Meet Our Team
Charity Oyedeji, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine | Hematology
Dr. Charity Oyedeji is a physician-scientist and hematologist whose work focuses on improving the health, function, and quality of life of adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD). She earned her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center in 2013 and completed residency training in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics through the Community Health and Advocacy Resident Education (CARE) Track at the University of Rochester in 2017. She then pursued her Hematology-Oncology fellowship at Duke University, completing both clinical and senior research fellowships in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Dr. Oyedeji joined the faculty in the Division of Hematology at Duke University as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and serves as a senior fellow with the Duke Aging Center, where she leads research at the intersection of SCD and aging. Her clinical practice includes treating adults with non-malignant hematological disorders, with a special focus on sickle cell disease at the Duke Adult Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.
Her research career is dedicated to understanding accelerated aging, functional decline, and frailty in adults with sickle cell disease, and to developing evidence-based tools and interventions to improve functional health. Dr. Oyedeji and her team developed a multidimensional functional assessment tailored to the needs of adults with SCD, as standard clinical measures frequently fail to capture key aspects of physical function, strength, and mobility in this population. This work has been supported by awards including the Duke REACH Equity Career Development Award and NIH funding mechanisms aimed at advancing geriatric research in SCD.
Dr. Oyedeji currently leads the SILVR Study (Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment Validation and Refinement Study), which seeks to validate and refine functional assessment tools that can guide personalized interventions — including exercise and lifestyle programs — for older adults with SCD. Her vision is to shift clinical care toward proactive strategies that preserve independence and expand healthspan in people living with sickle cell disease.
Hobbies: Healthy vegetarion cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
John Strouse, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics | Hematology
Dr. John J. Strouse is a nationally recognized hematologist and physician-scientist specializing in sickle cell disease and other non-malignant hematologic disorders. He earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and completed both his MD and PhD training at Johns Hopkins University. He subsequently trained in pediatrics and pediatric hematology before transitioning his focus to lifespan care for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Dr. Strouse has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has contributed significantly to the development of evidence-based best practices in sickle cell disease management. His work spans clinical trials, translational research, health services research, and quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving outcomes across the lifespan.
At Duke University, Dr. Strouse plays a central leadership role in advancing multidisciplinary care models for sickle cell disease. He has been deeply involved in pharmaceutical and investigator-initiated clinical trials, community engagement efforts, and national review committees shaping standards of care.
In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. Strouse is a dedicated mentor who has guided numerous trainees and early-career investigators in hematology and clinical research. He actively supports initiatives such as the SILVR and SickleFit studies, which explore aging, functional decline, and exercise-based interventions designed to enhance healthspan and quality of life for adults with sickle cell disease.
Hobbies: Distance running, mentoring trainees, and spending time with family.
Teagan Callaway, BS
Performance Coach & Clinical Research Coordinator
Teagan Callaway earned his degree in Human Biology from North Carolina State University in 2016. With a lifelong passion for health and performance, he pursued a career in strength and conditioning, spending nearly a decade coaching individuals across the lifespan—from older adults new to resistance training to competitive athletes and performing artists.
A former competitive bodybuilder (two-time state overall champion) and nationally qualified powerlifter, Teagan’s interests gradually shifted beyond performance metrics toward the science and art of human movement. His work draws from evidence-based strength training, therapeutic movement practices, and disciplines such as yoga, tai chi, functional range conditioning, and mobility science.
He has explored a broad range of movement systems including gymnastics, kettlebell training, calisthenics, capoeira, breakdancing, and even professional hand balancing—always with a focus on sustainable, adaptable strength. In recent years, his interests have expanded into outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, hiking, and wilderness skills, reflecting his belief that fitness should enhance life beyond the gym.
Hobbies: Rock climbing, movement exploration, camping, and developing creative approaches to lifelong strength.
Corey Vessels, BS
Performance Coach
Corey Vessels earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise and Sport Science from North Carolina Central University. His academic background, combined with extensive community service and volunteer recognition, reflects his longstanding commitment to health promotion and patient advocacy.
At Duke University Health System, Corey serves as an Administrative and Therapy Aide supporting more than 20 physical and occupational therapists across multiple clinical sites. He plays a central role in coordinating patient scheduling, managing medical records within the Epic system, facilitating inter-clinic communication, and maintaining daily clinical operations. In addition to administrative leadership, he assists with hands-on patient support when needed, ensuring seamless and patient-centered care.
Corey previously served as an Assistant Clinic Manager in a multidisciplinary wellness setting, where he oversaw daily operations, trained staff, and helped match clients to appropriate therapeutic services. His experience spans clinical coordination, rehabilitation support, and community-based health services for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Currently pursuing advanced training in Occupational Therapy Assistance and General Nursing, Corey continues to expand his clinical expertise to better serve patients across the rehabilitation and exercise continuum.
Hobbies: Strength training, community service initiatives, and exploring innovative approaches to patient-centered rehabilitation.
Rania Mohamed, BS
Clinical Research Coordinator
PLACEHOLDER.
Hobbies: PLACEHOLDER