Dr. Heather E. Stefanski is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric hematology, oncology, and cell therapy, with more than two decades of experience in clinical practice, academic research, and healthcare leadership. As the Executive Vice President of CIBMTR and Clinical Services at the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), Dr. Stefanski spearheads strategic initiatives that bridge donor safety, clinical services, and innovation in cellular therapies to improve outcomes for patients worldwide undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Dr. Stefanski’s career began with an academic foundation that includes an MD and a PhD in immunology from the University of Minnesota, where she also completed her residency in pediatrics and fellowship in hematology/oncology. Her early research explored T-cell development and thymic selection, establishing a lifelong focus on the immunobiology of transplantation. She joined the University of Minnesota Medical School as an Assistant Professor in 2010 and later became an Associate Professor in Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation. During this time, she also served as an attending physician at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, where she specialized in complex transplant cases, including the use of umbilical cord blood and CAR-T therapies.

Dr. Stefanski’s clinical and scientific expertise has directly contributed to advancements in donor health research, CAR-T cell therapy, and transplant access equity. She has authored over 65 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as JAMA, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Blood Advances, addressing key topics including graft-versus-host disease, cryopreservation impacts during COVID-19, and disparities in allogeneic transplantation outcomes. She holds several patents related to progenitor T cell development and graft-versus-host disease mitigation, underscoring her role as a driver of therapeutic innovation.

Her leadership extends globally. Dr. Stefanski serves as a board member of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA), and has held numerous leadership roles within the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), including as Scientific Director for the Donor Recipient Health Services Committee and the Donor Health and Safety Committee. She is also a contributing leader on the American Society of Hematology’s Subcommittee on Emerging Gene and Cell Therapies, helping shape clinical standards in a rapidly evolving field.

Throughout her career, Dr. Stefanski has demonstrated a commitment to mentorship, scientific rigor, and patient-centered care. She has consulted for major biopharmaceutical companies including Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Novartis, and is a frequent speaker at international conferences and national webinars addressing donor registries, CAR-T landscapes, and curative therapies for sickle cell disease. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including listings on Best Doctors in America, Top Doctors, and awards for outstanding pediatric research.

Dr. Stefanski’s leadership is defined by her collaborative spirit, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to improving patient access to lifesaving cellular therapies. Whether guiding a research consortium, developing clinical policy, or advocating for donor safety, she exemplifies the integration of scientific expertise with compassionate leadership in the field of cellular and transplant medicine.

Character: Dr. Stefanski is guided by a deep commitment to patient-centered care, ethical leadership, and the advancement of equitable access to life-saving therapies.

Knowledge: With dual MD/PhD credentials and over two decades in pediatric oncology and cellular therapy, she brings unparalleled clinical and scientific expertise to the field.

Strategic: She has successfully led national and international programs that align clinical innovation with donor and patient safety to transform transplant outcomes.

Communication: A highly effective communicator, she bridges diverse stakeholders—from clinicians to global partners—through clear, data-driven insights and impactful presentations.