Dr. Neil Miransky
By Daniel Casciato
Few conditions require as much specialized knowledge and dedication in family medicine as sickle cell disease. Dr. Neil Miransky, a seasoned physician at Baptist Health, has devoted over two decades to treating patients with this complex blood disorder.
His expertise in palliative care has significantly shaped his approach to managing sickle cell disease, focusing on improving patients’ quality of life. In this interview, Dr. Miransky shares his insights, the challenges patients face, and the innovative care strategies employed by the new Sickle Cell Program at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital.
Dr. Miransky’s passion for palliative medicine began during his medical school years when he was mentored by a physician who dedicated her career to alleviating suffering.
“The art of medicine is the art of caring for another human being using one’s skills, knowledge, and talents,” says Dr. Miransky.
He explains that palliative medicine addresses and alleviates suffering in its various forms, focusing on the total experience of the patient’s disease while addressing the underlying cause.
“Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that significantly burdens those affected,” says Dr. Miransky. “Palliative medicine is proportionally beneficial to individuals based on the gravity of suffering or burden their disease presents; as the severity of the disease increases, so does the benefit from palliative care. The focus of each intervention from a palliative perspective is to improve the patient’s quality of life and level of function. The unique skill set that palliative physicians bring to their patient’s pain and other symptom needs helps the patient live their life to the fullest.”
Patients with sickle cell disease face numerous challenges throughout their lives.
“The disease is very intrusive, and sickle cell crises interrupt daily plans, goals, and dreams,” states Dr. Miransky.
These crises can occur unpredictably, causing significant disruptions in a patient’s life. For instance, a patient may miss important events or lose their job due to frequent hospitalizations. Additionally, managing severe pain often requires opioid analgesics, but the ongoing opioid epidemic has made it difficult for patients to receive adequate pain management.
The new Sickle Cell Program at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital aims to alleviate these burdens by providing comprehensive, specialized care.
“Our care team is experienced and knowledgeable about the disease and the complex management these patients need,” says Dr. Miransky.
The program offers a treatment home where patients can receive primary and preventive care, treatment for acute flares, and referrals to Baptist Health’s entire specialty network. The hospital’s pharmacies support the program by providing appropriate medications without delay, ensuring patients have timely access to the necessary treatments.
One of the program’s unique features is the Sickle Cell Care clinic, which offers ongoing prevention and disease management.
“We provide acute sickle cell crisis management and infusion of disease-modifying medications in the Sickle Cell Care Infusion Center,” explains Dr. Miransky. Each patient receives a customized symptom management plan tailored to their specific needs. The program facilitates smooth transitions to hospital care if necessary, with the admitting and treating teams having access to all prior treatment records without delay.
Dr. Miransky’s extensive experience in hospice and palliative care deeply influences his approach to treating patients with sickle cell disease. He notes that sickle cell disease can be profoundly painful, often exceeding the pain experienced by many cancer patients. “My experience helps me meet patients where they are and accompany them on their journey,” he says. He draws on his knowledge of treating complex clinical presentations and symptom burdens to provide empathetic and effective care.
Regarding healthcare delivery advancements, Dr. Miransky is passionate about bringing patients the best, most current treatments and partnering with them to design personalized care plans.
“We provide great care when these two come together,” he states. “The future is bright. We have new treatments that offer, for some individuals, an effective cure for the disease. As we learn more and continue to improve these techniques, we will expand the number of patients for whom these curative treatments will be effective.”
Dr. Miransky’s dedication to treating sickle cell disease highlights the importance of compassionate, comprehensive care. The Sickle Cell Program at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital offers innovative solutions and unwavering support for patients, aiming to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
With a bright future ahead, Dr. Miransky and his team continue to make significant strides in advancing the care and treatment of those affected by this challenging condition.
For more information, visit baptisthealth.net.