I am a hematologist in the Department of Bone and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy at the OSUCCC – James. I specialize in caring for patients with acute leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes who require a procedure called allogeneic stem cell transplantation. While some patients with these diseases can be treated solely with chemotherapy, some patients require an allogeneic stem cell transplantation to give them the highest chance of achieving long-lasting remission. As part of my role, I identify these patients, prepare them comprehensively, and arrange for them to undergo transplantation. In addition, I evaluate whether cellular therapies should be used to treat acute leukemias that have relapsed, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemias. I specialize in the management of patients with hematologic malignancies and complex conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases, and I work to develop therapies to improve these patients’ outcomes. I have a specific research interest in how cardiovascular health impacts long-term outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies. We have seen how cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias, as well as risk factors like diabetes, can play a detrimental role in patient outcomes before and after transplant. My work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and I have received awards from organizations including the American Society of Hematology and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. My patient approach stems from a humanistic mindset and genuine concern for each of my patients and their families. My background includes time spent as the sole physician for an indigenous community of more than 1,500 people in the Venezuelan Amazon. I crossed rivers to reach the sickest patients, walked for hours to provide antivenom to snake-bite patients, and visited hospitals in different cities to obtain critical supplies. I bring that same passion and drive to care for my patients here at The James. I enjoy working in one of the top cancer centers in the nation alongside exceptional colleagues. Here we have access to innovative research and cutting-edge clinical trials, while at the same time practicing compassionate patient care. In addition to my clinical work, I am an assistant professor in the Division of Hematology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. I am also a member of the International Cardio-Oncology Society.