Meet the Doctor: Jaganmohan Poli, MD
Jaganmohan Poli, MD, is a radiation oncologist at Einstein Healthcare Network. He sees patients at Einstein Radiation Oncology Associates offices on West Germantown Pike in East Norriton and on Old York Road in Philadelphia. He is board certified in radiation oncology.
We recently spoke with Dr. Poli about his career, his interests, and radiation oncology at Einstein.
Q: Why did you decide to become a doctor?
A: My interest in medicine started at a young age. I was always fascinated by stories of medical cures. Besides fulfilling intellectual curiosity, being a doctor also gives you an opportunity to help others in an incredibly significant way.
Q: Tell us about your educational background.
A: I attended medical school in India and subsequently specialized in radiation oncology. I moved to the United States for fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital. I then completed an internship at Jersey City Medical Center, followed by residency training in radiation oncology at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Q: Why did you choose your specialty?
A: I knew when I started medical school that I wanted to pursue a career in oncology. Very early in my clinical rotation in medical school, I had the opportunity to witness a cervical cancer patient cured with radiation therapy, which is part of why I became interested in the field. Radiation oncology is also a fascinating field that allows for interaction between science, technology and patient care.
Q: What are your clinical interests?
A: I have a special interest in gynecologic, genital and urinary cancers, as well as head and neck cancers, because these sites allow for increasing use of brachytherapy as a radiation treatment modality. Brachytherapy is a technique that uses seeds, ribbons or capsules containing a source of radiation and implants them in or near the tumor. This allows for precise delivery of radiation without significantly affecting the nearby normal organs. Brachytherapy also gives you an opportunity to work in a collaborative way with other specialists for better outcomes.
Q: What drew you to Einstein?
A: I practiced radiation oncology at Hahnemann University Hospital for many years until it unfortunately closed in 2018. When I got the opportunity to work at Einstein, I was excited to join the department. Einstein offers state-of-the-art technology for radiation treatment delivery and also for participation in patient care in a truly multidisciplinary setting. Hahnemann cared for a similar patient population as Einstein Philadelphia does, and Einstein’s merger with Jefferson provides an opportunity to expand my participation in academic medicine.
Q: Why should patients choose Einstein for cancer care?
A: At Einstein, patients are provided the benefit of outstanding decision making and management of their cancers through participation in multidisciplinary clinics. Einstein also offers a collaborative approach to care and the delivery of high-quality medicine with constant interaction of specialists from other fields such as medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiology. We also have outstanding nurse navigators and social workers who enable the patient to complete their treatment course with relative ease. Most importantly, we offer high-quality, precision radiation therapy using state-of-the-art technology.
Q: What are your interests outside of work?
A: I enjoy biking and swimming. I also like watching historical documentaries.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. This book is very funny, but at the same time very realistic in capturing human desire for moving up in a society with wide social disparities.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Gandhi by Richard Attenborough. The movie captures the spirit of one man’s selfless determination and struggle for independence of millions through nonviolent means.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?
A: I am fond of spicy food, particularly Thai or Indian. My favorite restaurant is Jaiya Thai in Downtown Manhattan. I love their spicy special fish.
