Ali Amin, MD

I received my MD in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) in Iran, followed by an Anatomical/Clinical Pathology Residency in SUMS. After moving to the USA, I attended St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital for Pathology Residency, where I also served as a Chief Resident. Later on I finished a Surgical Pathology/Oncological Pathology Fellowship in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, followed by Genitourinary Pathology Fellowship in the Johns Hopkins Hospital. I started my career in Brown University in 2011 where I currently hold the position of Associate Professor of Pathology and director of the GU pathology service. I am a member of a team of 25 pathologists, and our practice covers over 27,000 surgical specimens annually. I am involved in the training of medical students in Brown University, and have taken part in training of  over 35 pathologists in training and over 12 urology residents. I served as the Secretary/Treasurer and President of the Rhode Island Society of Pathologists (RISP) (2013-2015) and as an Ambassador to the USCAP (2016-2018). Currently, I am a Rhode Island Delegate in CAP house of delegates. 

Sara Hafezi, MD

I am a consultant gastrointestinal/ Pancreas (GI/ Pancreas) pathologist in the department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at University Health Network (UHN), and Lakeridge Health Oshawa (LHO) and an assistant professor of pathology at Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Program, University of Toronto (U of T). After finishing medical school (Isfahan School of Medicine) and immigrating to Canada, I did my clerkship/ internship and pathology residency at U of T, and fellowship in GI/ liver pathology at UHN. I am a fellow of Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada and a diplomate of American Board of Pathology and actively involved in teaching residents/ medical and dentistry students as well as translational research in study of biomarkers in pre/malignant lesions of GI tract as well as biobanking (biobank physician lead at LHO) and GI transplant pathology. In the last few years, I have been attending IPANA meetings at USCAP and believe this organization could and should play an instrumental role in providing a strong platform for networking, as well as educational and scientific collaborations amongst pathologists of Iranian descent. It can also help us represent our cultural and social identity as a professional community.

Sanam Loghavi, MD  

I am an Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. I received my  MD degree from the Azad University in Tehran, Iran followed by residency training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center.  I subspecialize in hematopathology and molecular pathology and am actively involved in the fellowship training program. In addition to my clinical and teaching responsibilities I have several active administrative roles; I am the Medical Director of the Leukemia Bank at the Central Biorepository and Pathology Facility - ECOG-ACRIN and as a member of the Education Committee for the International Clinical Cytometry Society. I am passionate about medical education.  My clinical and research interests are focused on hematologic malignancies, with particular focus on myeloid neoplasm and the applications of flow cytometric immunophenotyping and molecular methods in detection of minimal/measurable residual disease. I have authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, 5 book chapters, and numerous abstracts in the fields of hematopathology and molecular pathology.  I hope that these experiences will help me better serve the members of IPANA.

Nima Sharifai, MD, PhD

I am a 4th year AP/NP resident at the Washington University in St. Louis. I was born in Tehran, Iran and moved to the United States at the age of 2. Although I grew up in the US, I am part of a large extended family and was constantly surrounded by Iranian culture and customs. As I grow older, I have found a new appreciation for the values and emphasis on community that is prominent in our culture. It has been a joy to already meet so many warm and dedicated fellow Iranian pathologists, and I am excited to help our association expand. In addition to the networking opportunities available at USCAP, I see the group becoming a presence on social media to foster dialogue and publicize the work we are doing. For young and aspiring Iranian pathologists, we aim to provide opportunities to connect with others in the field and learn from established members. 

Maryam J Zenali, MD 

I practice surgical pathology at University of Connecticut Health, Farmington Connecticut. I specialize in gastrointestinal and liver pathology and have also an interest in teaching and practicing dental pathology. Being a member of the ASCP PRISE committee and also involved in web-based teaching, I am actively involved with peers and residents education. In conjunction with the other members of IPANA, I envision a shared aim of improving our unity, to support each other, and to lead our residents and trainees to obtain a standard of excellence. These commitments will be based on engaging our team to better know each other’s professional goals and to build upon each individual’s strengths. To organize and to motivate participatory and innovative roles in creating collaborative seminars as well as delivering educational material to further improve our bond and to enhance our trainees’ career goals.