David Sykes, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist at Mass General Brigham, where he focuses on rare blood disorders and conditions that affect how blood cells develop and function. His work is dedicated to uncovering the root causes of these diseases and finding better ways to treat them.
One of Dr. Sykes’ most notable contributions came in 2011, when he discovered and described a previously unknown condition now called TEMPI syndrome. This rare disorder affects only about 50 people worldwide, and David’s research has been instrumental in helping doctors recognize and manage it more effectively.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Sykes spent years in the lab studying acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. His research, conducted in collaboration with leading scientists, aimed to develop new therapies that can improve outcomes for patients facing this challenging disease.
Dr. Sykes is passionate about bridging the gap between science and patient care, especially for those living with rare or poorly understood conditions. His work continues to shape how these diseases are studied, diagnosed, and treated.
How Many Red Blood Cells Do You Produce?
In the third episode of Down to a Science, Dr. Sykes explores how many new red blood cells are produced every single day.
