
Dr. Zafar is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist and Associate Professor of Medicine, Public Policy, and Population Health Science at the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy. He serves as Director of Healthcare Innovation at the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Zafar also serves as Clinical Associate Director of Duke Forge (Health Data Science Center). Dr. Zafar is considered an international expert in identifying and intervening upon the financial burden of cancer care. His research explores ways to improve cancer care delivery with a primary focus on improving the value of cancer treatment from both patient-focused and policy perspectives.
Dr. Zafar speaks internationally on his research and cancer care delivery. He has over 100 publications in top peer-reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society, among others. His work has been covered by national media outlets including New York Times, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Washington Post. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Education and Training
- Fellow in Hematology-Oncology, Medicine, Duke University, 2005 - 2008
- Resident, Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2002 - 2005
- M.D., The University of Toledo, 2002
Grants
- Optimizing the Management and Outcomes for Cancer Survivors Transitioning to Follow-up Care
- Couple Communication Skills Training for Advanced Cancer
- Using Modifiable Risk Factors to Predict Inferior Care and Survival after Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Novel Approach to Addressing Health Disparities
- Improving Advance Care Planning in Oncology: A Pragmatic, Cluster-Randomized Trial Integrating Patient Videos and Clinician Communication Training