Firas Jafri, M.D., a medical oncologist at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Hillcrest, specializes in hematology and medical oncology. His professional areas of interests include myeloma and thoracic oncology. Dr. Jafri is fluent in speaking Hindi-Urdu.

Dr. Jafri’s decision to pursue a career in medicine came at a vulnerable time in his life. He said, “My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer which was the turning point in my life when I decided to go into medicine. I saw the relationship and trust that was developed between my grandmother and her doctors who helped her in her journey of fighting cancer. I wanted to be that person who people can put trust in.”

Dr. Jafri said he enjoys internal medicine as a whole but chose to narrow his specialty to hematology-oncology because it is a rapidly evolving field with new treatment options to prolong patient survival and quality of life.

When it comes to building relationships with patients, Dr. Jafri said his goal is to help patients understand what is going on with them and the treatment options available. “I believe showing empathy and listening to the patient is where the relationship starts from,” he said.

Dr. Jafri’s reminder to his patients is, “You are never alone, and we are in this together.”

Outside of work, Dr. Jafri enjoys spending time with his wife and children, traveling, trying new food and watching sports, particularly cricket.