Nikolai Podoltsev

Nikolai Podoltsev, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology) at Yale University School of Medicine. He serves as the Associate Director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program and Clinical Director of Malignant Hematology within the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Podoltsev is also the director of the Hematology/Leukemia Tumor Board and represents Yale Cancer Center on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines panels, including the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Panel.

Dr. Podoltsev's research focuses on the management of patients with acute leukemias (including acute myeloid leukemias and acute lymphoblastic leukemia), myeloid neoplasms (such as myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms), and bone marrow failure syndromes. His work spans clinical research, epidemiology, and patterns of care for patients with hematological malignancies. As a principal investigator, he leads multiple clinical trials enrolling patients with acute leukemias and myeloid malignancies.

Analysis of Dr. Podoltsev's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on therapeutic advancements in myeloid malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis. His research spans drug development (including novel agents like imetelstat and luspatercept), combination therapies, treatment sequencing, and cost-effectiveness analyses. There is a clear emphasis on translating molecular understanding into clinical applications, with significant work on targeted therapies for specific genetic mutations.

• Yale Cancer Center Award for Clinical Excellence (2022)
• The David S. Fischer, MD Annual Award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring in Hematology (2021, 2017, 2011)

As the Associate Director of the Yale Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program and Yale-New Haven Hospital Duffy Firm Chief for Education, Dr. Podoltsev plays a pivotal role in hematology education for fellows, residents, and medical students. He is actively involved in multiple clinical trials through the Leukemia Clinical Research Team and the Yale Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, which enables him to study epidemiology and patterns of care for hematological malignancies.

Dr. Podoltsev is part of the Leukemia Disease Aligned Research Team (DART) at Yale Cancer Center, where he contributes to advancing treatment options for patients with blood cancers. His clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of malignant hematology with a particular focus on older adult patients.