Dr. Dr. Nirag C. Jhala, MD, FICP

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Get to know Pathologist Dr. Nirag C. Jhala, who serves patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As an accomplished, board-certified pathologist, Dr. Jhala specializes in surgical pathology, including tumor and non-tumor pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary pathology, and pancreatic pathology. Furthermore, his niche areas extend to non-gynecologic cytopathology, which includes interpreting samples from endoscopic and endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates utilized for pancreatic cytology and lung cancer diagnosis. These small tissue samples provide a powerful opportunity to perform molecular studies to personalize therapy.  

At present, he serves as a Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and as Director of Anatomic Pathology/Cytology at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A key area of his role involves informing and developing unique treatment plans that effectively meet the needs of his patients.

Growing up, Dr. Jhala was inspired by his father’s experiences as a pathologist and wished to embark upon the same path. It was always his desire to pursue a career in which he could help others and make a meaningful difference in their lives. 

Back in 1985, he earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree from Smt. Nathiba Hargovandas Lakhmichand Municipal Medical College in India. He then went on to complete his internship at the same educational venue, followed by his residency in pathology at the Kanaiyalal Maneklal School of Medicine and Research in 1987. Two years later, in 1989, he earned his medical degree from Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, India.

Upon graduation, Dr. Jhala relocated to the United States, where he simultaneously completed his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at Allegheny University Hospitals and his fellowship in neuropathology at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in 1997. He then went on to complete his fellowship in cytopathology at Allegheny University Hospitals in 1998, followed by his fellowship in gastrointestinal tract pathology at the Baylor College of Medicine in 1999.

In addition to being a Fellow of Indian College of Physicians, the doctor is a member of the International Society of Civilization Diseases and Environment, the International Academy of Cytology, the American Society of Cytology, the Roger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology Society, the College of American Pathologists, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Moreover, he is board-certified in anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and cytopathology by the American Board of Pathology, which is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. 

A highly esteemed medical professional, Dr. Jhala’s responsibilities stretch beyond his clinical duties. He is an award-winning educator, with more than 120 peer-reviewed publications to his name, and is frequently invited to lecture and present at international and national conferences and meetings. He is a member of an NIH Study Section Grant Review Panel and holds editorial positions for several journals, including the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Journal of Cytology, the Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 

An NIH-funded researcher, the doctor’s translational research interests include understanding the underlying molecular changes associated with the development of colon cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. He has authored landmark papers focused on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates for pancreatic cancers. He has also co-authored research that provided criteria for late liver allograft dysfunction.

Pathology is a branch of medical science that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and in some cases, the whole body. Pathologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and management of diseases by laboratory methods. 

Considering his achievements, Dr. Jhala believes his success arises from his unbreakable determination and fiercely inquisitive nature. When faced with a question, he is fully committed to uncovering the answer.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling and taking photographs. He also lends his support to a number of charitable organizations.

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