Member Spotlight Q&A

What started your interest in Blood Transfusion?

My journey to Transfusion medicine was truly through Hematology. I came into the field of Hematology intrigued and fascinated by the challenges of managing complex blood disorders. Even as a medical student, I had always marveled at the RBC’s, WBC’s and platelets, their independent functioning as well the complex and myriad interplay at the microscopic level which is so integral to human physiology. What made me drawn towards Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking is that it is a highly dynamic field. Particularly for me, Transfusion Medicine offered the perfect integration of my love of hematology, unique and exciting opportunities of patient care and a deep desire to contribute with meaningful research and advance science. The modern day ‘blood banker’ is at the forefront of “therapeutic pathology” as well as “hematology” and “biotherapies” and truly exemplifies the application of laboratory-based medical knowledge and expertise to both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the practice of Transfusion medicine is immensely multi-disciplinary as patients receiving transfusions and cellular therapies are diverse and treated by a wide range of physicians in neonatology, pediatrics, internal medicine, hematology/oncology, cardiology, anesthesiology, surgery, critical care and emergency medicine to name a few.

How did this interest develop and what are your main topics of interest now?

Over the past multiple years, I have been applying my skills in biostatistics, epidemiology, and clinical research to carve a niche in “Novel Data Sciences and Big Data applications” to address various research questions. In partnership with my excellent research group at Johns Hopkins and now at Vitalant, we have published a series of manuscripts over the years assessing national transfusion trends, predictors of transfusions in adults and children as well explore newer associations e.g. transfusions and thrombosis. I have also been developing an ongoing expertise in novel computational methods and data sciences like predictive modeling and machine learning. “Big Data”, via the process of curation and analysis of complex multidimensional data sets can be a hugely transformative in blood banking and Transfusion Medicine using ‘predictive models’ stemming from an individual patient and going on to large populations and improving donor as well as transfusion outcomes. As a personal love, my focus is Pediatric transfusion and the entire spectrum ranging from Intrauterine transfusions to neonate to and a young adolescent needing transfusions; whether being a surgical patient or one in the ICU.

What have been the most rewarding times in your career?

My dual role as a hematologist/oncologist at SIU, treating some of the sickest patients in the hospital as well as a blood banking professional is challenging but also rewarding and gratifying at daily level. During COVID-19, I had an opportunity to participate in setting up a large regional COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) program in some of the midwestern states in USA and participate in the national CCP taskforce. I was awarded the 40 under 40 award for service which was a cherished memory. Finally, I am immensely grateful that I recently have had the opportunity to join a national position as Senior Medical Director at Vitalant in the corporate medical affairs. Vitalant is one of the largest non-profit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Ultimately, going to my wonderful kids and family at the end of the day is the most rewarding thing after a busy work day juggling teaching, clinical work and research.

Who have been the most influential people in your career?

I have been very fortunate to find both a nurturing environment promoting scholarship as well as enthusiastic mentorship to enable me to pursue my academic and professional goals. as well as collaborate with and learn from some of the renowned experts in the world. Dr. Lakshmanan Krishnamurti, currently Peds Heme Onc division chief at Yale University was my first academic mentor instilling in me the passion for Hematology. I was guided by many stalwarts at Johns Hopkins during my hematology oncology training. Drs. Paul Ness and Late Dr. Karen King’s careful vision and close guidance led me to the exciting world of Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine. I have been beyond fortunate to have over 10 years of steadfast and dedicated research years working with Dr. Aaron Tobian’s astute mentorship and support. Dr. Tobian, the current president of AABB and the Chief of Transfusion Medicine at Johns Hopkins has been my primary mentor and has had a defining role to play in my career. Some of our big data initiatives have led to several publications in high impact journals like JAMA, JAMA Surgery, Blood, Lancet Americas, Transfusion and Vox Sanguinis. My love for Pediatrics and Neonatal Transfusion has been hugely influenced by Dr. Cassandra Josephson. Dr. Josephson is a globally renowned pediatric transfusion expert and the current chair of the REDS-IV-P program. She has been a major coach and guide for me for navigating various professional and personal challenges over past so many years. Being very early morning people, we often speak to each other at 4-5 am in the morning charged with full energy and brimming with ideas. 😊 Most recently, at the blood center level, I am fortunate to have the guidance and support from Drs. Louis Katz, Ralph Vassallo and Mary Townsend. At SIU, my wonderful academic home, I wish to deeply thank and acknowledge Drs. Vidhya Prakash, John Flack, Susan Hingle and Aziz Khan for their steadfast faith in my and support for every step of my career for past 5+ years. These teachers prove that true mentorship is not about a project, a paper, a grant… It transcends and lasts beyond all ages, ranks and institutional boundaries. I am looking forward to continued years of learning, service and research with the astute guidance from these exceptional individuals.