Oncologist Near Me – Yan Leyfman: A Voice for Innovation, Mentorship, and Impact in Oncology

Welcome to OncoDaily‘s special section “Oncologist Near Me,” where we introduce prominent oncologists from around the world.

Here, you can get to know the leading cancer specialists in your area, including both personal and professional details that you won’t find in their research articles.

Interested solely in research? We’ve got that covered too! Discover top research articles by the author, learn about their academic achievements, awards, and honors, watch their interviews, and memorize some quotes for much-needed inspiration!

Yan Leyfman, MD

Yan Leyfman is a physician-scientist currently pursuing a hematology-oncology fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.  He is actively involved in global oncology education and cancer research.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Yan Leyfman’s journey to medicine began in childhood, long before he ever picked up a textbook. Born in Belarus after the Chernobyl disaster, he faced a life-threatening illness as a young child and was placed in hospice with little hope of survival. But his parents sought care abroad, and that decision changed everything.

“The physicians who treated me didn’t just heal my body, they gave me a second chance. Even then, I knew I wanted to spend my life giving that same chance to others.”

That early experience instilled in him a deep sense of purpose. By 15, he was already involved in scientific research. He went on to earn a degree in Biology with research honors from Stony Brook University, followed by a medical degree from Penn State Hershey College of Medicine.

His calling to oncology became personal years later when his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

“Watching her go through chemotherapy and radiation brought back that same feeling of helplessness. But this time, I had tools and a reason to use them.”

Dr. Leyfman completed his internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai South Nassau and is currently pursuing a hematology-oncology fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Career

Dr. Yan Leyfman’s career brings together science, education, and global advocacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded MedNews Week, a free virtual platform created to combat healthcare misinformation and expand access to medical education. What began as a crisis response quickly evolved into a global community, featuring keynote events, expert panels, and a mentorship program that has helped students, many from underserved backgrounds, publish research, present at national conferences, and match into competitive residency programs.

“Mentorship isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about helping someone believe they belong in the room.”

He also founded and led the Webinar Division at IJCR Central, creating the Pioneers in Medicine series, and served as Director of Immunology and Special Adviser for Oncology and Novel Therapeutics with the WACEM-ACAIM Joint Global COVID Taskforce. In addition, he was an Education Committee member for the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, where he helped shape educational content on CAR T-cell therapy.

Dr. Leyfman’s contributions have earned him national and international recognition, including the 2023 ASCO Breakthrough Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award, the Lymphoma, Leukemia and Myeloma Congress’ Global Hero in Healthcare Award, the Manhattan Hero Award from New York City and State for his leadership during the pandemic, and many more.

Dr. Leyfman remains most inspired by the success of those he mentors.

“Some of the most impactful moments in my career haven’t come from personal milestones,” he says, “but from watching someone I’ve mentored reach theirs.”

Research

Dr. Yan Leyfman’s research has focused on developing new cancer therapies and understanding how diseases like COVID-19 affect patients with cancer. Some of the treatments he’s worked on have already made it into clinical trials and influenced new care recommendations.

During the pandemic, he was invited to join the Global COVID-19 Taskforce as Director of the Immunology Division. There, he helped uncover how COVID-19 and influenza interact, work that led to proposed therapies and one of the first models explaining the immune response.

In 2021, he presented the first mechanism linking cancer and COVID-19 at the ASCO Annual Meeting. That research was later published in BMC Hematology and Oncology and has been featured in Shock and the book Insights on a Post-COVID World.

