Stem cell therapy is an evolving area of modern medicine, with applications ranging from blood and bone marrow transplantation to regenerative medicine and advanced cellular therapies.
Finding the right stem cell therapy specialist in the US depends on your condition and the type of treatment you need. Different specialists focus on different areas, so their expertise and clinical experience matter.
Below, we highlight 10 physicians and researchers with documented experience in stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, regenerative medicine, or related research across different states in the US.
How We Selected These Stem Cell Specialists
We selected specialists based on publicly available professional information from established medical institutions, academic centers, and professional organizations.
Our review considered:
- Medical education and specialist training
- Board certification where publicly documented
- Current hospital or university affiliation
- Experience with stem cell transplantation or cellular therapy
- Research involvement and clinical trials
- Expertise in regenerative medicine and cell-based treatments
- Published work and academic contributions
- Specific diseases and conditions addressed through their clinical or research work
It is important to understand that not every specialist on this list provides the same type of stem cell therapy.
Some primarily treat patients through bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, while others focus on investigational regenerative therapies or cellular research.
List of 10 Verified Stem Cell Therapy Specialists in the US
Here are 10 specialists with documented expertise in stem cell therapy, transplantation, cellular therapy, or regenerative medicine:
- Dr. Blanki Cherubini, M.D. – Rhode Island
- Dr. Richard E. Champlin, M.D. – Texas
- Dr. Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D. – Texas
- Dr. Uday R. Popat, M.D. – Texas
- Dr. Wenchun Qu, M.D., Ph.D. – Florida
- Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D. – Minnesota
- Dr. Ernesto Ayala, M.D. – Florida
- Dr. Claudio Brunstein, M.D., Ph.D. – Ohio
- Dr. Mark S. Humayun, M.D., Ph.D. – California
- Dr. Hirotake Komatsu, M.D., Ph.D. – California
Detailed profiles of each specialist are provided below, including their qualifications, specialties, and areas of stem cell or cellular therapy expertise.
1. Dr. Blanki Cherubini, M.D. – Rhode Island
Dr. Blanki Cherubini, M.D., is a leading stem cell therapy specialist in the US who practices at Pain Center of Rhode Island.

She provides advanced, non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal pain and injuries.
Patients choose her for her extensive experience, regenerative medicine expertise, and advanced treatment options.
Stem Cell & Regenerative Treatments
- Stem cell-based regenerative therapies
- Orthobiologic treatments
- Joint and musculoskeletal pain
- Sports and soft-tissue injuries
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Advanced non-surgical pain treatments
Her experience with advanced regenerative and minimally invasive treatments makes her a trusted choice for patients seeking personalized alternatives to traditional pain management.
2. Dr. Richard E. Champlin, M.D. – Texas
Dr. Richard E. Champlin, M.D., is a stem cell therapy specialist in the US with more than 30 years of expertise in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
He practices at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where he focuses on advanced treatments for blood cancers and related conditions.
Key Stem Cell Expertise
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- Blood and bone marrow transplantation
- Cord blood transplantation
- Cellular therapy and immune recovery
- Treatment of hematologic cancers
With decades of clinical and research experience, Dr. Champlin is a highly established authority in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
3. Dr. Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D. – Texas
Dr. Richard E. Champlin, M.D., is a highly respected stem cell transplantation specialist with more than 30 years of clinical and research experience.
He is a Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
His expertise includes hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, cord blood transplantation, and cellular therapy, particularly for blood cancers and other hematologic conditions.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- Bone marrow and cord blood transplantation
- Cellular therapy
- Stem cell engraftment and immune recovery
- Hematologic cancers
His extensive experience and contributions to the field have established him as an authority in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
4. Dr. Uday R. Popat, M.D. – Texas
Dr. Uday R. Popat, M.D., is a highly experienced stem cell transplantation specialist and Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
His expertise spans hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, innovative conditioning regimens, transplantation in older adults, myeloid malignancies, and autoimmune diseases.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- Cellular therapy
- Myeloid malignancies
- Advanced transplant conditioning
- Stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases
With extensive clinical experience and research contributions, Dr. Popat is a recognized expert in advanced stem cell transplantation for complex blood disorders and related conditions.
