Othman S. Akhtar

Othman S. Akhtar, MBBS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he also serves as Scientific Director of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). His academic journey includes medical training at the University of Kashmir, residency in Pathology at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Internal Medicine residency at University at Buffalo, and fellowship training in Hematology/Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center followed by specialized training in BMT and Cellular Immunotherapy at H. Lee Moffitt Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Akhtar's research focuses on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cellular immunotherapies (particularly CAR-T cell therapy), and the management of hematologic malignancies in older adults. His work spans multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with particular emphasis on risk stratification, treatment sequencing, and outcomes in vulnerable patient populations. He has developed practical clinical tools like the Albumin-CRP score for predicting CAR-T therapy toxicity and has contributed significantly to understanding how geriatric principles can be applied to blood cancer treatment.

His publication record shows consistent productivity with numerous high-impact papers in leading hematology/oncology journals including Blood, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation. Recent work has focused on comparative effectiveness of novel therapies, risk prediction models, and expanding access to advanced treatments for older adults. His research often involves large collaborative efforts through the CIBMTR and other national consortia.

• 2019 Rakesh Bidani, MD Memorial Award for selfless commitment to teaching
• 2019 Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2020 Inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society
• 2021 Thomas F. Frawley MD Research Fellowship Award

Dr. Akhtar leads an active research program examining outcomes of cellular therapies and transplantation in hematologic malignancies, with particular focus on older adults. His work through the CIBMTR provides critical data for optimizing treatment approaches across multiple institutions. He has been involved in both retrospective analyses of large databases and prospective clinical research initiatives.

As Scientific Director of CIBMTR, Dr. Akhtar oversees one of the world's largest repositories of hematopoietic cell transplantation data, facilitating research that directly impacts clinical practice guidelines and patient care standards globally. His leadership in this organization positions him at the forefront of advancing the field of transplantation medicine.