Mark A. Valasek, MD, PhD

Mark Valasek, MD, PhD, is a board-certified pathologist who specializes in diagnosing diseases related to the gastrointestinal system, liver, and pancreas. He studies cells and tissues from biopsies or surgical specimens to investigate these diseases and define their extent.

Dr. Valasek has a special interest in pre-cancerous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and provides expert advice to physicians treating people with conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and also various cancers.

Dr. Valasek is an associate professor in the Department of Pathology and directs the gastrointestinal pathology fellowship. His research interests include understanding the mechanisms of how gastrointestinal diseases transform into cancerous conditions. In 2015, Dr. Valasek was named to the American Society for Clinical Pathology's (ASCP) prestigious 40 under Forty List in recognition of his significant contributions in the medical laboratory field.

Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Valasek served as a clinical assistant instructor in surgical pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

He completed his residency in anatomic pathology and fellowship in gastrointestinal and hepatic pathology at the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Valasek earned his medical degree and PhD from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He is board certified in anatomic pathology.

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