cell disease, I could not have predicted that in a little over a decade of practice, we would have seen such progress in the field and phase one work which led to the FDA approvals of gene editing and gene therapy. But you have to be willing to follow the science and opportunities you will make in your career. Even if that means taking a job in Texas.
I hope trainees will learn if your patients are first in all decisions you make in your life, you will never go wrong.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? Many people do not understand that hematopoietic cells are much smarter than we are. They know exactly where they want to live and what they want to become in life.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I am blessed with two children and an understanding wife who long ago kicked my butt on a basketball court. I still enjoy basketball, but also enjoy riding my road bike up hills wherever I can find them, and recognize in its best form, cycling is suffering. The Tour De France month is my favorite time of year.