Omair A. Syed, MD, MPH

Bio

I was born and raised in Southern California and now find myself in Indiana as a combined Hematology/Oncology and Hospice & Palliative Medicine fellow at Indiana University School of Medicine. I have a passion for delivering comprehensive, evidence-based, and patient-centered cancer care. My clinical interests include solid tumor oncology, hematologic malignancies, supportive oncology, treatment-related toxicity management, survivorship, and integrating palliative care throughout the cancer continuum to optimize both clinical outcomes and quality of life. My professional interests focus on improving treatment tolerability and enhancing quality of life for patients receiving cancer-directed therapies. As oncology rapidly evolves with immunotherapies, targeted therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and other novel therapeutics, I am particularly interested in advancing evidence-based strategies for the early recognition and management of treatment-related adverse effects, minimizing treatment interruptions, and enabling patients to safely remain on effective therapies. I am especially passionate about supportive oncology in patients with hematologic malignancies, where proactive symptom management and multidisciplinary care can improve both the patient experience and treatment outcomes. My broader academic interests include advancing health equity in oncology, reducing disparities in cancer care, and expanding access to high-quality cancer treatment for underserved populations. I am also passionate about global oncology and implementation science, with a focus on developing innovative, multidisciplinary models of cancer care that integrate medical oncology, supportive oncology, and palliative care across diverse healthcare settings. Through clinical care, research, education, and advocacy, I hope to improve the delivery of equitable, compassionate, and patient-centered cancer care both domestically and globally. Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring nature, visiting museums and art galleries, learning about world history and culture, enjoying lazy evenings with my cats Kobe and Gigi, and discovering cafés in search of the perfect latte and pastry combination.