Selected Publications

• Leyfman Y, Emmanuel N, Menon GP, Joshi M, Wilkerson WB, Cappelli J, Erick TK, Park CH, Sharma P. Cancer and COVID-19: unravelling the immunological interplay with a review of promising therapies against severe SARS-CoV-2 for cancer patients. J Hematol Oncol. 2023 Apr 13;16(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s13045-023-01432-6. PMID: 37055774; PMCID: PMC10100631.
• Cortiana V, Abbas RH, Chorya H, Gambill J, Mahendru D, Park CH, Leyfman Y. Personalized Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer: The Promise of Biomarkers and Molecular Targeting with Dr. Michael J. Pishvaian. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Jun 26;16(13):2329. doi: 10.3390/cancers16132329. PMID: 39001391; PMCID: PMC11240738.
• Leyfman Y. Chimeric antigen receptors: unleashing a new age of anti-cancer therapy. Cancer Cell Int. 2018 Nov 14;18:182. doi: 10.1186/s12935-018-0685-x. PMID: 30459530; PMCID: PMC6236896.
• Huppert LA, Green MD, Kim L, Chow C, Leyfman Y, Daud AI, Lee JC. Tissue-specific Tregs in cancer metastasis: opportunities for precision immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol. 2022 Jan;19(1):33-45. doi: 10.1038/s41423-021-00742-4. Epub 2021 Aug 20. PMID: 34417572; PMCID: PMC8752797.
• Chidharla A, Utengen A, Attai DJ, Drake EK, van Londen GJ, Subbiah IM, Henry E, Murphy M, Barry MM, Manochakian R, Moerdler S, Loeb S, Graff SL, Leyfman Y, Thompson MA, Markham MJ. Social Media and Professional Development for Oncology Professionals. JCO Oncol Pract. 2022 Aug;18(8):566-571. doi: 10.1200/OP.21.00761. Epub 2022 Mar 21. PMID: 35312343; PMCID: PMC9377722.

Interviews with Yan Leyfman

Dr. Yan Leyfman on Advancing cancer research, transforming patient care, and surviving Chernobyl – OncoDaily

Yan Leyfman – Life Science Success

Ascertaining AI’s Role in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment – CancerNetwork

RISE Innovation Interview With Dr. ​Yan Leyfman, MD Hosted By Sal Peer of AI Exosphere – Model Leap

Beyond the White Coat

When he’s not immersed in research or medicine, Dr. Yan Leyfman finds inspiration in the everyday magic of New York City. A lifelong New Yorker, he still explores the city like a curious visitor, whether it’s catching a Broadway show, walking along the Hudson, or finding a quiet moment in Central Park.

Travel is another way he resets. A recent trip to Japan left a deep impression, from the stillness of ancient temples to the elegance of its cuisine. “Experiencing life from another perspective,” he says, “often brings clarity and appreciation.”

For over two decades, photography has been his creative outlet. Through the lens, he captures fleeting moments, cityscapes, people, and the quiet beauty often missed in daily life.

Photo by Lan Leyfman/Instagram

But no matter where he is, it’s time with family that centers him. “Whether we’re laughing, sharing stories, or just being present,” he says, “those moments remind me of what truly matters.”

Dr. Yan Leyfman is active on X and LinkedIn and was named one of OncoDaily’s top Oncoinfluencers.

Dr. Leyfman also finds comfort and meaning in books and films, especially those that challenge the way we think about science, humanity, and resilience.

Books that left a mark:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – “It made me reflect on how scientific progress, while powerful, needs to be guided by compassion and accountability.”
• The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee – A cornerstone of oncology literature, this book reminded him of the emotional strength required to face cancer, not just as a doctor, but as a human being.
• The Giver by Lois Lowry – A childhood read that stayed with him. “It made me think about memory, emotion, and what it means to be human.”

Films he returns to:

The Pursuit of Happyness – A story of perseverance that reminds him of his own parents’ sacrifices during his early health struggles.

Good Will Hunting – A film about mentorship and emotional healing that continues to resonate with him as both a clinician and a mentor.

Life Is Beautiful – A powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, love, dignity, and hope can endure.

In His Words

“My advice to those starting out in oncology is to remember why you chose this path,” says Dr. Leyfman. “There will be tough days, but there will also be quiet, powerful moments that remind you why you’re here.”

He encourages young professionals to lead with both empathy and curiosity. “Get to know your patients beyond their diagnosis. Let their stories guide you. Stay curious, not just about science, but about the evolving needs of the people you serve.”

And above all, he says, “Your impact begins long before you feel ready. Even as a trainee, your presence and compassion matter. You belong here.”

As for what keeps him going:
“The people,” he says simply. “Patients are still waiting for better options. Trainees finding their voice. Colleagues are pushing the field forward. This work is a privilege, and my motivation comes from gratitude. I was given a second chance in life. I want to make it count.”

How to contact him?

Email: [email protected]
Location: 609 Merrick Rd, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Read the previous articles in the “Oncologist Near Me” series to explore insights into the lives and careers of leading oncologists worldwide.

We’ve curated the internet to find the most important information about them. If you have more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Written by Vahe Grigoryan