Farzana Pashankar, MD, MRCP, MBBS
Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology)Cards
About
Titles
Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology)
Fellowship Director, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Program; Director, Solid Tumor Program, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Program; Children's Oncology Group Site PI, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Program
Biography
Dr Farzana Pashankar is an accomplished pediatric hematologist oncologist, specializing in care of children with sickle cell disease and solid tumors. She is an international expert in germ cell tumors and rare tumors. Her research has focused on clinical trial development through Children's Oncology Group, and she is the Chair and Vice Chair of international trials in germ cell tumors. Dr Pashankar is Director of Pediatric Solid Tumor Program, Disease Aligned Research Team Leader for Pediatrics at Smilow Cancer Center and Director of the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program.
Dr Pashankar received her MBBS and MD from University of Pune, India. She trained in United Kingdom, receiving an MRCP. She subsequently did a residency at University of Iowa and fellowship at British Columbia Children's Hospital, before joining Yale in 2005.
Appointments
Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
ProfessorPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
Education & Training
- Fellow
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (2004)
- Resident
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (2003)
- Fellow
- British Columbia Children's Hospital, Canada (1999)
- MD
- Poona University (1992)
- Resident
- Sassoon General Hospital (1991)
- MBBS
- University of Pune (1989)
Research
Academic Achievements and Community Involvement
Clinical Care
Overview
Farzana D. Pashankar, MD, is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist who takes care of children with blood disorders and cancer, and says she is amazed by the advances in her field.
“It’s ever-changing, and we are always improving the outcome and the prognosis—even in my career, there’s been such remarkable improvements,” says Dr. Pashankar, who has a particular interest in sickle cell diseases, solid tumors, and rare types of pediatric cancers. “Nowadays, we can cure 80 to 85 percent of all children diagnosed with cancer. And for certain types, like leukemia, we can cure more than 95 percent. It’s been a rewarding journey of watching these new inventions and discoveries.”
When it comes to reassuring parents, Dr. Pashankar tells them, “This is the most difficult time you will face as a parent. Your child is precious, and I can assure you that I will do everything to provide your child with the best possible care.”
Building relationships with families is particularly meaningful, she says. “The bonds we form can be long-lasting, and that drives all of us to want to continue what we do and do better,” Dr. Pashankar says, adding that her work can take an emotional toll. “There are many nights you spend tossing and turning and wondering how you can best take care of a particular child going through a difficult time, but it’s also extremely rewarding to have an amazing network of people here at Yale and across the nation to collaborate with, and it’s all worth it. It’s a privilege when people entrust us with their children.”
Dr. Pashankar is an associate professor of pediatric hematology/oncology at Yale School of Medicine.
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Pediatric Chemotherapy
Learn More on Yale MedicineNeuroblastoma
Learn More on Yale MedicineGerm Cell Tumors
Learn More on Yale MedicineSickle Cell Disease
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Yale Medicine News
Links & Media
News
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- July 01, 2021
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