About Us

The Division of Surgical Oncology is dedicated to the advanced treatment of breast, gastrointestinal and many other malignancies through leading-edge research, exemplary surgical training and compassionate patient care. We are also at the forefront in the study and treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, tumors of the endocrine system and other rare cancers.

Our surgical oncologists provide state-of-the-science breast cancer care and conduct multiple research studies evaluating the efficacy of neo-adjuvant treatment at the UCI Health Breast Health Center, as well as diagnose and treat advanced melanoma at the UCI Health Melanoma Center, the premier regional treatment and research facility for the disease. Both are located at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Orange County.

Faculty members also have established a translational tumor research program with the Beckman Laser Institute and the John Tu and Thomas Yuen Center for Functional Onco Imaging at the UCI campus in Irvine.

Medical students and residents receive intensive training from our nationally recognized surgical faculty members, working in rotations at UC Irvine Medical Center and affiliated locations.

UCI Health Breast Health Center

The UCI Health Breast Health Center has flourished as a multidisciplinary treatment, training and research center for nearly a decade, coordinating patient services for surgical oncology, hematology/oncology, and radiation oncology. In addition, our surgical oncologists are internationally known in the field of breast imaging. Our faculty also see breast health patients at UCI Health Pacific Breast Care Center in Costa Mesa and UCI Health — Yorba Linda Multispecialty.

UCI Health Melanoma Center

The UCI Health Melanoma Center offers specialized screening and treatment for all stages of melanoma, including the services of surgical oncologists, dermatologists, dermatopathologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. The center, which averages about 2,400 outpatient visits per year and sees eight to 10 new patients weekly, is developing a comprehensive patient database for use in various clinical, translational research projects and clinical outcome research.