We were lucky to catch up with George Yaghmour recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, George thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

The kindest things anyone has ever done for me are not tied to a single moment or gesture but rather to the many heartfelt acts of gratitude I’ve received throughout my journey as a cancer and transplant blood doctor. These moments have left an indelible mark on me, reminding me why I do what I do.

One instance that stands out is a patient who spent weeks hand-making a beautiful full cover for me, infused with personal touches and colors she knew I loved. It was a gift born of thoughtfulness and creativity, and I could feel the care and gratitude in every stitch.

Another patient, in the midst of her own fight, gifted me a mug with a beautifully written message of appreciation. Every time I drink from it, I’m reminded of the resilience and kindness of the people I’m privileged to care for.

One particularly touching moment was when a sweet survivor crafted a bobblehead statue of me. It depicted me in a Superman/hero style, with the words “You are my hero.” Seeing myself through his and her eyes, as someone who made a meaningful difference, was deeply humbling and rewarding.

These gestures, no matter their size, hold immeasurable significance. They’re reminders that even in the face of life’s most challenging battles, humanity, gratitude, and connection shine through. They reinforce why I dedicate myself to this work and inspire me to keep striving for my patients every single day

George, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Dr. George Yaghmour is a renowned leader and key advocate in the field of hematologic malignancies and rare diseases. Multilingual in Arabic, French, and English, he blends exceptional medical expertise with a deeply compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Yaghmour’s journey in medicine was inspired by his upbringing in Aleppo, Syria, where he witnessed his father helping others and dreamed of alleviating suffering for people facing life’s toughest challenges. Today, he is a hematologist specializing in leukemia, stem cell transplantation, and advanced cellular and immunotherapies for rare diseases.
As an Associate Professor and the Associate Director of the Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Program at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Yaghmour has played a pivotal role in achieving some of the nation’s top survival rates for adult allogeneic transplant programs. His innovative research focuses on rare blood disorders, molecular pathways, immunotherapy strategies, and drug development. He is particularly passionate about advancing treatments for conditions like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), mast cell disease, histiocytosis, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), gene and stem cell therapy for Hemoglobinopathies
Dr. Yaghmour has received numerous honors for his contributions to the medical field, including the Advocacy Mission Award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and nominations for prestigious faculty awards at Keck Medicine of USC. He is a recognized key opinion leader in hematologic disorders, with over 40 publications and groundbreaking work in CAR-T cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and gene-editing therapies like CRISPR-Cas9. His leadership in early-phase clinical trials has brought cutting-edge treatments to patients facing complex and life-threatening conditions.
Dr. Yaghmour’s work extends far beyond medicine. He believes that art, music, and education are powerful tools for healing and empowerment. He encourages his patients to engage in creative expression as a way to cope with their illnesses and often uses art to connect with them on a personal level. His patients have expressed their gratitude in deeply meaningful ways—from handmade gifts to personalized messages and even a superhero-themed bobblehead statue that reads, “You are my hero.” These moments remind him of the profound impact his work has on others and inspire him to continue striving for excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Yaghmour envisions establishing a world-class Center of Excellence for rare diseases, focusing on pioneering therapies for conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and mast cell disorders. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and groundbreaking research, he aims to set new standards for patient care and position Cedars-Sinai as a global leader in rare disease management.
Beyond his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Yaghmour is a tireless advocate for patients and a champion for education and awareness. He believes that spreading knowledge can transform individual lives and, collectively, make the world a better place. His commitment to innovation, compassion, and advocacy continues to inspire both his patients and the medical community.
Dr. Yaghmour’s work is a testament to the power of science, art, and humanity coming together to create lasting change. Whether through his groundbreaking research, patient care, or advocacy, he remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Foster open communication: Encourage team members to share their feedback and opinions without fear of judgment.
Actively listen and respond constructively, ensuring they feel heard and valued. Regularly acknowledge both individual and team achievements.
Celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
Model the behavior you want to see—be positive, enthusiastic, and approachable.
Motivate others by sharing a vision that inspires them to dream, learn, and grow. (As John Quincy Adams said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. Support team members in finding meaning and enjoyment in their work, as “Happiness is the key to success. Keep energy levels up by fostering collaboration and positivity.
Organize team-building activities to strengthen bonds and reduce stress.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, success in any field relies heavily on building trust through integrity and consistency, acknowledging what we don’t know, and surrounding ourselves with the right team and connections. Mentorship plays a vital role in guiding us through challenges, while maintaining a positive attitude and striving for excellence (a “10/10” effort) helps inspire others and sustain personal motivation. Effective communication is key to collaboration, and engaging with associations and communities that share our values fosters growth, networking, and lifelong learning. Success is an ongoing journey fueled by authenticity, relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rarediseaseadvocates.org/
• Instagram: Iamgeorgeyaghmour
• Facebook: George Yaghmour
• Linkedin: Rare disease advocates, George yaghmour
• Twitter: @george_yaghmour

Image Credits

Credit to Johnny B.
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