Olivia Aranha, MD, PhD

Olivia Aranha, MD, PhD

Associate Professor

Address:
Division of Oncology
Mail Stop 8056-0029-11
Washington University
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110

Room 11405 Mid Campus Center (office)

Admin:
Janet Weier
jweier@wustl.edu

Clinical Interests
  • Gastrointestinal malignancies
  • Breast cancer
Research Interests
  • Gastrointestinal malignancies
  • Appendiceal/peritoneal tumors
  • Health outcomes research: reducing readmissions in oncology patients
  • Financial toxicity in cancer care
Research

My interest in studying the biology of cancer cells, their mechanism of survival, response to therapy and the role of combination chemotherapeutics led me to pursue a PhD in Pathology. My research focus was transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. I studied cell signaling and regulation of tumor cell growth by modulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The goal was to increase sensitivity to therapy and accelerate cancer cell apoptosis. I pursued residency training in Internal medicine and then, a fellowship in Hematology-Oncology. My clinical interests include colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. Modulating the cancer microenvironment, cancer immunotherapy and personalization of therapy based on the genetic signature of the tumor, prevention and early detection are my current areas of focus.

Profiles (publications)
WU Physician Bio

Biosketch

Education

  • 2019: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Junior Faculty Development Bootcamp
  • 2018: R25 Genomics Strength Program (Enrolled)
  • 2017-2009: MD Andersen Credentialed Network Physician
  • 2000-1996: PhD (Pathology), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
  • 1998-1995: MS (Biological Sciences), University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI
  • 1995-1989: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), University of Bombay, India

Post-Graduate Training

  • 2007-2004: Fellow, Hematology-Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
  • 2004-2002: Resident Physician, Hematology-Oncology Clinic, Wertz Clinical Cancer Center, Harper Hospital, Detroit, MI
  • 2004-2001: Resident (Internal Medicine), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
  • 2001-2000: Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Karmanos Cancer Institute), Chemotherapeutics/Chemoprevention, Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
  • 2001-1999: Physician Volunteer, Hematology-Oncology Clinic, Wertz Clinical Cancer Center, Harper Hospital, Detroit, MI
  • 2000-1996: Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant (Experimental and Molecular Pathology), Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
  • 1996-1995: Health Assistant, Health Services Department, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI
  • 1995-1994: Medical Intern, LTMM College, Bombay, India

Academic Positions & Employment

  • present-2023: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
  • 2022-2017: Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
  • 2017-2011: Lead Physician (Lung Cancer Screening Program)
  • 2017-2009: Group Practice (Hematology-Oncology), St. Francis Medical Center, Cape Medical Oncology, Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 2016-2010: Lead Physician (Breast Cancer Program & Pink Up Campaign to Raise Awareness for Earlier Detection and Mammogram Screening)
  • 2009-2007: Private Practice, Dayton Oncology and Hematology

University & Hospital Appointments & Committees

  • present-2021: Siteman Cancer Center Committee Representing Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine
  • present-2021: Core Faculty-Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program, Washington University
  • present-2020: Core Faculty-Program Evaluation Committee, Department of Medicine, Washington University
  • present-2020: Chair, Readmissions Committee in Oncology, Washington University/BJH Main
  • present-2018: Member, Forum for Women in Medicine, Washington University
  • present-2017: Member, Women of Hematology and Oncology, Washington University
  • present-2017: Member, Washington University Siteman Cancer Center
  • present-2017: Inpatient Cancer Committee, Siteman-BJH Main, St. Louis, MO
  • 2021: Faculty Leader Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program
  • 2018-2017: Provider Educator, EPIC implementation Project, Washington University

Board Certification

  • 2019, 2009: Medical Oncology
  • 2004: Internal Medicine

Honors & Awards

  • 2021: Teacher of the Year (Hematology-Oncology), Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2021: Selected to attend the Harvard Medical School Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Healthcare Conference
  • 2017: Guardian Angel award for outstanding patient care, St. Francis Medical Center, Cape Medical Oncology, Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 2006-2005: Northwestern University, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center’s NIH Training Grant in Clinical Oncology Research (T32 CA079447)
  • 2004: First place-Oral presentation at the Annual resident research day-Wayne State University, Idiopathic hypereosinophilia and splenic infarction: Dramatic response to imatinib (Gleevec)
  • 2004: Best Oral Presentation at the Asian-American International Medical Conference, Marco Island, Florida, Jan 2004. Idiopathic hypereosinophilia and splenic infarction: Dramatic response to imatinib (Gleevec)
  • 2004: Finalist (Poster session) at the National American College of Physician’s meeting, New Orleans. Idiopathic Hypereosinophilia and splenic infraction: Dramatic response to imatinib (Gleevec)
  • 2000: Graduate Student Travel Award to attend the Annual American Association Cancer Research Meeting in San Francisco, CA, and present an abstract titled “Ciprofloxacin induces Bax translocation and Mitochondrial depolarization during Apoptosis”
  • 2001: Best Poster Session at the National American College of Physician’s meeting. Aslam N, Rahman W, Aranha O and Sarkar F. Down-regulation of NFKB in prostate cancer cells by ciprofloxacin
  • 2001: Award at the American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter, Associates Meeting. Aslam N, Rahman W, Aranha O and Sarkar F. Down-regulation of NFKB in prostate cancer cells by ciprofloxacin
  • 1991: LTMM College: Best Session and Best Speaker at the Annual Pharmacology Symposia, India. Title of presentation: Prevention, control and novel therapeutic strategies in management of AIDS patients

National Committees

  • present-2020: NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) Expert Panel for Cancer Fatigue

Professional Societies & Organizations

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • Academic Women’s Network at Washington University
  • National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity