Dr. Jessica Sheth Bhutada, an attending physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, is pioneering research on early onset gastric cancer while focusing on underserved populations.
LOS ANGELES — Dr. Jessica Sheth Bhutada, MD, MS, an attending physician and researcher at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), is at the forefront of pediatric oncology, with a particular emphasis on early onset gastric cancer. Her work not only addresses the clinical challenges of this emerging health issue but also aims to improve care for medically underserved populations.
Initially drawn to the field of public health, Dr. Sheth Bhutada transitioned to a focus on direct patient care, motivated by a desire to witness immediate treatment outcomes. “I thought I was going to go into public health, but I realized that I preferred being able to see patients almost immediately get better with medical treatment,” she said. Despite this shift, her commitment to utilizing population health data to inform her practice remains a key aspect of her approach, reflecting a dual focus on both individual patient care and the broader public health landscape.
Research Foundation and Mentorship
Dr. Sheth Bhutada’s research trajectory was significantly shaped during her fellowship at the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program, where she worked under the guidance of oncologist Dr. David Freyer, DO, MS, director of CHLA’s Survivorship and Supportive Care Program. It was here that she discovered the potential of cancer registry data to identify underserved patients. “For the first time, I realized that I could use cancer registry data to do exactly what I wanted to do—find people who are potentially being overlooked by the system and then help take care of those patients with the best available treatments,” she explained. This revelation has become a cornerstone of her professional identity.
Dr. Sheth Bhutada’s choice to join CHLA was deliberate, driven by the institution’s reputation as a safety net hospital dedicated to providing high-quality care regardless of patients’ insurance status or financial circumstances. As an attending physician and investigator in CHLA’s Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, she also serves as the medical co-director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Blood Disease Service, where she applies her expertise to a vulnerable demographic.
Understanding Early Onset Gastric Cancer
Dr. Sheth Bhutada’s research focuses on early onset gastric cancer, which has shown a troubling increase in incidence among young adults, juxtaposed with a decline in older populations. This trend is particularly alarming among Hispanic and Asian communities, where young patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. As she noted, “The incidence of gastric cancer is uniquely rising in young adults while declining in older adults.” Her research aims to fill vital gaps in understanding this emerging health crisis, which is often overlooked in discussions of pediatric oncology.
Her project consists of two primary components. The first involves the creation of a comprehensive retrospective gastric cancer database, compiling cases from three Los Angeles-area hospitals over the last two decades. This database aims to characterize risk factors and treatment outcomes associated with early onset gastric cancer. The second component focuses on mapping cases throughout Los Angeles to identify neighborhood-level risk factors correlated with higher rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis. These factors include socioeconomic indicators such as income, education levels, availability of green spaces, and access to transportation. By investigating these variables, Dr. Sheth Bhutada hopes to uncover systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionate burden of gastric cancer in certain communities.
Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Sheth Bhutada is deeply motivated by the patient population she serves at CHLA. “Something that is very grounding for me is the patient population here, and I’m surrounded by a community of people who all prioritize patient care above anything else,” she remarked. This commitment to patient-centered care not only enhances her research but also informs her clinical practices, ensuring that her patients receive the highest standard of care.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Sheth Bhutada values spending time with her family, including her husband and two daughters. She participates in outdoor activities such as hiking and enjoys traveling, which helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance. This balance is essential for sustaining her dedication to both her career and family.
Implications of Her Research
As Dr. Sheth Bhutada continues her research and clinical work at CHLA, her contributions are positioned to significantly impact the understanding and treatment of early onset gastric cancer, particularly among vulnerable populations. Her findings could inform public health strategies aimed at improving screening and treatment protocols for underserved communities, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Dr. Sheth Bhutada’s research is a critical step toward addressing the disparities in cancer care, particularly for young adults facing the challenges of early onset gastric cancer. By focusing on the intersection of clinical care and public health, her work exemplifies a comprehensive approach to tackling complex health issues in pediatric oncology.
Her ongoing efforts represent not only a commitment to her field but also a dedication to advocating for the needs of her patients, ensuring that those who are often marginalized in the healthcare system receive the attention and care they deserve. As her work progresses, it is expected to yield insights that could influence future research and policy directions in the realm of pediatric cancer care.
