Strong Kids

New Leadership Roles Look to Capitalize on Hematology/Oncology Momentum

Oct. 4, 2023
Drs. Flerlage and Andolina bring specialized expertise to US News ranked division

Jamie Flerlage, MD, MS, has been named division chief and academic director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Golisano Children’s Hospital. She will also serve as an assistant director of Clinical Research within Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Clinical Trials Office (CTO). She starts on October 1.

Flerlage, nationally and internationally known for her expertise in pediatric Hodgkin’s lymphoma, comes to Golisano Children’s Hospital and Wilmot from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she trained in pediatric hematology/oncology before becoming a faculty member.

She leads national and international groups focused on research and clinical trials for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her research focuses on novel therapies for patients with the disease as well as on identifying genome sequences in order to pinpoint genetic variants related to hematopoietic malignancy. In her new roles, Flerlage will work to expand external and collaborative clinical research opportunities in Rochester and beyond.

“Having Dr. Flerlage in Rochester will be a tremendous asset for our clinical research efforts, particularly when it comes to childhood cancers,” says Jonathan W. Friedberg, MD, MMSc, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute. “We look forward to having an additional expert who can provide world-class care to our neighbors in need, but whose expertise can help strengthen the clinical trials offered here at Wilmot and GCH. Please join me in welcoming her to Rochester.”

Andolina Jeffrey MD 300print

Jeffrey Andolina, MD, MS, will assume the roles of clinical director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and associate chair for Pediatric Program Development for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Andolina is an extremely well-respected clinician and leader with expertise in the treatment and care of children with leukemia and lymphoma as well as the care of children with other cancers and blood diseases. His research interests include improving bone-marrow transplantation outcomes for children and young adults and evaluating reduced-intensity conditioning regimens for pediatric patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases, especially sickle cell anemia.

In his leadership role, Andolina will direct inpatient and outpatient clinical services for the division, lead clinical program development, and promote a unified approach to the medical care of pediatric hematology/oncology patients.

Both new leadership roles will look to advance GCH’s growing reputation in the field of pediatric cancer, in which the division was nationally ranked in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report.

“Drs. Andolina and Flerlage offer both the clinical and research expertise to build on the Division’s national reputation for providing the highest quality of care,” said Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, interim chair of the Department of Pediatrics. “With their leadership, we look forward to continuing progress in our clinical mission and in developing advanced treatments to serve children in New York State and beyond.”