5. Dr. Wenchun Qu, M.D., Ph.D. – Florida
Dr. Wenchun Qu, M.D., Ph.D., is a stem cell and regenerative medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
His clinical and research work focuses on developing cell-based and gene therapies for degenerative spinal and joint conditions.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Stem cell-based therapies
- Regenerative medicine
- Degenerative disc disease
- Joint and musculoskeletal conditions
- Cell and gene therapy research
Dr. Qu’s involvement in clinical research and next-generation stem cell development makes him a notable physician for patients exploring regenerative and cell-based treatment options for spine, joint, and pain-related conditions.
6. Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D. – Minnesota
Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D., is a stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
He is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine, with advanced fellowship training in blood and marrow transplantation.
His expertise includes allogeneic stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cellular therapy, transplant complications, graft-versus-host disease, and myeloid malignancies.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Allogeneic stem cell transplantation
- Blood and marrow transplantation
- CAR-T cellular therapy
- Graft-versus-host disease
- Leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes
His combination of specialized transplant training and cellular therapy expertise makes him an important physician for patients seeking advanced stem cell and cellular treatments for complex blood disorders.
7. Dr. Ernesto Ayala, M.D. – Florida
Dr. Ernesto Ayala, M.D., is a specialist in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
He focuses on stem cell transplantation for benign and malignant blood disorders, along with advanced cellular therapies such as CAR-T.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation
- Haploidentical transplantation
- CAR-T cell therapy
- Lymphoma and blood disorders
- Stem cell transplantation for selected autoimmune conditions
With specialized training in blood and marrow transplantation and extensive clinical expertise, Dr. Ayala is well positioned for patients seeking advanced stem cell and cellular therapies for complex hematologic conditions.
8. Dr. Claudio Brunstein, M.D., Ph.D. – Ohio
Dr. Claudio Brunstein, M.D., Ph.D., is a stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute in Ohio, where he serves as Vice-Chair of Hematology and Oncology.
His expertise includes bone marrow transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and advanced cellular therapies, supported by specialized fellowship training in hematology/oncology and blood and marrow transplantation.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Stem cell and bone marrow transplantation
- CAR-T cell therapy
- Cellular therapy
- Hematologic cancers
- Transplant-focused clinical research
His extensive clinical and research experience places him among the notable experts in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy in the US.
9. Dr. Mark S. Humayun, M.D., Ph.D. – California
Dr. Mark S. Humayun, M.D., Ph.D., is a leading authority in stem cell-based regenerative medicine for vision loss at USC.
His work combines ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, and stem cell biology to develop advanced treatments for retinal diseases.
His research includes stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, including approaches investigated through FDA clinical trials for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Stem-cell-derived retinal therapies
- Retinal regenerative medicine
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Stem cell biology and tissue engineering
- Translational ophthalmic research
His pioneering work has helped advance the clinical investigation of stem-cell-based therapies for severe retinal disease.
10. Dr. Hirotake Komatsu, M.D., Ph.D. – California
Dr. Hirotake Komatsu, M.D., Ph.D., is an expert in regenerative medicine, cell transplantation, and stem cell research at UCSF in California.
As an Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Transplant Surgery, his work bridges transplantation science, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
His research focuses particularly on stem-cell-derived islets and beta-cell replacement therapy for diabetes, with an emphasis on improving cell survival after transplantation.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Stem cell research
- Cell transplantation
- Regenerative medicine
- Tissue engineering
- Beta-cell replacement for diabetes
His research represents an important contribution to the development of next-generation cell replacement and regenerative therapies.
Quick Comparison of the Top Stem Cell Specialists
To make your search easier, the table below offers a clear comparison of each specialist’s location, treatment options, and primary area of expertise.
