Division of Hematologic Malignancies

The Leukemia Group at Thomas Jefferson University provides cutting-edge, patient-centered care for individuals diagnosed with acute leukemias and related disorders. 

Moreover, the Leukemia Group provides a dynamic educational environment for the next generation of medical professionals. We invite medical students with a passion for hematology-oncology to engage with a program that integrates cutting-edge science, compassionate care, and hands-on clinical experience. Our multidisciplinary team of hematologist/oncologists, APPs, nurses, navigators, social workers, and researchers work collaboratively to deliver personalized education for each student as they learn how to integrate the latest medical advances with supportive care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Our Program Features:

• Expert Diagnosis and Subtyping: Accurate classification of leukemia is essential to effective treatment. We utilize advanced molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, and flow cytometry to identify disease subtypes and genetic markers that inform targeted therapies.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: From conventional chemotherapy to immunotherapy and novel targeted agents, our treatment strategies are based on the latest clinical evidence and tailored to each patient’s genetic profile, disease stage, and overall health.
•  Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation: As a recognized leader in transplant medicine, our center offers allogeneic stem cell transplants, including matched unrelated donor transplants, with comprehensive pre- and post-transplant care.
• Clinical Trials and Research: We are actively involved in groundbreaking leukemia research and offer patients access to innovative clinical trials that provide promising new therapies not widely available elsewhere.
• Supportive Services: In addition to medical care, we offer a full range of supportive services, including nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, palliative care, survivorship programs, and financial counseling to help patients and families through every stage of the journey.

The Group is led by Margaret T. Kasner, MD, MSCE, a nationally recognized expert in leukemia care and education. She is a Professor of Medical Oncology and serves as Director of the Leukemia Group and Associate Director of Clinical Research at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Kasner is widely respected for her deep clinical expertise and dedication to mentoring the next generation of hematologists and oncologists. She brings strategic vision and hands-on guidance to medical students, residents, and fellows, earning multiple teaching awards and a Dean’s Award for Mentoring. She also plays a key role in shaping hematology education nationally, serving on the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Committee for Educational Affairs, as Vice Chair of the ASH CME Approval Committee, and as Co-Chair of the ABIM LKA Approval Committee.

Dr. Kasner’s teaching emphasizes clarity, structure, and clinical excellence. She sets high expectations while providing direct feedback, case-based learning, and practical application of evidence-based care. Whether on rounds, in tumor boards, or mentoring research, she encourages trainees to think critically and advocate confidently for their patients.

Her clinical and research work centers on acute leukemias, with active involvement in therapeutic development and clinical trials. These efforts create a dynamic learning environment where students gain exposure to innovative treatments and the real-world challenges of clinical research.

A key member of the Leukemia Group at Thomas Jefferson University, Lindsey Wilde, MD is deeply committed to medical education and mentoring the next generation of physicians. Her academic focus is on clinical research in acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), with teaching remaining a central and fulfilling part of her professional identity.

Since completing her fellowship in 2018, Dr. Wilde has built a robust clinical trial portfolio as a principal investigator, leading investigator-initiated trials, industry-sponsored studies, and cooperative group protocols. She actively integrates these research experiences into education, offering students and trainees hands-on learning opportunities. She is especially passionate about demystifying the research process and encourages learners at all levels to participate in clinical investigation, from concept development to protocol design and patient enrollment.

In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Wilde's work includes interdisciplinary projects aimed at optimizing resource use and enhancing medication adherence, particularly through innovative mobile health strategies. These initiatives also create meaningful opportunities for students to engage in quality improvement and implementation science. As Program Director for the Program Director for the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, she works closely with both GME and UME learners, mentoring them through clinical rotations, scholarly projects, and career development. She is committed to fostering a learning environment that is intellectually rigorous, deeply supportive, and responsive to each learner’s individual goals.

Another key member of the Leukemia Group, Gina M. Keiffer, MD, is a dynamic clinician-educator who brings a strong, learner-centered philosophy to every aspect of her work. With deep expertise in hematologic malignancies and a passion for teaching, Dr. Keiffer is committed to developing the next generation of physicians through rigorous clinical training and mentorship grounded in compassion and curiosity.

Whether on rounds, in clinic, or through interactive case-based sessions, Dr. Keiffer ensures her students gain not only a comprehensive understanding of hematologic malignancies but also a deep appreciation for the human side of oncology. She is especially dedicated to guiding those pursuing careers in internal medicine, hematology/oncology, or academic medicine—helping them find both purpose and excellence in their paths forward.

As our Leukemia Group grows, we continue to add a strong forward thinking oncologists. Chetan S. Jeurkar, DO brings a steady, mentorship-rich approach to advancing medical education, shaped by his clinical expertise in hematologic malignancies and his dedication to mentoring future physicians. He believes the best clinical teachers not only share knowledge, but also model how to think—critically, ethically, and with purpose.

His teaching style is hands-on, approachable, and focused on developing solid clinical judgment. Whether on rounds or in the clinic, Dr. Jeurkar encourages students to work through cases in real time, asking them to connect pathophysiology with patient presentation and to think ahead about diagnostic and therapeutic steps. He values clarity in communication and helps learners build skills in presenting patients, interpreting data, and discussing complex care plans.

Known for his calm, supportive demeanor and practical insights, Dr. Jeurkar strives to create an environment where learners feel respected, challenged, and empowered to grow. His goal is to help shape well-rounded, thoughtful physicians who are prepared for the clinical and emotional complexities of modern cancer care.

This collaborative program is designed to immerse medical students in the cutting edge of translational research, where scientific discoveries are rapidly transformed into clinical therapies. By working alongside leaders in the field, students gain firsthand exposure to innovative, first-in-field treatments and the process of bringing new ideas from the lab to the bedside. With a strong track record of breakthrough advancements, the Leukemia Group offers a dynamic learning environment at the forefront of leukemia care and clinical innovation.