This is the first podcast in a two part series reviewing an approach to thalassemia. Listeners will learn about the basic physiology of hemoglobin and hemoglobinopathies. The diagnosis and management of alpha and beta thalassemia will also be discussed. The series was developed by Ann Tran with the help of Dr. Corriveau-Bourque. Ann is a fourth year medical student at the University of Alberta, and Dr. Corriveau-Bourque is a pediatric hematologist at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.