Dr. Salma Khan | Translational Research | Best Academic Researcher Award
Dr. Salma Khan | Translational Research – Associate Professor at Loma Linda University, United States
Dr. Salma Khan is an accomplished physician-scientist and Associate Professor at Loma Linda University, with joint appointments in the School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Otolaryngology. With a professional journey spanning over three decades across multiple continents, she is recognized for her interdisciplinary contributions to gynecologic oncology, thyroid cancer research, and molecular medicine. A consistent advocate for diversity, equity, and mentorship, Dr. Khan has made an indelible impact through her clinical acumen, scientific innovation, and unwavering commitment to education and public health.
Academic Profile
Google Scholar | ORCID
Education
Dr. Khan’s academic path began with her MBBS/MD degree from Gandhi Medical College, India, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research in Bangladesh. She further advanced her specialization through a fellowship and later a PhD in Gynecologic Oncology at Kumamoto University, Japan. Her rigorous training across diverse medical cultures laid a strong foundation for her translational and community-oriented research. Early recognitions such as the Monbusho Scholarship from the Japanese government and national academic honors in Bangladesh and India highlight her longstanding dedication to academic excellence.
Experience
Over the years, Dr. Khan has seamlessly combined clinical service, research, and academia. She has served in numerous medical institutions, beginning as a staff physician in both Bangladesh and India before moving into advanced research roles in Japan and the United States. Her postdoctoral appointments at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center laid the groundwork for her transition into molecular oncology, which she continued to pursue at Loma Linda University. Rising from Postdoctoral Fellow to Assistant Research Professor, she currently holds multiple Associate Professorships at LLU and contributes significantly to graduate mentorship and faculty governance. Her leadership roles include serving as Vice-Chair of the University Faculty Council and Chair of the Basic Science Symposium Committee.
Research Interests
Dr. Khan’s research lies at the interface of molecular oncology, gynecologic malignancies, and thyroid cancer disparities. She explores novel biomarkers, immune microenvironments, and personalized treatment strategies for aggressive cancers, particularly within underserved populations. She integrates AI and nanotechnology in her work, advancing precision oncology. Her current focus includes microRNA signatures in ovarian cancer, racial disparities in thyroid cancer outcomes, and cellular morphometrics through digital pathology. She is also deeply involved in exploring the role of vitamin D in cancer prevention, especially among minority groups.
Awards
Dr. Khan’s distinguished service and impactful research have earned her multiple accolades. These include the 2025 and 2023 Best Mentor Awards from BMANA, Best Basic Science Research Award at the 2024 Annual Symposium, and several travel awards from the American Thyroid Association (ATA). Notably, she received the AACR Health Disparities Women Cancer Research Award in 2024 and the Outstanding Poster Award from the Endocrine Society in 2015. Her scholarly trajectory has been consistently supported through prestigious early-career scholarships and recognitions from international academic bodies.
Publications 📚
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Targeting Surface Markers in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (2025, Journal of the Endocrine Society) – cited by 8 articles 🔬.
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Mutational Landmarks in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (2025, Journal of Clinical Medicine) – cited by 10 articles 🧬.
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AI-Driven Morphometric Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer of African Ancestry (2025, Molecular Cancer Research, under review) 🤖🧫.
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Silver Nanoparticles and DNA Condensation (2025, Journal of Nanoparticle Research) – exploring nanotechnology applications in cancer therapy 🧪.
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Vitamin D Signaling in Liver Cancer: A Review (2025, Journal of BMANA) – investigating preventive pathways 🌞🧠.
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Colorectal Cancer and Vitamin D Metabolic Pathways (2024, Disease & Research) – cited by 6 articles 🧬💊.
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MicroRNA Signatures in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (2024, Trends in Cancer Research) – cited by 9 articles 🧬📈.
Conclusion
Dr. Salma Khan exemplifies excellence in translational cancer research, academic leadership, and community engagement. Her career reflects a synthesis of clinical compassion and molecular precision, driven by a global perspective. Through groundbreaking publications, impactful mentorship, and leadership in professional organizations such as the American Thyroid Association and AACR, she continues to shape the future of oncological science and inclusive healthcare. Her unwavering commitment to research innovation, health equity, and mentorship renders her a distinguished candidate for any award recognizing scientific and academic leadership.
