The Distinguished Scientist Award
The Distinguished Scientist Award, sponsored by UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, recognizes researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.
This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2020 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
- Name: Vijaya Bhatt, MBBS
- Title: Associate professor, UNMC Division of Oncology/Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine; medical director, Leukemia Program
- Joined UNMC: 2012
- Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Research focus:
- Acute leukemia
- Geriatric oncology
- Graft-versus-host disease
The goal of my research is: to improve survival and quality of life of adults with acute leukemias including those who have undergone allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
My research will make a difference because: Acute leukemias continue to take the lives of many adults. Treatment for leukemias also can cause significant morbidity, particularly in older adults. My research is targeted toward reducing early mortality in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia, prevent relapse of leukemia after an allogeneic stem cell transplantation and improve symptoms related to graft-versus-host disease.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is:
Our thoughts shape our life. What we think, we become.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I attended a regional championship in table tennis and lost the match to my brother.
- I have read three books and watched dozens of videos on parenting, and I am still trying to figure it out.
- I enjoy watching TED Talks.
