The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is a nationally recognized institution that delivers comprehensive, world-class pediatric care to children and families across Iowa and the surrounding region. As part of Iowa Health Care, the 190-bed facility includes a Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, and a Level 1 Pediatric Surgery Center. Its team comprises over 200 physicians, more than 100 residents and fellows, upwards of 100 advanced practice providers, and over 700 specially trained nurses.
The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology is a statewide leader in treating childhood cancers and blood disorders. In affiliation with the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, the division provides cutting-edge, multidisciplinary care for a wide range of pediatric hematologic and oncologic conditions. Notably, it is the only center in Iowa performing pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplants and serves as the state’s designated Comprehensive Hemophilia Center. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology team—comprising of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurse coordinators, and research associates—delivers expert, collaborative care.
Research plays a vital role in the division’s mission, with internationally recognized investigators leading projects supported by the National Institutes of Health and philanthropic organizations. Key research efforts include discovering novel therapeutic targets for Ewing’s sarcoma and contributing to a centralized patient database through the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network.
Research Team
Dr. Sara Claire Horton earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Mississippi State University before pursuing medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Horton is board-certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Additionally, Dr. Sara Claire Horton serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Hematology/Oncology at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital and is also the Co-Director of the Pediatric Oncology Tumor Board.
"My favorite thing about my job is being able to provide hope through medical care to patients and their families. I am inspired by my patients' courage and their ability to find joy as they face many challenges. I joined the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital because of its commitment to patient care and advancing the field of pediatric cancer research."
Dr. Michael A. Halyko earned his undergraduate Honors Degree in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He then pursued medical school at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, before completing his Pediatric Residency at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. Dr. Halyko went on to complete a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals in Milwaukee. He is board certified in Pediatrics and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics - Hemagoloty/Oncology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine/Stead Family Children’s Hospital.