For Harsha Poola, medicine runs deep as a family calling and a personal passion. Born and raised in India by two physician parents, he witnessed firsthand the joy they brought to others through free cataract surgeries for those in need—and the joy they found in becoming an extended part of their patients’ families and community. Those early experiences showed Harsha the transformative impact of combining compassion and skill, laying the foundation for his own desire to serve others as a physician.

Harsha first learned about the specialty of hematology and oncology when his grandfather was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Later, during his residency, his aunt lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Being a part of her journey reaffirmed his belief that cancer care was his life’s calling. Since completing his fellowship in 2014, he has taken pride in being a comforting voice and confidant to his patients during one of the most challenging phases of their lives.

Outside of work, Harsha finds balance and joy in family life with his wife, a family physician, and their two children. Together they love traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends. Harsha is an avid scuba diver and downhill skier, a decent karaoke singer, and he’s learning to play piano alongside his son.