SUMMARY
The research of Thanai Pongdee, M.D., focuses on eosinophil-associated disorders, such as hypereosinophilic syndromes, eosinophilic asthma and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, as well as mast cell diseases such as systemic mastocytosis. His multifaceted research program includes artificial intelligence, data science, digital health, laboratory-based studies, genomics and clinical trials. Through his work, Dr. Pongdee seeks to better understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of eosinophil and mast cell disorders to improve diagnostic methods and treatments for these diseases.
Focus areas
- Epidemiology and pathophysiology of eosinophil-associated diseases. Dr. Pongdee is using electronic health record data with linked genomic data to describe the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilia across the life span by demographic and clinical characteristics. He also is identifying phenotypes associated with genetic variants influencing eosinophil count and defining and validating endophenotypes of eosinophilia.
- Systemic mastocytosis. Dr. Pongdee's research team focuses on translational studies and clinical trials to better diagnose and treat systemic mastocytosis. He also is investigating new potential biomarkers for mastocytosis and other disorders related to mast cells.
- Hypereosinophilic syndromes. Dr. Pongdee is conducting genomic and proteomic studies and clinical trials to advance the diagnosis and treatment of hypereosinophilic syndromes, as well as associated conditions such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.
- Investigation of natural disease history and real-world treatment outcomes using big data. Dr. Pongdee is involved in multiple studies using big datasets to study the natural history and real-world treatment outcomes for various conditions, including hypereosinophilic syndromes, EGPA and systemic mastocytosis.
- Digital health. Dr. Pongdee is involved in multiple projects using artificial intelligence, natural language processing, remote monitoring and other technological innovations to better evaluate and manage asthma and other allergic conditions.
Significance to patient care
Eosinophils and mast cells have a large role in human health and disease. They are involved in many diverse inflammatory processes that are harmful to human health. These include allergic diseases, asthma and other immunologic disorders.
Although eosinophils and mast cells are linked to several diseases, researchers do not fully understand their role in health and disease. Large knowledge gaps about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of diseases related to eosinophils and mast cells remain unexplored. This includes hypereosinophilic syndromes and systemic mastocytosis. These knowledge gaps continue to hinder efforts to improve patient care and reduce disease-associated symptoms and complications. Dr. Pongdee's research work seeks to address these knowledge gaps and improve the lives of people with these diseases.
Professional highlights
- Co-director, Population Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic Health System, 2024-present.
- Research chair, Division of Allergic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 2022-present.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:
- Member, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, 2024-2025.
- Chair, Education Division, Board of Directors, 2022-2025.
- Member, Board of Directors, 2021-2025.
- Special Recognition Award, 2013.
- Research Investigator Award, Office of Clinical Trials, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
- Educator of the Year, Allergy/Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2018, 2022.
- Outstanding Research Award, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2014.