Salman Fazal, MD, a hematologist and stem cell transplant expert at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Harrisburg, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his third consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition. Only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are selected annually for this honor, which is based on peer nominations and a rigorous review by Castle Connolly's physician-led research team.
Dr. Fazal's expertise lies in treating complex blood cancers, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. He specializes in high-risk and relapsed cases, offering patients advanced options such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cellular therapies, bispecific antibodies, and targeted treatments. As the leader of the bispecific therapy program in Central Pennsylvania, he has been instrumental in bringing these innovative therapies to patients who have exhausted conventional options.
The significance of this recognition extends beyond individual achievement. It underscores the growing availability of cutting-edge cancer treatments in regional medical centers. Dr. Fazal's work at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, brings clinical trials and advanced therapies to a community setting, reducing the need for patients to travel to major metropolitan areas for care. This accessibility is critical for patients with blood cancers, where timely treatment can significantly impact outcomes.
Dr. Fazal's career includes a decade as Director of the Cell Transplantation Program at Allegheny Health Network, where he transformed a struggling transplant program into one that met national survival benchmarks. He has performed nearly 200 allogeneic transplants and established a dedicated clinic for long-term follow-up, including access to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) clinical trials. His leadership also ensured successful FACT accreditation inspections over nine years.
His commitment to education is evident in his recognition as Teaching Faculty of the Year (2018-2019) and his roles as Assistant Professor at Temple University and Drexel University. He has served as a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials, and his research has been published in leading journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, Blood, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. In 2025, he was honored as an 'MPN Hero' and serves as a medical advisor and board member for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter.
For patients, Dr. Fazal offers both in-person and telemedicine consultations, enhancing access to his expertise. This flexibility is part of his patient-centered approach, which he describes as rooted in compassion. 'Expertise matters, but compassion is what truly defines care,' he said.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is determined through a rigorous process that includes peer nominations and evaluation of medical education, training, and hospital appointments. Doctors cannot pay to be selected, ensuring the honor reflects genuine professional merit. This recognition not only validates Dr. Fazal's contributions but also highlights the quality of cancer care available in the Harrisburg region.
