Caroline Hastings, MD

Dr. Caroline Hastings is a hematologist-oncologist and neuro-oncologist who cares for children with blood diseases, including blood cancers. She has particular interests in brain and spinal cord tumors, acute leukemias and solid tumors. Her expertise encompasses sickle cell disease and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for clotting). In addition, she cares for adults with lysosomal storage disorders, metabolic diseases that result from defective proteins or enzymes that break down and transport fats or carbohydrates in the body's cells.

Hastings' research in rare diseases includes projects on relapsed leukemia, brain tumors and Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPC, a progressive genetic disorder). She works on clinical trials for drugs that show promise for treating NPC and serves on related advisory boards, including for foundations dedicated to those affected by the disease.

Hastings earned her medical degree from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. She completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.

Hastings believes that training young people who are passionate about medicine is critical to ensuring a healthy future for patients. She serves as director of the fellowship program in pediatric hematology and oncology at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, and she finds that preparing the next generation of doctors is one of the most rewarding aspects of her career in medicine.