Dr. Aakash Desai, MBBS, MPH serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the O'Neal Cancer Center, University of Alabama Birmingham. His pioneering research is primarily concentrated in the realm of evidence-based oncology, clinical trials, drug development, healthcare delivery, and quality of cancer care. He holds a particular interest in Thoracic Oncology and drug development. Dr. Desai embarked on his medical journey at B.J Medical College, Ahmedabad, India, a highly reputed institution where he earned his medical degree. He then ventured overseas to acquire a Master's in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. This was followed by a residency and certification in Health Professions Education at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Desai's journey of specialization continued in 2020 at the globally recognized Mayo Clinic, Rochester, where he joined the fellowship program in oncology and hematology. Throughout his career, Dr. Desai has been honored with a multitude of prestigious accolades reflecting his profound contribution to the field of medicine. These include the Conquer Cancer Foundation ASCO Young Investigator Award (2021), the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Early Career Award (2021), ASCO Merit Awards (2021 and 2022), Education Awards at the Targeted Therapies in Lung Cancer Conference (2022 and 2023), and the International Cancer Foundation scholarship for the ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies (TAT, 2022). His commitment to patient education was recognized with his appointment as a patient education ambassador for the Cancer GRACE Foundation for 2021-2022. He has a clinical and research interest in thoracic oncology, with a focus on lung cancer and mesothelioma management, novel drug development, health disparities, and quality of cancer care.