My 2-year evolution as a sickle cell disease columnist

As I look back on my two-year journey as a sickle cell disease columnist for Bionews, the parent company of this website, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown and evolved. In fact, I’m extremely proud.

It all began in late 2022, when I stumbled upon a job posting on LinkedIn that sought a columnist to write about sickle cell disease. As I examined the job requirements and learned more about Bionews, I realized how my missions and goals for the sickle cell community aligned perfectly with those of the company, which provides a platform for patients and caregivers to share their stories.

That opportunity resonated deeply with me. As a medical doctor, I’ve always felt that if health professionals would listen more to patients’ perspectives, they’d gain more crucial understanding, allowing patients to better manage their diseases.

At the time, I was already sharing my sickle cell stories on social media, particularly as Dr. Tee on Facebook, to raise awareness and educate others about the disease and patient perspectives. As a person with sickle cell and as a doctor treating it, I offered a rare perspective.

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As a Nigerian, I was thrilled to discover that Bionews hires talent from around the world, not just in the United States, where it’s based. Within 24 hours of submitting my application, I was invited for an interview with Kevin Schaefer and Matt Lafleur — now, respectively, associate director of community content and director of business development and patient advocacy, as well as patient columnists themselves. That interview turned out to be one of the most enjoyable such experiences I’ve had.

I was hired and began my onboarding process by Jan. 27, 2023. One of my first decisions was to choose a name for my column — “The Sickle Cell Crusader” —and work with the designer who created my banner imagery at the top of each column. I then got quickly acclimated to work with several applications and was ready for my debut column, which was published a few weeks later, on Feb. 15.

Now, after more than two years and over 50 published columns, I can confidently say that it’s been a rewarding journey filled with learning and self-discovery. When I reflect on the columnist I was when I started compared with who I am now, I see undeniable growth.

Initially, even as I shared my stories, I was quite reserved about the personal experiences I chose to discuss and preferred to focus on educating readers about sickle cell disease as a medical professional, sharing only those personal anecdotes that were in my comfort zone. I was more at home with information.

Over time, however, I’ve become more open and empowered to discuss any aspect of my diagnosis, as long as it can provide valuable insights and lessons for others. In fact, if anyone had told me at the beginning of my columnist journey that I’d eventually feel comfortable discussing my diagnoses of cardiomegaly and hypothyroidism, I would’ve found that hard to believe.

Yet through my growth and development, I’ve become more confident in sharing my personal story, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

It’s taken a village

We columnists receive feedback at many levels here at Bionews, and managers and fellow writers who serve as “column leads” have been periodic sources of motivation ever since I joined Sickle Cell Disease News. We have several columnists on this website, and the columns manager sends us notices of our Top 10 most-read columns periodically. I’ve followed these lists closely. While I was always encouraged when one or two of my columns ended up on these lists, I wasn’t satisfied. As a perfectionist, I strive to do better.

I’m thrilled to say that since late last year, my performance on those lists has been especially gratifying, and I’ve sometimes had the most spots on a month’s list. What’s even more satisfying is that this performance level has become more consistent, with three or four of my columns regularly appearing in the Top 10 each month. These achievements have been powerful motivators, driving me to continue improving and pushing myself to be a better columnist.

I’m immensely grateful for our hardworking team, as together we’ve built something meaningful here. A heartfelt thank you to my column lead, Brianna Albers, the columns manager, Halsey Blocher; and the director of community content (until recently; he’s moved up!), Brad Dell. All are patient columnists themselves.

Kevin, I appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to training me when I started. Matt, I’m grateful for your friendship from the start; you made me feel at home.

I’m extending my appreciation to my exceptional copy editors, Paige Wyant, David DeWitt, and David Boddiger, who have consistently polished my work, making it shine even when I felt it was less than perfect. Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to Chris Comish, the visionary CEO and founder behind Bionews. Your inspiration and contributions to the rare disease community are remarkable. I wish you continued success.

And for myself? I wish for continued growth.

Note: Sickle Cell Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell disease.