Dr. Ify Osunkwo is a hematology specialist, sickle cell disease expert, and Chief Patient Officer at Forma. Dr. Osunkwo makes it her mission to improve the quality of life for sickle cell patients. 

Originally from Nigeria (where 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year), she is intimately aware of the African American struggle with sickle cell disease.

Upon her arrival at Atrium Health in early 2014, she has created a comprehensive Sickle Cell center in Charlotte with doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and nurse managers. 

Along with Carolinas Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC), Dr. Osunkwo is the driving force behind the Carolinas Sickle Cell Collaborative. This initiative attempts to match about 2,000 sickle cell patients in our community with blood donors who have similar blood characteristics.