Vidya Puthenpura

Vidya Puthenpura, MD, MHS is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology) at Yale School of Medicine. She specializes in pediatric hematology/oncology, with a focus on brain tumors and addressing health disparities in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Her research examines racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in cancer outcomes, clinical trial participation, and access to care.

Educations:

• MD: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (2015)
• MHS: Yale School of Medicine (2021)
• BS in Bioengineering: University of Pennsylvania (2011)

Research Interests: Dr. Puthenpura’s work centers on reducing disparities in oncology care through innovative approaches like virtual reality support groups and social determinant data integration. She investigates biases in medical recommendation letters and disparities in telehealth utilization. Her team collaborates internationally to analyze clinical trial data and improve outcomes for marginalized populations.

Publications Trends: Her articles highlight disparities in AYA oncology, bias in medical evaluations, and leveraging technology (e.g., AI, VR) for patient support. Recent studies emphasize the need for systemic changes to address inequities in cancer care access and outcomes.

Grants & Collaborations: Active in the IGNITE Consortium to eradicate pediatric cancer health inequities. Leads or co-leads multiple clinical trials for novel therapies in sickle cell disease, lymphoma, and gliomas. Collaborates with institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Labs/Teams: Part of Yale’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, Neuro-Oncology Program, and Cancer Prevention and Control Center. Engaged with the Center for Immersive Technologies exploring VR applications in patient care.