Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Co-investigator, Kristiana Nasto, MD!
Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Co-investigator, Kristiana Nasto, MD!
Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Co-investigator, Kristiana Nasto, MD!
By Emmanuel Nwodo
By Emmanuel Nwodo
Kristiana Nasto, MD
Kristiana Nasto, MD
Kristiana Nasto, MD is a Co-investigator at PETAL Consortium and second-year internal medicine resident at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Physics from the University of South Florida (USF). She earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. She also serves as an Associate Director of MCAT/USMLE at MedSchoolCoach. |
Kristiana Nasto, MD is a Co-investigator at PETAL Consortium and second-year internal medicine resident at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Physics from the University of South Florida (USF). She earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. She also serves as an Associate Director of MCAT/USMLE at MedSchoolCoach. |
In this Q&A, meet Kristiana Nasto, PETAL Consortium’s Co-investigator!
In this Q&A, meet Kristiana Nasto, PETAL Consortium’s Co-investigator!
In this Q&A, meet Kristiana Nasto, PETAL Consortium’s Co-investigator!
Why did you want to become a doctor?
Why did you want to become a doctor?
In middle and high school in Albania, I loved learning about chemistry and biology and became fascinated by the human body and the stories it tells. There were no physicians in my family, so I decided to volunteer at Red Cross Albania so that I could spend some time with doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel. Witnessing their work firsthand was inspiring; I was in awe. I became fascinated with patients’ stories and my own family members’ stories about their ailments and how they were treated. By senior year of high school, I knew I would not want to do anything else, so I applied and got accepted at the medical school of Tirana which was one of the happiest moments in my life (in Albania we start medical school right after high school). I spent a semester in Albania learning Latin (a required course) and Anatomy prior to deciding to move to the United States to continue my journey in medicine here.
In middle and high school in Albania, I loved learning about chemistry and biology and became fascinated by the human body and the stories it tells. There were no physicians in my family, so I decided to volunteer at Red Cross Albania so that I could spend some time with doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel. Witnessing their work firsthand was inspiring; I was in awe. I became fascinated with patients’ stories and my own family members’ stories about their ailments and how they were treated. By senior year of high school, I knew I would not want to do anything else, so I applied and got accepted at the medical school of Tirana which was one of the happiest moments in my life (in Albania we start medical school right after high school). I spent a semester in Albania learning Latin (a required course) and Anatomy prior to deciding to move to the United States to continue my journey in medicine here.
What was your undergrad experience like?
What was your undergrad experience like?
My undergraduate experience was a bit non-traditional because I decided to move by myself from Albania to the United States in the middle of the academic year, in January. I first joined St. Petersburg College in Florida which gave me the opportunity to take evening classes so that I could work during the day; ultimately it prepared me very well to transfer to USF a few years later. Overall, my undergraduate experience involved a lot of multitasking and balancing classes, work, volunteering at Moffitt Cancer Center, working as a medical assistant in an Orthopedic Surgery office, and a pharmacy tech at Walgreens. It was a challenging experience but also a very exciting time of being in a new country and creating a new life while focusing on my goal of becoming a physician.
My undergraduate experience was a bit non-traditional because I decided to move by myself from Albania to the United States in the middle of the academic year, in January. I first joined St. Petersburg College in Florida which gave me the opportunity to take evening classes so that I could work during the day; ultimately it prepared me very well to transfer to USF a few years later. Overall, my undergraduate experience involved a lot of multitasking and balancing classes, work, volunteering at Moffitt Cancer Center, working as a medical assistant in an Orthopedic Surgery office, and a pharmacy tech at Walgreens. It was a challenging experience but also a very exciting time of being in a new country and creating a new life while focusing on my goal of becoming a physician.
Why did you go into internal medicine residency?
Why did you go into internal medicine residency?
When I first joined Baylor College of Medicine, I was open to explore all specialties; I loved all of medicine, and I was excited to experience it all. While going through different rotations, I found out that I was fascinated by multi-system, complex diseases which inspired me to learn and love every organ system. I loved the critical thinking behind every decision, and I welcomed the challenge of being at the center of patient care and coordinating care between multidisciplinary services. I deeply connected with the patients and enjoyed all the time spent at bedside. I realized I was happiest and most fulfilled when working in internal medicine, and I knew it was the best fit for me.
When I first joined Baylor College of Medicine, I was open to explore all specialties; I loved all of medicine, and I was excited to experience it all. While going through different rotations, I found out that I was fascinated by multi-system, complex diseases which inspired me to learn and love every organ system. I loved the critical thinking behind every decision, and I welcomed the challenge of being at the center of patient care and coordinating care between multidisciplinary services. I deeply connected with the patients and enjoyed all the time spent at bedside. I realized I was happiest and most fulfilled when working in internal medicine, and I knew it was the best fit for me.
What led to your interest in oncology?
What led to your interest in oncology?
In medical school, I developed a strong interest in immunology and spent significant time working with multidisciplinary teams and researchers in oncology, rheumatology, and infectious disease. I joined residency with an open mind and excitement to explore all fields of medicine, but I soon realized that oncology was my best fit. It combines my strong interests in immunology with the opportunity to build meaningful longitudinal relationships with patients, treat challenging, multi-system diseases, and participate in exciting research.
