How a surgeon from Sudan comes full circle at St. Jude with Abdelhafeez H. Abdelhafeez, MD

As a pediatric cancer surgeon at St. Jude, when I think back on why I went into medicine at all, I think of my cousin. When I was in high school, my cousin, with whom I spent countless hours playing, became seriously ill. We rushed him to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with an abdominal condition that required immediate surgery. I vividly remember the exceptional care provided by the medical team and how well they looked after him. Witnessing his transformation from a state of distress to a full recovery left a lasting impression on me.

I grew up in Sudan. My childhood was filled with laughter and adventure, and I spent countless hours playing outside with friends. Television was scarce, so we embraced the outdoors, enjoying the company of family and friends. Those cherished memories of carefree days spent under the sun continue to shape who I am today, reminding me of the importance of community, resilience, and the simple joys of life.

Funny enough, by the time I reached college, I wasn’t initially inclined to pursue medicine. By then, I had found an interest in math and physics, which many of my childhood friends also enjoyed. So, when I decided to apply to medical school, it came as a surprise to everyone — many urged me to reconsider. 

This journey took me to the University of Khartoum, Cardiff University, the esteemed Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and Ireland, and then to the United States. I refined my skills through a pediatric surgery fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and then arrived at St. Jude, where I completed a fellowship in pediatric surgical oncology. 

I have remained at St. Jude for the past eight years, proudly serving our patients as a pediatric surgical oncologist. But that doesn’t mean my journey stopped. Part of being faculty at St. Jude is the ongoing journey to provide care, nurture the next generation of surgeons and innovate techniques to drive improved patient outcomes.   

The rewards and realities of a pediatric surgical oncologist 

As a pediatric cancer surgeon, I spend a significant portion of my time in patient care. It’s gratifying to be part of the healing journey of remarkable children and to guide them as they begin their path to recovery. But one of the most challenging aspects of my job — and the medical field as a whole — is the emotional toll it takes. While emotions are ingrained in human nature, maintaining a psychological and emotional balance is essential for making quick, decisions. When I have patients the same ages as my children, the work feels even more personal and poignant.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many powerful moments of coming full circle. As a child, I witnessed a surgeon save my cousin’s life — a moment that left a lasting mark on my heart. Now, each day, I have the honor of doing the same for someone else’s loved one, carrying forward that legacy of hope and healing. 

Part of ensuring that children have access to quality surgical care is ensuring that the next generation of surgical oncologists are well trained. As the St. Jude Pediatric Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program director, I am deeply committed to teaching and mentoring our fellows. I also work collaboratively to enhance access to high-quality training for the global community, particularly in areas with limited resources. Being from Sudan, I hold this mission especially close to my heart and am passionately invested in its success. 

My journey at St. Jude began as an oncology fellow; today, I proudly serve as the director of that very program, guiding the next generation of surgeons and ensuring that they are equipped to provide the highest level of care to their patients.

From inspiration to impact in surgical research and innovation

Providing the highest level of care doesn’t just require training in the tried-and-true methods —  it means being able to innovate to improve upon what we do in the operating room. For decades, surgical practices, specifically solid tumor resection, have primarily relied on the naked eye, white light, and an occasional palpation to guide the procedures. While these fundamental tools have proven effective and have stood the test of time, they are not always optimal. 

A significant challenge in tumor resection is accurately identifying the boundaries of a tumor to ensure a precise and complete removal. Accurately delineating these boundaries minimizes the risk of future complications and helps prevent relapse, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. As a pediatric surgeon, I encounter these challenges daily, and my involvement in clinical research stemmed from practical questions that emerged at the bedside and on the operating table.

One focus of my research is improving tumor visibility during surgery. By incorporating advanced imaging techniques, I aim to enhance the definition of tumor margins, effectively supplementing the fundamental tools and practices that have been around for decades. OAnother aspect of my research focuses on introducing minimally invasive procedures in the operating room to facilitate the complete removal of the solid tumor. These two efforts work hand in hand to define tumor margins better and facilitate complete and precise tumor removal, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

This research has led to two intervention clinical trials, for which I served as the principal investigator. One clinical trial, ICGLOW, investigates using fluorescence to define tumor margins and guide tumor removal. The other trial, VISCERALX, explores using fluorescence-guided lymph node mapping for visceral solid tumors to track the tumors draining through the lymphatic system. They both utilize a safe fluorophore called indocyanine green (ICG), which glows or fluoresces during surgery to increase visibility. 

Reflecting on my journey and the road ahead

Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say I have no regrets. If given the chance to start over, I wouldn’t change a thing; I would still choose this path, fully embracing the challenges and triumphs. Each experience has shaped who I am today and reinforced my passion for this work. The opportunity to make a difference in patient’s lives drives me, and I would not trade that for anything.

Whether it’s developing advanced surgical techniques, training the next generation of surgeons or performing lifesaving surgeries, I am filled with anticipation for the future. As I look ahead, I am motivated by the thought that my efforts can lead to impactful change, not just for individual patients but for the broader community we serve.