Unlocking Answers: Why Genetic Testing Matters in AML Care

Marilu Najera is an International Medical Graduate and an Event Operations Manager at the HealthTree Foundation. Her journey through several patient-centered roles has deepened her passion for advocacy, education, and connection. Now, as part of the education team, she is leading efforts to grow HealthTree’s newest community: ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). She organizes patient-friendly webinars with expert speakers and works to ensure that patients and families feel informed, empowered, and supported. Marilu brings empathy, joy, and warmth to every project. Outside of work, she loves to travel, connect with others, and spend time with her loved ones—especially her nephews (being an aunt is her absolute favorite role in life!).

Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy Director, Leukemia Program, Duke University, Durham, NC Chair, SWOG Leukemia Committee Dr Erba is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy at Duke University. He serves as the Director of the Leukemia Program. Dr Erba graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He earned his medical degree and doctor of philosophy degree in Biophysics from Stanford University School of Medicine in California. He completed his internship, residency and fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He has been a clinical investigator for myeloid neoplasms at the University of Michigan (1996-2012), University of Alabama at Birmingham (2012-2018), and Duke University since 2018. He has served as the Chair of the SWOG Leukemia Committee since 2012, member of the NCI Leukemia Steering Committee since 2012, and the Co-Chair of the Senior Scientific Council of the NCI-sponsored MyeloMATCH precision medicine initiative since 2019.