Dr. Omar Abdel-Wahab

Dr. Omar Abdel-Wahab, MD, is a highly respected hematologic oncologist and physician-scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia and other blood-related malignancies. He serves as Chair of the Molecular Pharmacology Program in the Sloan Kettering Institute and holds the Evnin Family Chair in Molecular Pharmacology. Dr. Abdel-Wahab earned his medical degree from Duke University and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by fellowship training in Hematology and Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine.

Dr. Abdel-Wahab is internationally recognized for his translational research focused on understanding the genetic and molecular drivers of hematologic malignancies, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia. He currently spends the majority of his time in the laboratory investigating the underlying causes of hematologic malignancies and developing new therapies based on genetic changes driving these forms of cancer. His laboratory research has led to significant discoveries that have advanced the field's understanding of how mutations in RNA splicing factors and epigenetic regulators contribute to leukemia development. His work has been published in high-impact journals and has influenced clinical practice guidelines for the management of blood cancers.

In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Abdel-Wahab provides clinical care for patients with various forms of leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to cancer research, including the William Dameshek Award from the American Society of Hematology, the Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research, and the Pershing Square Sohn Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research. Through his integrated approach combining bench research with patient care, Dr. Abdel-Wahab continues to advance the understanding and treatment of hematologic malignancies.