Catherine Lai, MD, MPH

About Dr. Lai

Dr. Lai is a nationally recognized expert in hematologic malignancies, serving as an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also the Physician Leader of the Leukemia Clinical Research Unit at the Abramson Cancer Center and Innovation Faculty with the Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation. In addition, Dr. Lai co-directs the Penn Geriatric Oncology CORE, where she helps guide cancer care tailored to the aging population.

Dr. Lai earned her BS in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, followed by an MPH in Epidemiology and an MD from the George Washington University School of Medicine. She is triple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology.

Dr. Lai’s clinical and research efforts are dedicated to advancing care for adults with acute leukemias and myeloid malignancies. Her academic career has included prior roles at the National Institutes of Health and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where she focused on early-phase clinical trials and translational research. At Penn, she leads investigator-initiated and collaborative clinical trials aimed at introducing novel therapeutics, improving treatment sequencing, and enhancing health outcomes.

Her leadership extends to shaping future strategies for integrating innovation in cancer care, particularly for high-risk and older patients. Known for her thoughtful, patient-centered approach, Dr. Lai is committed to combining scientific advancement with compassionate care. She prioritizes clear communication and shared decision-making to empower patients throughout their cancer journeys.

Dr. Lai sees patients at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia and continues to serve as a mentor and innovator in leukemia research and geriatric oncology.