Dr. Zyad Kafri, MD, MS, FACP
Hematologist Oncologist | Fellowship Program Director
Great Lakes Cancer Management | Van Elslander Cancer Center

Professional Summary

Dr. Zyad Kafri is a distinguished hematologist and oncologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, medical education, and oncology research. As the Fellowship Program Director for Hematology/Oncology at St. John and Henry Ford Hospitals in Detroit, Dr. Kafri plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical oncology training. He has a keen interest in Graduate Medical Education (GME) and gastrointestinal (GI) oncology, contributing to advancements in cancer care and treatment strategies. His affiliations with Great Lakes Cancer Management and the Van Elslander Cancer Center underscore his dedication to providing cutting-edge oncology care to patients.

Education & Training

• Master of Science in Medical Research – Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI (1999-2007)

• Doctor of Medicine – Damascus University School of Medicine, Damascus, Syria (1991-1997)

• Fellow, Hematology and Medical Oncology – Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University (2004-2007)

• Resident, Internal Medicine – Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University (2002-2004)

• Intern, Internal Medicine – Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University (2001-2002)

Academic & Clinical Appointments

• Associate Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Wayne State University (2019-Present)

• Clinical Associate Professor, Central Michigan University School of Medicine (2018-Present)

• Associate Professor, St. George’s University School of Medicine (2015-Present)

• Clinical Assistant Professor, Michigan State University (2015-Present)

• Fellowship Program Director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, Henry Ford St. John Hospital (2024-Present)

• Fellowship Program Director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, Ascension St. John Hospital (2014-2024)

Hospital Appointments

• Attending Physician, Henry Ford St. John Hospital (2024-Present)

• Attending Physician, Henry Ford Macomb Warren Hospital (2024-Present)

• Attending Physician, Ascension St. John Hospital (2010-2024)

• Attending Physician, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospitals (2010-2024)

• Former Attending Physician, Detroit Medical Center & Karmanos Cancer Institute (2008-2012)

• Former Attending Physician, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (2007-2010)

Professional Memberships & Certifications

• Fellow, American College of Physicians (FACP)

• Member, Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS)

• Member, American Society of Hematology (ASH)

• Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

• Board Certified in Hematology & Medical Oncology (2007-2026)

• Board Certified in Internal Medicine (2004-2024)

Honors & Awards

• Hour Detroit Top Doctor in Hematology/Oncology (2019-2023)

• College Teaching Award, Wayne State University (2017)

• Instructor of the Year Award, St. John Hospital (2011-2014)

• VA National System Redesign Award for Lung Cancer (2009)

• Patient’s Choice Award (2008-2009)

Leadership & Service

• Member, Ascension Medical Group Physician Operations Council (2019-2024)

• Oncology Advisory Board, Van Elslander Cancer Center (2016-Present)

• Coordinator, Hematology/Oncology CME Lectures, Henry Ford St. John Hospital (2024-Present)

• Oncology Drug Specialty Panel Committee (2015-Present)

• Coordinator, Hematology/Oncology CME Lectures, Ascension St. John Hospital (2013-2024)

Research & Publications

Dr. Kafri has contributed extensively to oncology research, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. His research interests include hematologic malignancies, GI oncology, and novel therapeutic strategies. He has led multiple clinical trials, including studies on chemotherapy regimens and the prognostic utility of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in GI cancers.

Teaching & Mentorship

Dr. Kafri is actively involved in medical education, delivering didactic lectures, supervising fellows, and mentoring residents at various institutions. His dedication to training the next generation of oncologists has been recognized through multiple teaching awards.

Clinical Trials & Research Contributions

• Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator in several Phase II and III clinical trials focused on hematologic and solid tumor malignancies.

• Published in journals such as Cureus, Blood Reviews, Avicenna Journal of Medicine, and International Journal of Surgical Pathology.

• Presented at major oncology conferences including ASCO, ASH, and NCCN.