I am a fellowship trained Urologic Oncologist specializing in both robotic and open surgery for the treatment of kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, penile and adrenal cancers. My fellowship training was completed at the National Cancer Institute (NCI)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) where my research interests include hereditary diseases and genomic alterations in genitourinary cancer, in addition to novel imaging techniques and ablation in prostate cancer patients. As a Urologic Oncologist I can diagnose and treat malignancy of the genitourinary tract in both males and females. The different diseases that I treat include tumors of the kidney, malignancy of the lining of the upper urinary tract down to the bladder, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer, and tumors of the adrenal gland as well. As an Oncologist, I am not only able to operate on patients if necessary but also treat them medically if surgery is not appropriate and continue to monitor these patients throughout their disease processes. I was born and raised in Southern California and come from a family of doctors who have paved the way for me. I am excited to be back in Southern California after completing medical school and training in the Midwest and East Coast, respectively.
I am a strong believer in evidence-based medicine. It is important that patients understand that recommendations and treatments will be based on the latest trials and published literature. I also adhere to the guidelines of the American Urological Association (AUA) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
I chose Urology and specifically Urologic Oncology for the continuity of care that my patients will require. I hope and plan to follow them for years after a cancer diagnosis is made. I also will work closely with colleagues in radiation oncology and medical oncology to provide a network of support for my patients. I also believe that Urologic Oncology is on the cutting edge of technology and cancer treatments. We have new trials and treatments for cancer patients. It is important to stay up to date in order to have the latest treatments for my patients.
This depends on family history and age. If there is a strong family history of prostate cancer, I recommend checking a PSA early on. If not, the American Urological Association guidelines recommend checking a first PSA at 55 years of age.
This is something I have an interest in and have studied. Some urologic malignancies can be in fact genetic. We know that there are several specific types of kidney cancer and prostate cancer that can be genetic.
