Division of Transplant & Cell Therapy (TCT)

Established in 1995, the Transplant & Cell Therapy (TCT) Division at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital has been at the forefront of advancing therapies for hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The program provides both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants, with full FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) accreditation, signifying its adherence to rigorous national standards in transplant care and cellular therapy.

Over the years, the Division has expanded substantially, both in clinical depth and scientific reach. Currently, the Division is being led by Usama Gergis, MD, MBA, Professor of Medical Oncology and serves as the Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant and Immune Cellular Therapy (TCT) Program at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center a national leader in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.  Dr. Gergis has shaped a dynamic and patient-focused TCT program that combines cutting-edge treatment strategies with a strong academic and educational mission.  It now incorporates personalized, genomically informed treatment strategies, state-of-the-art immunotherapies, and participation in early-phase clinical trials. A hallmark of Jefferson’s innovation is its expertise in haploidentical transplantation. Its internationally recognized “two-step” transplant protocol, which allows a consistent T-cell dose and hastens the stem cell engraftment, has proven effective in reducing transplant-related toxicity and enhancing outcomes especially in older and high-risk patients.

The Division is closely integrated with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), giving patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials, cellular immunotherapies, and innovative investigator initiated clinical trials (IITs). Active research areas include graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prevention, off the shelf CAR T-cell therapies, Cell therapy for autoimmune diseases and transformative therapies for Sickle Cell Disease. 

Education is a central pillar of Jefferson’s TCT Program. As part of Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC), one of the nation's largest and most established medical schools-the TCT team is deeply involved in the education and training of future hematologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists. Here at Jefferson, we focus on:

• Fellowship Training: The TCT program serves as a core rotation site for Hematology/Oncology fellows, offering intensive, hands-on experience in stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, and management of transplant-related complications.
• Residency and Medical Student Education: Internal Medicine residents and medical students from SKMC rotate through the inpatient and outpatient TCT services, gaining exposure to complex oncologic care and principles of immunology, hematopoiesis, and marrow recovery.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Trainees interact with a wide spectrum of transplant professionals, pharmacists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and lab scientists, cultivating a systems-based understanding of transplant medicine.
• Academic Conferences and Case Reviews: Regularly scheduled educational forums include weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards, B case conferences, journal clubs, and grand rounds, fostering continuous learning and scholarly dialogue.
• Research Mentorship: The program encourages fellows and students to participate in clinical research projects and quality improvement initiatives. Many go on to present their work at national meetings such as ASH (American Society of Hematology) and ASBMT (American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation).

Dr. Gergis is a committed educator who fosters both clinical excellence and academic growth. He is known for his direct mentorship, approachable style, and dedication to preparing the next generation of TCT specialists.

Whether learners are interested in transplant medicine, hematologic malignancies, or cell therapy innovation, Dr. Gergis and the Jefferson TCT team provide the foundation, exposure, and mentorship to support meaningful career development for the Division and students alike. Joanne E. Filicko-O’Hara is part of the Division and is a highly respected Professor of Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University and a core member of the institution’s renowned TCT Program. As an experienced clinician, accomplished educator, and dedicated mentor, Dr. Filicko-O’Hara brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to the care of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Dr. Filicko-O’Hara's experience in managing complex blood cancers such as acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), lymphomas, and plasma cell disorders, with particular expertise in patients undergoing autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Her clinical practice emphasizes:

• Pre- and post-transplant evaluation and management, ensuring holistic care across the transplant journey
• Use of innovative transplant strategies, including haplo-identical (half-matched) donors using Jefferson’s pioneering two-step transplant model, which enhances immune tolerance and reduces complications
• Close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to address the medical, psychosocial, and logistical needs of transplant patients.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Filicko-O’Hara serves as the Associate Program Director for the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cancer specialists. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of clinical reasoning, empathy, and scientific inquiry, providing a strong foundation for early-career physicians. 

• Direct clinical supervision and thoughtful feedback in both inpatient and outpatient TCT settings
• Opportunities to engage in clinical research and scholarly activity related to stem cell transplantation and supportive care
• Longitudinal mentorship, with career guidance tailored to academic, clinical, or research pathways

Dr. Filicko-O’Hara embodies the Jefferson mission to deliver compassionate, innovative care while nurturing the minds and careers of tomorrow’s oncology leaders. Her presence in both the clinical and educational arms of the TCT program continues to elevate Jefferson’s role as a regional and national leader in hematologic care.

If you're passionate about a future in medicine and eager to learn, Xia Bi, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. With dual training in bioinformatics and computational biology, she applies clinical informatics and precision medicine to analyze large biomedical datasets and translate findings into personalized treatment strategies. Her active clinical and research focus includes bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy, particularly leveraging genomic data to identify novel biomarkers. She earned her MS in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology from the University of Delaware, completed her residency in internal medicine at Scripps Green Clinic, and received her hematology/oncology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson Hospital. 

In addition to her patient-facing work, Dr. Bi has significant research accomplishments: she has published on innovative approaches in allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, and prognostic indicators in acute myeloid leukemia, including the impact of tobacco exposure on outcomes . Her efforts exemplify a translational approach, bridging data science, genomics, and clinical application to advance cancer care at TJU.

Medical students who join her team will gain firsthand experience in how big data and precision medicine are transforming patient care. From analyzing genomic datasets to identifying novel biomarkers and personalizing treatment plans, you’ll be part of meaningful research that directly impacts outcomes. Joseph Van Galen, MD, MS is a practicing hematologist–oncologist and active clinical and translational researcher, Dr. Van Galen brings extensive experience in both interventional and observational studies. His academic interests focus on the biology and clinical management of myeloid diseases, including acute and chronic leukemias, as well as the investigation of on- and off-target effects of biologic and cellular immunotherapies. His work examines immune-related toxicities, mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, and the integration of emerging therapies into clinical practice to improve outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies.