Get to Know Hematologist Oncologist Sheikh Asim Ali, MD

Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is excited to welcome hematologist oncologist Sheikh Asim Ali, MD, to LVPG Hematology Oncology–Pocono (part of Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono) and LVPG Hematology Oncology–E. Norwegian Street (at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street).

As a board-certified and fellowship-trained hematologist oncologist, Dr. Ali treats a wide range of cancer types, with a focus on caring for patients diagnosed with esophageal, gastric, colon, gallbladder, liver and pancreatic cancers. In addition to providing many of the latest treatments, he strives to build a strong connection with each of his patients built on trust and respect.

“My patients and their family members have a right to honest discussions about their disease processes,” Dr. Ali says. “I serve as a trusted partner in my patients’ journeys toward understanding and dealing with their diagnoses, and I treat each of my patients as I would want my own family members to be treated.”

I come from a family affected by a genetic condition that puts us more at risk for developing cancer. While growing up, I watched my grandfather, aunt, uncle, mother and father be diagnosed with different types of cancer. Going through that at a young age, I became determined to learn everything I could about the condition and help people affected by it however possible.

Being at the bedside of loved ones dealing with different cancers my whole life helped me understand how strong and resilient people can be, and it inspired me to become part of a team that helps people cope with their illnesses and live better and healthier lives.

I want my patients to know that I care. I also want them to know that I will always strive to provide them with the most state-of-the-art treatments and medical care available while also taking time to explain everything and be there for them on a personal level, just like I would for a family member.

The best part of my job is getting to see my patients and team members every day! Everyone who knows me well knows that I love to talk and interact with different people. That’s one of the reasons why medicine, and specifically oncology, appealed to me when I was deciding on a career path. In my role, I get to build close relationships and have a lot of interactions with people every day, and I love it!

Ever since the Human Genome Project helped unravel the mysteries of our genetic code, the field of oncology has been advancing at an incredibly rapid pace. We are evolving from using chemotherapy and radiation as primary treatments to much less toxic, more targeted and personalized treatments for certain types of cancer.

I believe we will continue to evolve and move into using even more personalized and targeted approaches using the patient's own immune system to take on and kill cancer cells. This in turn will help many of our patients live better and longer lives where their cancer is treated as a chronic, but not fatal, condition.

I love spending time with my family and enjoy being outdoors. I like going fishing in Canada with my extended family in the summer. I’m also a big foodie and love to cook and barbecue.

We have two dogs named Leo and Luna. Leo has been with us for 11 years, and Luna is 4 years old. I love coming home and being showered with their unconditional love the moment I walk through the door!

My family is my greatest motivation. Knowing that my children get their sense of direction and what is right by observing my wife and me every day motivates me to be the best husband, dad, physician, friend and human being I can be.

“Focusing on the past can bring regret, obsessing about the future can cause anxiety, [but] truly living in the present/moment helps one achieve true inner peace and happiness.”

Convincing my best friend in medical school (now my wife) to marry me!

That’s a tie between “Braveheart” and “Gladiator.”

My family streams reruns of our favorite comedy shows. Growing up, “Friends” and “Seinfeld” were my favorites. More recently, I have enjoyed binge-watching “Modern Family” and “Ted Lasso.” I also really liked “Game of Thrones.”

My favorite treat of all time is ice cream – specifically chocolate soft serve.

I am extremely grateful for all the blessings I have in life. To practice gratitude, I focus on finding the positivity around me and spreading as much good cheer and positive energy as I can in my daily interactions. I believe that whatever energy you put out into the universe comes back to you multifold, so I always look for the good in everything and everyone.