Dr. Mustafa Barbhuiya: Transforming Global Diagnostics with Innovations from Pathology to Public Health

Dr. Mustafa Barbhuiya, an esteemed expert in clinical chemistry and pathology, has been named one of The Pathologist magazine’s Top 100 most influential people in pathology for 2024, earning a special mention as one of the Top 20 Heroes of Pathology. This achievement is the latest in a series of recognitions for Dr. Barbhuiya, whose life journey from a remote village in Assam, India, to a prominent position in global pathology and healthcare has inspired many in the scientific community.

Dr. Barbhuiya currently serves as the Medical Director of Clinical Chemistry and Point of Care Testing at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is an Assistant Professor of Pathology, Healthcare Delivery, and Population Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School’s Baystate Regional Campus. His work in pathology is not only influential in clinical practice but also in pioneering research, specifically in liver and biliary tract cancer mechanisms and biomarkers.

An Inspirational Journey from Assam to Global Pathology

Born and raised in a village without electricity, Dr. Barbhuiya’s early education took place under the light of kerosene lamps, giving him a deep appreciation for resilience and resourcefulness. His remarkable journey, shaped by a humble beginning and a tenacious drive to overcome adversity, eventually led him to the United States, where he pursued advanced studies and established himself as a leader in pathology.

After earning a Doctorate in Biochemistry from Jiwaji University in Gwalior, India, Dr. Barbhuiya continued his postdoctoral studies at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His dedication and academic prowess quickly garnered attention, and he was recognized as the Young Scientist of the Year by the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology in 2010 and received the Best Science Researcher Award from Jiwaji University in 2012.

A Pioneering Career in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Dr. Barbhuiya’s professional expertise spans clinical biochemistry, cancer biomarkers, and clinical laboratory sciences. He is a board-certified clinical chemist and a high-complexity clinical laboratory director certified by CMS-USA. His exceptional contributions were recognized in 2019 when he was named to the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s 40 Under Forty list, which celebrates young leaders advancing pathology and laboratory medicine.

Dr. Barbhuiya’s professional affiliations are extensive; he serves on various committees of leading professional organizations, including the Association of Clinical Scientists and the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC). His work and influence have earned him Fellow status in the Association of Clinical Scientists and Associate Fellow status with the AACC Academy, formerly known as the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry.

Advancing Global Health through Essential Diagnostics

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Barbhuiya is a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare diagnostics worldwide. In 2018, he founded the Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics (FAED) in India, followed by an extension in the USA in 2020. The organization supports the implementation of the World Health Organization’s Essential Diagnostics List to improve global public health through increased diagnostic accessibility.

Dr. Barbhuiya’s story, marked by resilience, dedication, and a commitment to better global healthcare, is a testament to what can be achieved through determination and vision. His journey continues to inspire young scientists and healthcare professionals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to pursue excellence and make a difference in the world.

This year, Dr. Barbhuiya was named in ‘The Pathologist’ magazine’s Power List as one of the Top 100 most influential people in pathology in 2024, specifically, as one of the Top 20 Heroes of Pathology. (https://thepathologist.com/power-list)

Dr. Barbhuiya set up a global non-profit organization the Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics (FAED) in India (www.faed.in ) (2018) and subsequently in the USA (www.faedint.org) (2020). The overall goal of this foundation is to promote and further augment the ‘essential diagnostics list’ published by the World Health Organization in the context of global public health.