Joseph A. Califano III, MD

Joseph A. Califano III, MD, is an internationally recognized, board-certified otolaryngologist who specializes in head and neck surgical oncology, and the integration of basic, molecular biologic research in that practice. His expertise includes minimally invasive treatment of tumors of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, thyroid, and neck to minimize cosmetic impact and maximize function, with an interest in tumors of the skull base, mouth, salivary glands, and premalignant conditions of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Dr. Califano currently serves as director of the UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center, which is the region's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a designation reserved for institutions with the highest achievements in cancer research, clinical care, education, and community contributions.

As a world-class physician-scientist, Dr. Califano has translated several discoveries from laboratory to clinic, which include the application of sequencing technologies to create an early detection method for HPV-related and other head and neck cancers.

A frequent speaker at national and international meetings and conferences, Dr. Califano has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles related to both the clinical and basic scientific aspects of cancer, and also serves on a variety of professional organizations and editorial boards, which include the NCI Head and Neck Steering Committee, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Board of Directors, and the Council of the American Head and Neck Society.

Prior to joining UC San Diego Health in 2015, Dr. Califano served as a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine.

Dr. Califano completed a fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Head and Neck Cancer, Head and Neck Surgery and Thyroid Cancer Program.