For the third consecutive year, Salman Fazal, MD, has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026, an honor reserved for only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians. This recognition, based on peer nominations and a rigorous selection process, places Dr. Fazal among the most respected specialists in his field. His expertise spans hematology, stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapy, with a particular focus on complex malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and multiple myeloma.
Dr. Fazal practices at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Harrisburg, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The center is renowned for its advanced cancer care, cutting-edge therapies, and robust clinical research. Patients benefit from a range of treatment options, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CAR-T therapy, bispecific antibodies, and innovative targeted treatments. These therapies offer hope to individuals with high-risk, relapsed, or refractory disease, often when conventional approaches have failed.
His leadership extends beyond clinical practice. As the former director of the Cell Transplantation Program at Allegheny Health Network, Dr. Fazal transformed a struggling transplant program into one with survival rates meeting national benchmarks. He has performed nearly 200 allogeneic transplants and established a dedicated long-term follow-up clinic for transplant survivors, providing access to clinical trials for graft-versus-host disease. His efforts also ensured successful FACT accreditation inspections for nine consecutive years, reflecting his commitment to quality and safety.
Dr. Fazal's approach to medicine is grounded in compassion. "Expertise matters, but compassion is what truly defines care," he says. This philosophy is evident in his patient interactions and his dedication to accessibility. The practice offers both in-person and telemedicine consultations, ensuring that patients can receive expert guidance regardless of their location.
His contributions to medical education are equally significant. He has served as an assistant professor at Temple University and Drexel University, and was named Teaching Faculty of the Year in 2018-2019 by the Hematology Oncology Fellowship at Allegheny Health Network. He has been a principal investigator on numerous phase II and phase III clinical trials, and his research has been published in prestigious journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, Blood, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is a peer-driven honor, with nominations open to all board-certified physicians. The selection process evaluates medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary history, ensuring that only the most qualified doctors are recognized. Dr. Fazal's repeated selection reflects his standing among his peers and his unwavering commitment to advancing cancer care.
As a medical advisor and board member for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and a 2025 "MPN Hero," Dr. Fazal continues to influence the field beyond his practice. His work not only improves outcomes for his patients but also contributes to the broader landscape of hematologic oncology.
