Meet Sickle Cell Disease Program RN Care Coordinator, Hoyan Wong

For this month’s community spotlight, we’re highlighting Hoyan, RN Care Coordinator for the Sickle Cell Disease Program at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and Seattle Children’s. From helping families navigate healthcare systems to building meaningful relationships with patients, Hoyan brings compassion and advocacy into every part of her work.

Although she has been a nurse for 14 years, her journey into healthcare started early. “I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was 10 years old,” she shared. “I had to go to the emergency room and I just felt really cared for by the nurses there. I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue.”

Before joining Odessa Brown, Hoyan worked in adult inpatient and outpatient care in hematology and oncology. While she had never worked directly in sickle cell care before, she said Odessa Brown’s commitment to community-centered care is what drew her to the role. “I love their focus on community and wraparound care,” she said. “Their values really align with my personal values.”

As RN Care Coordinator, Hoyan describes herself as a bridge for patients and families with the rest of their healthcare providers. Her role includes everything from patient and family education and presenting to school nurses to helping patients access medications and navigate insurance barriers.

“Getting access to equitable healthcare can be difficult,” Hoyan said. “Insurance and drug companies can change things, and that adds another layer for patients and families to navigate.”

One challenge she says stands out most is the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, something many individuals living with sickle cell disease experience.

“You grow up with a specific care team your whole life, and then suddenly you’re entering a completely new system where nobody knows you yet,” she said. “That can be really scary.”

Despite the challenges, Hoyan says working in sickle cell care has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her career. She says one of the most rewarding parts of the work has been building relationships with patients and families.

“My sickle cell patients have taught me basically everything,” she shared. “Everybody is unique. Just because somebody has the same diagnosis doesn’t mean they’re going to have the same experiences or complications.”

“The relationship building, getting to know families and patients, has been like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my other jobs,” she said. “I really see it as a privilege.”

When asked what advice she would give someone interested in sickle cell care, her answer was simple:

“Your patients are your best teachers. Be open-minded and be willing to learn.”

And for anyone entering pediatric sickle cell care specifically:

“Get ready to meet the cutest, smartest, coolest kids ever.”

Above all, Hoyan hopes every patient interaction leaves people feeling safe, heard, and accepted.

“My mission is to advocate for access to care that my patients deserve, continue learning from my patients, and celebrate their wins.”