Physician-In-Chief, Moores Cancer Center

Joseph Califano, MD, is an internationally recognized physician scientist who has translated multiple discoveries from his own laboratory into the clinic, including detection of HPV-related and other head and neck cancers. Dr. Califano is Professor of Surgery in the Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery as well as Director, Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, and serves as Physician in Chief for Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. His major focus is the clinical practice of head and neck surgical oncology and the integration of basic, molecular biologic research in that practice.

A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Califano performed his Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and completed a fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. His surgical practice focuses on minimally invasive treatment of tumors of the larynx, pharynx, and neck, as well as treatment of premalignant conditions of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Dr. Califano also currently directs an NIH funded laboratory investigating the molecular biologic basis of head and neck cancer, and leads clinical trials for novel therapeutics for head and neck cancer treatment. He has published over 300 articles related to both the clinical and basic scientific aspects of cancer, and currently serves as a the Co-chair of the NIH Head and Neck PULA Task Force and Council Member of the American Head and Neck Society, NCCN Board of Directors, as well as other professional organizations and editorial boards.

Contact Information:

Joseph Califano, MD
E-mail: jcalifano@ucsd.edu

Assistant:
Tia Smith
Phone: 858-822-5950
E-mail: tasmith@ucsd.edu