HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Hassaan Jafri, M.D., has been named the fellow of the month for February at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, announced Paulette S. Wehner, M.D., vice dean for graduate medical education.

Jafri is completing his third and final year of the combined hematology/oncology fellowship at Marshall. He served as chief fellow from July through December 2020.

“Dr. Jafri was by far the best chief fellow I have had the pleasure to work with,” wrote Deanna Bowen, his program coordinator in his nomination. “He took his role as chief fellow very seriously. He was prompt in keeping me updated on schedule/rotation changes as well as changes to the conference schedule. He is kind, compassionate, a true professional and truly a joy to work with. He definitely made this coordinator’s job much easier.”

Jafri completed his internal medicine residency at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine after earning his medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Pakistan. He plans to join a community hematology/oncology practice in Ohio upon completion of his training in June 2021.  

“To be recommended for fellow of the month by your program coordinator is quite a feat,” Wehner said. “While it is an honor to be a chief, the job comes with additional administrative responsibilities and activities which include determining the clinical schedule, vacations, call schedule, conference schedule, etc. It is a unique, but challenging, opportunity to see how the fellowship program runs from an administrative side and to be lauded by your program coordinator for doing an exceptional job is rare.”

Program Director Maria Tria Tirona M.D., echoed Wehner’s comments. "During Dr. Jafri’s tenure as chief fellow, I was very impressed with his excellent work ethic and dedication in ensuring that the educational needs of his co-fellows were met,” Tirona said. “He has been proactive in keeping the hematology/oncology fellowship educational activities on track. One admirable character trait that stands out is his consistent punctuality which, nowadays, is a rare find."

As part of his recognition, Jafri received a plaque and designated parking spot.  He credits his success to his wife, Isna Khan, who is a third-year internal medicine resident and their 19-month-old daughter, Eshaal. 

The hematology/oncology fellowship program trains physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and all types of cancers. Fellowship is completed after a three-year residency in internal medicine. 

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Photo caption: February Fellow of the Month Hassaan Jafri, M.D., (right) is pictured with Maria Tria Tirona, M.D., hematology/oncology fellowship program director. 

Media Contact: Michele McKnight, Media Relations Coordinator, Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, 304-691-1713

Date Posted: Wednesday, March 3, 2021