This helps patients quickly identify the specialist who best matches their condition and treatment needs.
| Specialist | State | Treatment | Focus |
| Dr. Blanki Cherubini | Rhode Island | Regenerative Therapy | Pain & Injuries |
| Dr. Richard E. Champlin | Texas | Stem Cell Transplant | Blood Cancers |
| Dr. Katy Rezvani | Texas | Cellular Therapy | Cancer |
| Dr. Uday R. Popat | Texas | Stem Cell Transplant | Blood Disorders |
| Dr. Wenchun Qu | Florida | Stem Cell Therapy | Spine & Joints |
| Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb | Minnesota | Stem Cell & CAR-T | Blood Cancers |
| Dr. Ernesto Ayala | Florida | Stem Cell & CAR-T | Blood Disorders |
| Dr. Claudio Brunstein | Ohio | Stem Cell & CAR-T | Blood Cancers |
| Dr. Mark S. Humayun | California | Stem Cell Therapy | Eye Diseases |
| Dr. Hirotake Komatsu | California | Cell Therapy | Diabetes |
Conditions Treated or Researched by These Stem Cell Specialists
The conditions associated with these specialists vary because stem cell medicine covers several different areas of healthcare.
Depending on the physician and treatment program, their work may involve:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Myeloproliferative disorders
- Graft-versus-host disease
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis and joint degeneration
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Spinal conditions
- Retinal diseases
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetes and beta-cell replacement
- Selected autoimmune disorders
- Other diseases being investigated through clinical trials
A key distinction is that researching a condition does not necessarily mean stem cell therapy is an established or FDA-approved treatment for it.
How to Choose the Right Stem Cell Therapy Specialist
Choosing the right stem cell specialist starts with understanding your condition and the type of stem cell or cellular therapy being considered.
Look for a board-certified physician with specialized training, relevant clinical experience, and a strong track record in the specific treatment area.
Consider these key factors:
- Credentials and specialized training
- Experience with your specific condition
- Type of stem cell or cellular therapy offered
- Clinical research and evidence supporting the treatment
- Treatment risks, benefits, and expected outcomes
- FDA approval or clinical-trial status
- Hospital or medical center affiliation
Most importantly, avoid choosing a specialist based only on marketing claims or promises of guaranteed results.
A qualified physician should clearly explain whether the treatment is established, investigational, or being studied in a clinical trial.
Stem Cell Therapy Costs in the US
Stem cell therapy costs in the US vary widely depending on the treatment and condition.
A typical regenerative stem cell procedure may cost around $5,000–$25,000, while complex stem cell transplants can cost significantly more.
Before treatment, ask for a complete estimate covering the procedure, cell preparation, testing, medications, facility fees, and follow-up care.
Also confirm whether the treatment is FDA-approved, part of a clinical trial, or investigational, and whether insurance provides coverage.
Benefits of Having a Qualified Stem Cell Therapy Specialist
Working with a properly trained specialist can make it easier to understand whether a cellular therapy is appropriate for your condition.
A qualified physician can help you:
- Understand your diagnosis and treatment options
- Determine whether stem cell therapy is appropriate
- Review available clinical evidence
- Understand potential risks and benefits
- Identify appropriate clinical trials
- Distinguish established treatments from experimental approaches
- Understand the expected treatment process
- Develop an appropriate follow-up plan
Most importantly, a good specialist should be willing to discuss both the potential benefits and the limitations of stem cell therapy.
Final Thoughts
The US has leading experts in stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, regenerative medicine, and cell-based research, with specialists focusing on different medical conditions and treatment approaches.
Choosing the right specialist depends on your specific condition, treatment type, medical credentials, clinical evidence, and FDA status. Avoid relying solely on marketing claims or promises of guaranteed results.
As stem cell medicine continues to evolve, many therapies remain under investigation. A qualified consultation can help you understand the potential benefits, risks, and appropriate treatment options for your situation.

