Dr. Emily Podany joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Assistant Professor in August 2025. She has a clinical and research focus on breast cancer. Her clinical interests include metastatic breast cancer, symptom management to maintain quality of life, using liquid biopsy to focus treatment using targeted therapies, ensuring all patients understand their disease and care plan, and employing shared decision making with patients and caregivers to allow patients to engage in their treatment planning. Dr. Podany’s research interests are disparities in breast cancer, particularly racial and socioeconomic, and how these disparities impact screening, diagnosis, use of targeted therapies, treatment, and outcomes.
Her research in treatment disparities includes evaluating tumor genomic differences, social determinants of health, neighborhood-level deprivation, and public policies to determine barriers to care. She uses these findings to design and implement programs alongside community members and patients that are aimed at bridging nationwide gaps in care. She is passionate about public health, equity in breast cancer, and ensuring that new research reaches all populations, including underserved patients with breast cancer, and is a member of the Breast Cancer Engagement Group at Siteman Cancer Center.
Dr. Podany is also committed to educating the next generation of physicians and researchers and ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing as they navigate medical training. She has mentored numerous undergraduate and medical students, residents, and fellows, and is dedicated to fostering their growth, work-life balance, and career development. Dr. Podany has a particular interest in supporting and mentoring women in medicine, including those with children. She has held several leadership roles during her time at Washington University and is dedicated to listening to community members and physicians and advocating for positive change.