Dr Pooja Ghatalia (Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA) combines clinical expertise in the field of genitourinary oncology with a passion for advancing research in kidney and bladder cancers. Her journey has been shaped by exceptional mentors, who instilled in her the importance of persistence and strategic decision-making in academia. Dr. Ghatalia is committed to both the technical and human aspects of oncology, ensuring her patients receive not only cutting-edge treatments but also compassionate, patient-centered care. As she continues to push the boundaries of cancer research, her insights and dedication serve as an inspiration for the next generation of oncologists.
Q1. Can you tell us about a mentor who has had a significant impact on your career, and the most valuable lesson they have shared with you?
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have exceptional mentors, particularly during my residency at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Guru Sonpavde played a pivotal role in shaping my career, serving as a selfless mentor who was deeply invested in my academic success. During my fellowship, Dr. Elizabeth Plimack provided invaluable guidance, helping me navigate the complexities of academia by emphasizing persistence, strategic decision-making, and selecting the right opportunities. Both mentors instilled in me the importance of perseverance in research and clinical care, encouraging me to ask the right questions, remain curious and always advocate for my patients. The most valuable lesson I learned is that progress in oncology is incremental – every study and clinical trial, no matter how small, contributes to the greater goal of improving patient outcomes.
Q2. What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
Be patient and stay curious. Oncology is a constantly evolving field, and the ability to adapt and continue learning is essential. Seek strong mentors, engage in research early and never lose sight of the human side of medicine. The relationships you build with your patients will be just as impactful as the therapies you administer.
3. How do you balance the technical aspects of your work with the empathetic side of patient care?
Oncology is deeply technical, but at its core, it’s about people. I make a conscious effort to ensure that my patients and their families understand their diagnosis and treatment options in a way that is clear and compassionate. While precision medicine and biomarkers guide my clinical decisions, listening to my patients and acknowledging their fears and hopes is equally critical in delivering effective care.
About Dr Ghatalia
Pooja Ghatalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. She specializes in genitourinary oncology, with a focus on kidney and bladder cancers. Dr. Ghatalia has extensive experience in translational and clinical research, particularly in immunotherapy and biomarker development. She completed her medical degree at Albany Medical College (Cum Laude) and her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She then pursued a Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Ghatalia has received multiple research grants, including funding from the Kidney Cancer Association and the Department of Defense. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at major oncology conferences, including ASCO and ESMO. She is actively involved in national and international collaborations to advance cancer research and serves on various grant review panels. Her work aims to improve treatment strategies and outcomes for patients with metastatic urothelial and renal cell carcinoma, leveraging precision medicine and novel therapeutic approaches.
Disclosure: Pooja Ghatalia has no financial or non-financial conflicts of interest to declare in relation to this article.
Cite: Dr Pooja Ghatalia on research, mentorship and patient-centered care: touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2025. touchONCOLOGY. April 3rd, 2025
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