In medical school, I developed a strong interest in immunology and spent significant time working with multidisciplinary teams and researchers in oncology, rheumatology, and infectious disease. I joined residency with an open mind and excitement to explore all fields of medicine, but I soon realized that oncology was my best fit. It combines my strong interests in immunology with the opportunity to build meaningful longitudinal relationships with patients, treat challenging, multi-system diseases, and participate in exciting research.
Why is research important to you?
Why is research important to you?
Research is a vital part of my journey in medicine and my path toward oncology. I have found that caring for patients daily can only inspire you to ask questions that will help better understand their disease, treatment options, and improve outcomes. Malignant hematology is such an existing field with evolving treatments and tools to help us detect disease earlier and provide targeted therapies that can make a tangible change for patients. My patients inspire my research interests and inspire me to become the best clinician-investigator I can be. Research allows me to contribute to advancements in the field while becoming a better physician; it is a full circle.
Research is a vital part of my journey in medicine and my path toward oncology. I have found that caring for patients daily can only inspire you to ask questions that will help better understand their disease, treatment options, and improve outcomes. Malignant hematology is such an existing field with evolving treatments and tools to help us detect disease earlier and provide targeted therapies that can make a tangible change for patients. My patients inspire my research interests and inspire me to become the best clinician-investigator I can be. Research allows me to contribute to advancements in the field while becoming a better physician; it is a full circle.
How did you hear about PETAL Consortium, and what is your research about?
How did you hear about PETAL Consortium, and what is your research about?
In medical school, I discovered that I loved immunology and hematology. So, during my intern year at MGH, I spent a lot of time on the lymphoma and myeloma service. I loved the patient population, the science, the medicine behind it, and I wanted to learn more; that is what led me to connect with Dr. Salvia Jain who is an expert in the field. I am currently working on a project that aims to use new generations of sequencing to detect minimal residual disease (the tiny population of cancer cells present after treatment on the molecular level) and utilize that to predict relapse in patients with T-cell lymphoma.
In medical school, I discovered that I loved immunology and hematology. So, during my intern year at MGH, I spent a lot of time on the lymphoma and myeloma service. I loved the patient population, the science, the medicine behind it, and I wanted to learn more; that is what led me to connect with Dr. Salvia Jain who is an expert in the field. I am currently working on a project that aims to use new generations of sequencing to detect minimal residual disease (the tiny population of cancer cells present after treatment on the molecular level) and utilize that to predict relapse in patients with T-cell lymphoma.
What does a day in your life look like as a resident?
What does a day in your life look like as a resident?
I’m currently a supervising resident for an internal medicine team on the flex service at MGH. I wake up at around 5:30 am to review overnight events and any relevant new patient results. I get to the hospital by 7 am to review patient data, see patients, and make the plan for the day together with the rest of the team. At around 10:30 am, we meet with our supervising attending for new patient rounds, and then we discuss old patients. At noon, we attend a conference. In the afternoon, we place orders, work with consultants, work on discharges, and admit new patients. At around 2 pm, we do a 15-minute teaching session on a focused medical topic. The rest of the day is spent updating families and finishing tasks. My workday usually ends around 6 pm.
I’m currently a supervising resident for an internal medicine team on the flex service at MGH. I wake up at around 5:30 am to review overnight events and any relevant new patient results. I get to the hospital by 7 am to review patient data, see patients, and make the plan for the day together with the rest of the team. At around 10:30 am, we meet with our supervising attending for new patient rounds, and then we discuss old patients. At noon, we attend a conference. In the afternoon, we place orders, work with consultants, work on discharges, and admit new patients. At around 2 pm, we do a 15-minute teaching session on a focused medical topic. The rest of the day is spent updating families and finishing tasks. My workday usually ends around 6 pm.
Any interests/hobbies?
Any interests/hobbies?
I really enjoy playing tennis, hiking/being in nature, and reading. Right now, I'm finishing a book called Go as a River.
I really enjoy playing tennis, hiking/being in nature, and reading. Right now, I'm finishing a book called Go as a River.
Dream vacation destination?
Dream vacation destination?
New Zealand! I've never been, and I have heard it is a favorite for hikers.
New Zealand! I've never been, and I have heard it is a favorite for hikers.
Favorite meal?
Favorite meal?
My favorite meal would probably be European sea bass/Branzino with Greek salad and lemon potatoes.
My favorite meal would probably be European sea bass/Branzino with Greek salad and lemon potatoes.
Favorite TV shows/movies?
Favorite TV shows/movies?
I have a lot of favorites; I'm watching The Bear right now, and I love it.
I have a lot of favorites; I'm watching The Bear right now, and I love it.
Do you have any house plants?
Do you have any house plants?
My favorite plant is the ZZ plant because it is very resilient.
My favorite plant is the ZZ plant because it is very resilient.
Since we’re PETAL Consortium, favorite flower?
Since we’re PETAL Consortium, favorite flower?
I have fond memories of chamomiles from my childhood.
I have fond memories of chamomiles from my childhood.
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved