Dr. Enrico Novelli to Lead Sickle Cell Disease Care in Maryland

Dr. Enrico Novelli has taken the helm of a major regional effort to transform care for patients with sickle cell disease across Maryland, bringing a distinguished background in classical hematology and vascular biology to his new roles.

As detailed in profiles from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Novelli serves as a professor in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Hematology/Oncology. He directs the institution’s Program in Sickle Cell Disease and acts as chief of the University of Maryland Medical System’s Sickle Cell Disease and Classical Hematology Network.

Before his arrival in Maryland, Dr. Novelli built an extensive academic and clinical career at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In Pittsburgh, he served as a professor, chief of the Division of Classical Hematology, and director of the Adult Sickle Cell Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Novelli Earned Medical and Research Degrees in Italy and the US

A physician-scientist with clinical training spanning prominent medical institutions, Dr. Novelli earned his M.D. summa cum laude from the Università degli Studi di Milano in Milan, Italy, between 1990 and 1996. He later completed postdoctoral fellowships in pediatric oncology at Johns Hopkins University and in human genetics at the University of Pittsburgh.

His academic credentials also include a Master of Science in Clinical Research earned at the University of Pittsburgh. His research interests target the complex pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia, focusing specifically on vascular dysfunction, neurovascular complications, and the development of new imaging biomarkers.

Recent peer-reviewed studies reflect these ongoing scientific investigations. In PNAS Nexus, Dr. Novelli contributed to research investigating how astrocytic frataxin deficiency drives neurocognitive impairment in sickle cell mice. Additional collaborative work published in Blood Advances explored integrin VLA-4 as a PET imaging biomarker of hyper-adhesion in transgenic sickle mice.

Dr. Novelli Leads International Hematology and Research Initiatives

Beyond his institutional duties in Maryland, Dr. Novelli maintains active leadership roles within the international hematology community. He has helped build global hematology capacity, develop the workforce, and lead international research initiatives in resource-limited settings.

His global footprint includes active involvement with the American Society of Hematology, where he has co-chaired the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa. Through these endeavors, his work integrates clinical care, translational research, and advocacy to improve blood health outcomes for patients worldwide.