#MCM: Focus On Physicians With Jordan Kharofa

Help us put a new spin on #ManCrushMonday! In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UC Cancer Institute has chosen to honor some of our very own "man crushes”—men fighting against this horrible disease. They could be treating it in the clinic, studying it in the lab, or fighting it themselves as patients. Check out our social media pages each Monday in October to see our #ManCrushMonday posts and help us to applaud these men who are making a difference.

And don’t forget to join in the fun. We’d love to know about the heroic men in your lives fighting the fight against breast cancer. Be sure to tag @uchealthnews with your #ManCrushMonday posts.

Jordan Kharofa, MD, a physician who wears "several hats” within the UC Cancer Institute, including being part of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center and assistant professor in the division of radiology oncology at the UC College of Medicine, grew up in Toledo, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and then attended the UC College of Medicine. After completing his residency and an internship in radiology oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Kharofa came back to join the faculty at UC this summer. 

What made you decide to come to UC?

"After spending some time in Wisconsin, my wife and I decided to move home to Ohio to be closer to family. I had the opportunity to spend time in the radiation oncology department at UC as a medical student, so I was eager to come back and work with all the great individuals within the department. There is an incredible energy right now within the UC Cancer Institute, and I am excited to be a part of the growth in the clinical and research programs. My wife is a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, which was another factor in our decision.” 

What do your duties entail? Do you conduct any research?

"During my training, I developed clinical and research interests in gynecologic and gastrointestinal malignancies. I hope to carry on these interests at UC within the multidisciplinary gynecologic and gastrointestinal groups. I am also a strong advocate for using clinical trials within oncology to advance cancer care. There is already a tremendous emphasis on clinical research at UC. I hope to further increase the clinical trial availabilities at UC within radiation oncology. In addition to my time at the Barrett Cancer Center, I will also be seeing patients in West Chester as well as the Cincinnati Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.” 

What is your favorite part of being a faculty member and physician?

"Taking care of cancer patients really requires a team approach to provide the best care. At UC, I really enjoy having the opportunity to work with dedicated individuals from all different specialties who are experts in their fields. It is also very satisfying to be part of an academic environment that prioritizes evidence-based care, research and teaching.”

What do you like to do in your spare time? What is an interesting fact about you many may not know?

"We had our first child about a month ago, so spending time with him is my new favorite thing to do and how I spend my spare time. I really enjoy the outdoors. A trip to the mountains is my ideal vacation. An interesting fact that many people don't know is that I was actually born in Fairbanks, Alaska. My father was stationed there in the Army at the time.”