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About Michael A. Liss, MD

Michael Liss, MD, PhD, is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist specializing in caring for patients with prostate cancer.

He offers his patients the full spectrum of treatment options for prostate cancer from monitoring and planning (active surveillance) to multimodal treatments (which include surgery plus another treatment such as radiation therapy or systemic therapy). He performs robotically assisted prostatectomy in a variety of ways, including nerve-sparing options, for better outcomes.

Dr. Liss also offers personalized screening and early cancer detection for people at high risk of prostate cancer because of their ethnicity, exposures and/or genetic predispositions. As part of his comprehensive approach to care, he performs specialized prostate biopsies and uses advanced imaging for precise detection and treatment planning.

For all his patients, he carefully considers their wishes, concerns and unique situations and strives to tailor care that is most suited to each person's particular situation.

In the end, he says, "I am primarily a practical person who wants to explain these options understandably. Just because a treatment option is available does not mean it is the optimal treatment for you as a person."

His overarching approach is to provide world-class precision oncology care through patient-guided, team-based education that is integrative, holistic and respectful. This may include options for clinical trials or research participation.

Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Liss was a professor and chief of the Division of Urologic Oncology in the Department of Urology at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. In this capacity, he distinguished himself as a leader in clinical trials and innovative research, particularly in prostate cancer detection and microbiome studies related to urologic cancers.

He led the National Clinical Trials Network (SWOG) as the site's principal investigator. Additionally, in his role as medical director of the clinical trials office of the Mays Cancer Center, he led innovative efforts in clinical research.

Throughout his career, Dr. Liss has earned accolades for his contributions to medical science, including prestigious awards from the National Cancer Institute. His scholarly work, including over 200 peer-reviewed publications, underscores his contributions to microbiology and cancer research. He is an entrepreneur with three patent applications.

Dr. Liss earned a doctorate in translational science from University of Texas, Austin. He completed a fellowship in urologic oncology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. During this time, he also completed a Master of Applied Science in clinical trials. He completed residency at UC Irvine School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Outside of work and entrepreneurship, he enjoys hiking, running and family trips.

UC San Diego Health Links

For more information, see Urology.

Medical DegreeMedical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WIResidencyUC Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine CAFellowshipUC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA
GenderMale
Date Joined Staff2024-10-01
Board Certifications
American Board of Urology
Conditions and Treatments
  • Genitourinary Cancers
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
Urology

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