About us

Dr. Zahra Pakbaz is a board-certified UCI Health hematologist who specializes in non-cancer blood disorders. Her clinical interests include thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, iron overload, clotting disorders and disorders of low or high counts of platelets and white or red blood cells.

Pakbaz earned her medical degree and internship at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. She completed a residency in internal medicine at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Md., and a fellowship in adult hematology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md.

Pakbaz has published more than 60 research papers and presentations on sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and iron metabolism. Her findings have led to improved outcomes for sickle cell and thalassemia patients. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to sickle cell research and care. She is passionate about delivering patient-centered care to people with blood disorders, and she works collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists.