Donald Beam, MD

The blood system and clotting system are very complex, and it takes very special doctors to care for children and teenagers with diseases of the blood. As a pediatric hematologist at Cook Children's, Dr. Donald Beam understands how blood functions in the body, and when things don't work like they should, he's here to help make them better.

Only one month into medical school he discovered pediatric hematology and oncology and knew that's what he was going to specialize in. He enjoys working together with other specialists to find the best treatment and care for his young patients. "There's always something new, something extraordinary, something more to learn, and more advancements in medicine." And for Dr. Beam, that means a remarkable number of children are able to get well.

Dr. Beam believes in working with patients and families, guiding parents as they support their child through treatment. He's very active in research at Cook Children's. He's also an advocate for kids around the world who are diagnosed with blood disorders. His health advocacy has led to participation in a World Federation of Hemophilia sponsored project in Peru. He participated in the project for nine years, empowering people—including the medical community—to a higher level of understanding and creating a summer camp for kids with hemophilia.

When he's not practicing medicine, Dr. Beam loves to travel. He might be found climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, swimming with great white sharks off the African coast, relaxing at a beachside hut in Fiji, sightseeing through Europe, or finding his Zen in Zanzibar.

But a single visit to Dr. Beam's office, tells anyone who enters what he cares about most. One wall is covered with diplomas. A second wall is covered in art and photos given to him by patients throughout the years. "Without a doubt," he says, "the second wall means more to me."