Dr. Joseph G. Jurcic

At NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Dr. Joseph G. Jurcic leads the Hematologic Malignancies Section within the Division of Hematology/Oncology, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, hematologists, cellular therapy experts, molecular pathologists, transfusion medicine specialists and specialized nursing staff in a cohesive care structure. His appointment as Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and Director of the Hematologic Malignancies Section underscores his leadership in orchestrating integrated care pathways. Each week, he convenes comprehensive case conferences where flow cytometric and cytogenetic analyses, next-generation sequencing data and clinical parameters are reviewed to formulate individualized care plans for acute and chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Patient navigation programs, led by advanced practice nurses, coordinate diagnostic workups, treatment scheduling and supportive services such as psychosocial counseling and rehabilitation planning to minimize delays and enhance adherence. He chairs institutional committees establishing protocols for minimal residual disease monitoring, risk-adapted therapy algorithms and streamlined transitions between inpatient and outpatient settings. Close collaboration with cellular therapy coordinators and transplant physicians ensures that eligible patients undergo timely evaluation for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation when indicated. His team also integrates telemedicine consultations to provide remote monitoring of cytopenias, manage side effects and support patients receiving immunotherapy or targeted agents from a distance. Quality improvement dashboards track metrics including time to treatment initiation, adverse event rates and patient-reported outcomes, guiding iterative refinements to care processes. By embedding seamless communication, evidence-based protocols and coordinated workflows, Dr. Jurcic empowers patients to navigate complex treatment landscapes with clarity and confidence.

 

Throughout his career, Dr. Jurcic has directed translational research efforts that bridge laboratory innovation with clinical application in hematologic malignancies. His laboratory focuses on unraveling the molecular underpinnings of treatment resistance and identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention in acute myeloid leukemia and related disorders, employing techniques such as high-dimensional flow cytometry, three-dimensional organoid cultures and patient-derived xenograft models. His seminal work on targeted alpha-particle immunotherapy, using humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibodies labeled with bismuth-213 and actinium-225, demonstrated safety and preliminary antileukemic activity in patients with refractory disease, paving the way for next-generation radiopharmaceutical constructs and pretargeting strategies. Collaborative initiatives with bioinformaticians and pharmacologists have integrated circulating tumor DNA monitoring and immune repertoire sequencing into early-phase trial designs, enabling real-time assessment of minimal residual disease and dynamic adaptation of therapeutic regimens. As principal investigator on multiple investigator-initiated and cooperative group studies, he has evaluated monoclonal antibody-drug conjugates, novel small molecule inhibitors and targeted radioimmunoconjugates, contributing critical correlative science to inform dose optimization and patient selection criteria. He co-chairs translational symposia that convene academic investigators, industry partners and regulatory experts to refine biomarker-driven trial frameworks and accelerate bench-to-bedside translation. Under his mentorship, fellows and junior faculty gain expertise in rigorous study design, regulatory compliance and publication of translational findings, ensuring the next generation of clinician-scientists continues to advance personalized care. Through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences, his research insights have shaped global strategies for integrating immunotherapeutic and targeted modalities in leukemia management. Patients participating in these translational programs benefit from access to therapies informed by robust molecular science, enhancing confidence in personalized treatment approaches.

 

In addition to his clinical and research leadership, Dr. Jurcic is deeply committed to education and community engagement, transforming complex hematologic oncology concepts into practical resources for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. He serves as Leukemia Section Editor for The Oncologist, overseeing expert consensus articles and educational reviews that distill evolving therapeutic paradigms and supportive care strategies into clear guidance. As a sought-after speaker at national and international meetings, he delivers plenary lectures and interactive workshops on topics ranging from novel radioimmunotherapies to minimal residual disease monitoring, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and best-practice dissemination. Recognizing the importance of patient empowerment, he has authored plain-language brochures and multimedia modules explaining disease biology, treatment side effects and survivorship planning, ensuring that individuals and families have clear, actionable information. Within Columbia University Medical Center, he designs and leads training programs for medical students, residents and fellows that integrate case-based learning, simulation exercises and multidisciplinary rounds to build proficiency in diagnostic evaluation, trial enrollment and supportive care coordination. His mentorship programs pair trainees with senior investigators, emphasizing research literacy, ethical conduct and professional development, thereby cultivating a pipeline of skilled clinician-scientists. To broaden reach beyond academic centers, he spearheads tele-education initiatives and virtual tumor boards that connect community oncologists with expert faculty for real-time case consultation and continuing education. Partnerships with patient advocacy organizations support virtual support groups and resource libraries, creating a network of peer-to-peer support informed by expert guidance. Through these comprehensive education and outreach efforts, Dr. Jurcic ensures that both patients and professionals navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of hematologic oncology with clarity, competence and confidence.