Brooke Sadler's innovative research is fueled by a family legacy

Brooke Sadler, Ph.D., is breaking new ground in pediatric hematology research, investigating the genetic complexities of von Willebrand disease (VWD) and blood clotting disorders in children.

As the daughter of the late Evan Sadler, M.D., Ph.D., a prominent ISTH leader and renowned figure in the field, Brooke Sadler carries forward a legacy of dedication to discovery, blending family inspiration with her own pioneering research.

In a new episode of the ISTH Pulse Podcast, Brooke Sadler sits down to talk about her family’s legacy and her innovative research in pediatric hematology.

A family legacy

Brooke Sadler’s journey to working in the field was not a direct path. She initially pursued cultural anthropology studies in college.

“At first, like a lot of kids, I didn’t really want to be like my parents,” she remembers.

However, her passion for research ultimately led her to hematology. She was also inspired by her father’s relentless curiosity and dedication.

In addition to his clinical and research work, Evan Sadler was a driving force in the ISTH community, serving most recently as ISTH Secretary General before he passed away in 2018.

“My dad worked long hours, but he didn’t seem to mind, and he was always learning. I figured if I can be just a third as smart as he was, I’ll have succeeded,” she said.

Today, Brooke Sadler is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (U.S.). She is pioneering research to uncover genetic and epigenetic factors behind von Willebrand disease (VWD) and related blood clotting disorders in children.

She works at the same institution as her father did, and her mentor is Jorge Di Paola, M.D., also an ISTH member.

Her research work focuses on low von Willebrand factor (VWF) in patients without known pathogenic variants. She utilizes advanced genetic analysis, including whole-genome sequencing, to investigate how rare gene variants might influence blood clotting factor levels.

She said that working with many of her father’s colleagues has been special, both personally and professionally.

"It’s like getting to know a different side of him that I didn’t see as a kid. Sometimes I get emails from people I don’t even know who just want to tell me how much he helped them in their careers. It’s really moving,” she said.

With her unique perspective, she honors her father’s work while creating her own impact in the field of pediatric hematology.

Listen now to the ISTH Pulse Podcast to hear Brooke Sadler’s full interview, including the latest findings from her research and what is ahead.