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Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we sit down with Sumedha Ghate, a genetic counselor at HOC, and Andrea Buxton, HOC’s nurse practitioner and clinical director, to break down some of the most common misconceptions about bleeding disorders. From the belief that someone with hemophilia could bleed to death from a paper cut to the idea that women cannot have bleeding disorders, Andrea and Sumedha walk through the myths they encounter most often, why these myths persist, and how accurate information empowers families, improves treatment, and supports better outcomes for children and adults living with bleeding conditions.
Andrea Buxton serves as the nurse practitioner and clinical director at the Hemophilia Outreach Center (HOC). With her depth of experience treating inherited bleeding disorders, Andrea is known for combining her clinical expertise with an ability to translate complex medical topics into practical advice for families. Her advocacy and leadership have improved protocols and advanced support for patients confronting inhibitors and the evolving treatments in hemophilia care.
Sumedha Ghate has been a genetic counselor at HOC since 2011. Her journey into genetics began with a fascination for the field’s blend of science and personal interaction. Through her expertise, Sumedha has helped numerous families understand the hereditary nature of hemophilia and navigate the complexities of genetic health management. She provides clarity, education, and guidance during some of the most important moments in a family’s care journey.
“We have so many different types of bleeding disorders that we see in this clinic. Most people call everything that’s a bleeding disorder hemophilia, but it’s not.” ~Andrea Buxton
Today on Beyond the Bleeds
- Why the idea of bleeding to death from something as small as a paper cut has stuck around for so long, and what actually happens in the body when a bleed occurs.
- What most people misunderstand about females and bleeding disorders, and why factor levels tell a much bigger story than old assumptions ever did.
- Why so many young girls with heavy periods are overlooked or misdiagnosed, and what research shows about how common undiagnosed bleeding disorders can be.
- How bleeding disorders can show up for the first time later in life, and why a lack of symptoms early on does not always mean someone is in the clear.
- Why the assumption that you would know by adulthood if you had a bleeding disorder is often wrong, and how mild cases stay hidden until surgery or another challenge forces a diagnosis.
- How advancements in treatment and individualized planning allow many patients to pursue sports, movement, and everyday activities with confidence.
Looking for practical tips, expert advice, and a sense of community while living with or supporting someone with a bleeding disorder?
Subscribe to Beyond the Bleeds, the podcast that explores life with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare conditions. Hosted by Heather Hansen and John Mazzariello, we bring you real stories, expert insights, and heartfelt conversations designed to help you navigate life Beyond the Bleeds.
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