Endowed Chair: Multidisciplinary Prader-Willi Wellness, Education and Research Center, led by Sani Roy, M.D.

Endowed Chair Sani Roy, M.D., smiles and locks pinkies with a young male patient

Cook Children's has awarded Sani Roy, M.D., an Endowed Chair to develop and manage a comprehensive program for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). PWS is a rare genetic disorder that affects nearly every organ system in children, leading to severe obesity, developmental delays and many other health challenges. At Cook Children's, we are transforming the care landscape for these children through the Multidisciplinary Prader-Willi Wellness, Education and Research center, also called MPoWER Center. This initiative is designed to provide comprehensive care, cutting-edge research and robust family support. Our team of specialists, from endocrine to sleep medicine, behavioral health, rehabilitation and nutrition, all work together to ensure every child with PWS receives the tailored care they need. In addition to improving day-to-day health, we are advancing research into life-changing treatments through clinical trials. By consolidating care, fostering collaboration and prioritizing family education and support, this program is a lifeline for children with PWS and their families, empowering them and offering hope for a healthier future.

Meet Dr. Roy

Dr. Roy is passionate about helping children with complex endocrine disorders. She helps her patients find new treatment options that will improve their health and quality of life.

View bio About Prader-Willi Center

Prader-Willi syndrome, or PWS, is a rare disease and yet, it is the most common congenital obesity syndrome. It's a condition that affects nearly every organ system in the body. To have the best possible help, children with this condition need to see several medical specialists and receive many types of long-term therapies. With the generous support of Cook Children's, we were able to develop and open the Multidisciplinary Prader-Willi Wellness Education and Research Center, also called the MPoWER Center, in 2022 - and that is truly our goal to empower our patients and families, clinicians, institutions, and community through wellness and health, education and research.

Other Endocrinology research

Roy, S. M., Rafferty, D., Trejo, A., Hamilton, L., Bohonowych, J. E., Strong, T. V., Ambartsumyan, L., Cantu, S., Scheimann, A., & Duis, J. (2024). Feeding tube use and complications in Prader-Willi syndrome: Data from the Global Prader-Willi Syndrome Registry. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 194A:e63546. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.63546
High Rates of Dysphagia & Silent Aspiration in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Sani Roy, MD; Amy Trejo, BS; Jennifer McReynolds; Ana Neblett, RD; Keisha Shaheed, DO; Yvette Johnson, MD, MPH; and Kristen Taylor, DO
Oral Presentation: Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) PWS Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA September 2024

$52,000 grant from The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research.

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Luke Hamilton, Manager, Research Data, Science and Analytics

I was born in Irving, Texas where I attended high school and met my wife. We moved to Abilene, Texas to attend Hardin-Simmons University where I completed my bachelor's degree. I then attended the University of North Texas Health Science Center where I earned my master's degree. Prior to working at Cook Children's, I worked as a scientist in an immunogenomics laboratory where I developed TCR-mimic antibodies, and a pain management medical device company where I developed a three dimensional skin simulator used to visualize radiofrequency ablations. While at Cook Children's, I have worked as a clinical scientist for endocrinology and genetics, and have authored over 25 publications and written 2 textbook chapters. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys and staying active through running, weight training, and hiking.

Google Scholar: ‪Luke Hamilton‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

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luke.hamilton@cookchildrens.org

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Endowed Chair: Multidisciplinary Prader-Willi Wellness, Education and Research Center, led by Sani Roy, M.D.

Meet Dr. Roy

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Luke Hamilton, Manager, Research Data, Science and Analytics

Related information

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