Catheryn M. Yashar, MD

Catheryn M. Yashar, MD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist who specializes in treating breast and gynecologic cancers. Dr. Yashar uses carefully targeted, high doses of radiation energy to destroy or damage cancer cells. She is highly experienced in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and brachytherapy. Dr. Yashar also manages the care and treatment of cancer patients and works closely with other doctors, including medical and surgical oncologists, to provide comprehensive care.

At UC San Diego Health, Dr. Yashar serves as the chief of gynecologic and breast radiation services and medical director of the La Jolla radiation oncology clinic. She is a leader for the gynecologic oncology team and chair of the Cancer Committee at Moores Cancer Center.

Dr. Yashar also provides leadership and guidance as chief of staff for the UC San Diego Health Medical Staff and oversees medical staff affairs as associate chief medical officer.

A professor in the Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Dr. Yashar trains medical students and residents in radiation oncology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. She is active in the School of Medicine and has served as chair of several committees. She frequently speaks at national and international meetings.

Dr. Yashar's clinical interests include techniques that limit irradiation to the normal breast, evaluating IMRT and IGRT for the treatment of gynecologic cancers, and image-guided brachytherapy. Her research interests include single entry accelerated partial breast irradiation and focal high-dose rate irradiation techniques.

Dr. Yashar completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Michigan Medical School and trained in a gynecologic oncology fellowship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She completed a second residency in radiation oncology at University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Yashar earned her medical degree from Northwestern University. She is board-certified in radiation oncology.

Dr. Yashar actively participates in numerous medical organizations and societies, including the American Board of Radiology and the American Society of Radiation Oncology. She is a fellow and board member of the American College of Radiation Oncology and secretary of the American Brachytherapy Society.

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For more information, see Radiation Oncology and Cancer Care.