Joseph Califano, M.D.

Professor

About Dr. Califano

Joseph A. Califano III, MD, is a Distinguished Professor and the Iris and Matthew Strauss Chancellor's Endowed Chair in Head and Neck Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is an internationally recognized surgeon scientist and 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. He has translated several discoveries from laboratory to clinic, which include molecular detection of cancer and development of novel treatment approaches for head and neck cancers.

As the founding Director of the Gleiberman Head & Neck Cancer Center at Moores Cancer Center, he leads a multidisciplinary team of physician-scientists dedicated to pioneering both innovative clinical trials and cutting-edge research, all aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of head and neck cancers in a compassionate, patient-centered environment.

Dr. Califano has authored more than 350 peer-reviewed articles related to both the clinical and basic scientific aspects of cancer, and has also served 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, as well as Physician-in-Chief and Director of Moores Cancer Center.

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.