Dual board-certified in Hematology and in Medical Oncology, Dr. Utpal K. Bhanja is a highly experienced and respected physician who has garnered nearly 30 years of professional excellence in his field. He is currently serving as the Medical Director at Advent Health Hematology & Oncology, where he started the oncology program in the much-needed Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky and obtained the Markey Cancer Center, UK network affiliate designation. As a physician, Dr. Bhanja is experienced in all aspects of patient care in general Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology, ambulatory care, inpatient & intensive care, and bone marrow transplant settings, just to name a few. Over the years, Dr. Bhanja has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and compassion at his practice in Southeastern Ohio. He is committed to contributing continuously in a significant way towards the noble cause of 'healing the human sufferings.'

A physician of Asian Indian origin, Dr. Bhanja, graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of Calcutta, India, in 1982. Upon relocating to the United States, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Oncology from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He had the opportunity to gain hands-on training in procedural skills and acquire a vast skill set with exposure to a wide range of diseases and a spectrum of clinical presentations. With a commitment to excellence, Dr. Bhanja is dual board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Throughout his distinguished medical career, Dr. Bhanja has gained valuable experiences with administrative duties, direct patient care, as well as consultative services. He also has 21 years of private practice experience in the sub-specialty of Oncology and Hematology in his repertoire, serving southeastern Ohio and an ACS accredited cancer center. He started as a solo practice, which grew to multi-physician specialty practice with four office locations serving southeastern Ohio. Furthermore, Dr. Bhanja has excelled as an Associate Director of Hospice and experienced in palliative & holistic care. He worked in research in Experimental Therapeutics, involving 'Antisense Therapy for Cancer', and has had his results published in reputable journals. Throughout his clinical career, Dr. Bhanja has contributed to clinical trials as an investigator. He has been involved in clinical investigations of Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor; Darbepoetin, an erythrocyte stimulating agent; Gefitinib, the EGFR pathway modulating agent, and other intergroup phase III trials.

Remaining abreast of the latest advancements in his field, Dr. Bhanja maintains active memberships with the American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Medical Association. He is a life member of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin and Indo American Cancer Association. He is actively involved in various socio-philanthropic and charitable activities in the community, serving as an advisor to the Ohio State Gateway project and as a governing body member of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. He served in the Board of Bharatiya Hindu Temple Society, Columbus, Ohio. He was the founding President of Bengali Physicians of North America. He was a member of the governing body and invited speaker at H3C conference hosted by Ohio State University in 2015 and Global Healthcare summit of AAPI in 2017 held in India.

As a testament to his professional excellence, Dr. Bhanja is a notable winner of a Top Doctor Award from 2017 to 2020. Top Doctor Awards specializes in recognizing and commemorating the achievements of today's most influential and respected doctors in medicine. He also received several other awards for his exceptional work, including the Top Physician Award from 2004 to 2005 by the Consumers' Research Council of America; Genesis Outstanding Physician Pride Award, 2004 by Genesis Healthcare System; Special Oncologist Recognition, 1994 by United Hospital Center; Best Medical Resident, 1990, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, NY; and Outstanding contribution award in the teaching of medical students by Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, NY; and more. He was a President's Scout, awarded by the President of India.

In his spare time, Dr. Bhanja indulges in various interests ranging from fine arts and photography to readings in other scientific disciplines, especially those that are transforming our concepts about life, the universe, and the world around us. He also enjoys writing on topics in science and philosophy. Moreover, he has special interests in "Ayurveda"- Ancient Indian system of a holistic approach to healthcare, which is still widely practiced as an alternative form of medicine in South Asia.

Dr. Bhanja dedicates this honorable recognition to his loving wife, Tandra, and three amazing daughters, Swati, Aditi, and Debarati, and to Dr. Thomas Garrett, Dr. John Gregory Mears, Dr. Cy Stein, Dr. David Savage, Dr. Alfred Ashford, Dr. David Diuguid, Dr. Arthur Bank and Dr. Alan Yagoda, all who have been great mentors and have significantly contributed to the specialty.

To learn more, please visit https://www.adventhealthmedicalgroup.com/physician/npi/1003801689.