Published on September 15, 2025
ASTCT Spotlight: Dr. Shernan Holtan, MD
by Shernan Holtan, MD
This spotlight features Dr. Shernan Holtan, MD, chief of blood and marrow transplantation and professor of medicine at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. A leader in regenerative therapies and GVHD research, Dr. Holtan has helped shape the future of transplant medicine through clinical trials and a commitment to strengthening the post-transplant recovery experience. In this Q&A, she reflects on the early experiences that sparked her passion for stem cell transplantation, her goals as co-chair of the ASTCT Committee on Content and her vision for a more sustainable, inclusive future in cellular therapy.
ASTCT: What originally drew you to this field, and what continues to inspire your work today?
Shernan Holtan, MD (SH): My interest in stem cell transplantation began over 20 years ago, when I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Steven Pavletic as a medical student at the University of Nebraska. I was immediately drawn to the concept of harnessing the immune system to cure devastating diseases with a single infusion of cells. That sense of possibility still drives me today.
ASTCT: What motivated you to join the ASTCT Committee on Content?
SH: I was motivated to join the ASTCT Committee on Content because I believe strongly in amplifying the voices of emerging investigators whose work is driving meaningful progress in our field. It’s essential that their contributions are recognized and shared widely. I’m also passionate about ensuring that the latest advances in transplant and cellular therapy are communicated clearly and accessibly, not only to clinicians, but to patients and families who are navigating complex decisions and deserve timely, accurate information.
ASTCT: What are your goals as a committee member and how would you like ASTCT content to influence the field in the coming years?
SH: One of my primary goals as a committee member is to ensure that the next generation of investigators and clinicians has a strong and visible voice in shaping the future of transplant and cellular therapy. I would like ASTCT content to not only reflect cutting-edge science and evolving clinical practice, but also to serve as a platform that fosters dialogue, mentorship and inclusion. Over time, I hope our content will continue to inspire collaboration across disciplines and generations, driving both scientific discovery and meaningful improvements in patient care.
ASTCT: How has your role as chief of blood and marrow transplantation shaped your perspective on the future of cellular therapy?
SH: Serving as chief of blood and marrow transplantation has given me a front-row view of the workforce challenges that threaten the sustainability of our field. The landscape of cellular therapy is evolving rapidly, but our care models have not always kept pace. Recruiting and retaining talented clinicians is increasingly difficult, especially as more people transition to roles in industry. To meet the growing demands of transplant and cellular therapy, we must be willing to innovate and rethink how we deliver care, support our teams and structure our services. That work is not always easy; change can be uncomfortable, and no model will satisfy everyone. But if we want a future where this field remains vibrant and accessible to patients, we must prioritize the long-term health of our workforce alongside scientific progress.
ASTCT: Outside of your research and clinical work, what’s something you enjoy doing that might surprise your colleagues or ASTCT members?
SH: Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and supporting my teenagers as they navigate the transition to young adulthood. For physical and mental health, I strength train three times a week and mix in running or CrossFit on two other days. I once held a national powerlifting record, which surprises some people given I don’t look particularly strong. For fun, I play bass guitar in a School of Rock band whenever I get the chance. It’s a completely different kind of teamwork that I really enjoy.
ASTCT: What’s one book, podcast or article that’s recently inspired you?
SH: I always love the ASTCT podcast, of course! 😊 One podcast that has also really inspired me lately is ReThinking by Adam Grant. The conversations often prompt me to reflect on how I think, communicate and adapt.
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