Aref Al-Kali

Aref Al-Kali, M.D. is a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, specializing in hematology with a focus on myeloid neoplasms. He serves as Chair of the Acute Myeloid Group and Research Chair of the Acute Leukemia and Myeloid Neoplasms Disease Group at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Dr. Al-Kali is also an active member of the American Society of Hematology Foundation Committee and has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.

Dr. Al-Kali completed his medical education at University of Damascus Medical School, followed by a Tumor Fellowship and Internal Medicine Residency at Forum Health, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He then pursued specialized training with a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at Oklahoma University and a Leukemia Fellowship at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

His research focuses on developing new therapies for myeloid neoplasms, particularly in the areas of drug development for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Al-Kali investigates molecular signatures of these conditions to improve classification and treatment outcomes. He has led international multicenter studies on clonal cytopenia of unknown significance and has published extensively on relapsed and refractory myelodysplastic syndromes.

Analysis of Dr. Al-Kali's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on clinical guidelines for myelodysplastic syndromes, risk prediction models for clonal cytopenia, and comparative studies of novel therapeutic agents like venetoclax and decitabine. His work bridges basic molecular research with clinical applications, particularly in understanding genetic mutations and their impact on treatment response.

His scientific awards include:

• Certificate of Appreciation from University of Damascus Medical School
• In-Training Exam Award from American Society of Clinical Oncology
• Merit Award from American Society of Hematology
• Multiple Excellence in Education awards from Mayo Clinic
• Kimberly Patterson Leukemia Research Award

Dr. Al-Kali has been instrumental in advancing clinical trials that have led to FDA-approved oral drugs for myelodysplastic syndromes. His research comparing real-world experience with clinical trials data provides valuable insights for clinicians. He serves on several important committees including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Myelodysplastic Syndromes Committee and the Mayo Clinic Scientific Review Committee.

As Section Head of the Division of Hematology and Chair of the MDS/CMML Focus Group, Dr. Al-Kali leads research teams focused on improving outcomes for patients with myeloid malignancies. His work with the NCI Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trial Network demonstrates his commitment to translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications.