Directory

Akiko Shimamura

Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Program | MD, PhD | Boston, USA

Dr. Shimamura directs the Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Program of the Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Her research focuses on translational studies spanning clinical through basic science investigations to understand the genetic and molecular basis of bone marrow failure, MDS, and leukemia predisposition with the goal of developing more effective and less toxic treatments. Dr. Shimamura had previously directed the Bone Marrow Failure Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital and then at Seattle Children’s Hospital before returning to Boston Children’s Hospital in the fall of 2015.

Dr. Shimamura has mentored numerous students and post-doctoral fellows who have moved on to careers in academics, medicine, or the biotechnology industry.

The Latest

News & Events

2025 Research Updates

Research is the answer to one day making FA a treatable, manageable disease. Here, you'll discover the most recent strides in FA research and activities funded by FCF. Every quarter, we'll bring you updates on newly funded grants, ongoing projects, and significant milestones.

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Celebrating Fatma Issak, 2025 Winn/Byrd Award Recipient

A Global Commitment to Care Born in Zanzibar and now living in New York, Fatma has dedicated herself to improving how healthcare is experienced, not just delivered. She currently works as a medical scribe at an OB-GYN clinic, supporting patients...

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Honoring Dr. John E. Wagner for a Lifetime of Impact

At the 2025 Fanconi Cancer Foundation Scientific Symposium in Minneapolis, the Foundation presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. John E. Wagner, MD, in recognition of his decades of groundbreaking work and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with Fanconi anemia (FA).

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