Dr. Christopher J. Kane

Dr. Christopher J. Kane, MD, FACS, is a leading figure in urologic oncology and serves as CEO of UC San Diego Health Physician Group and Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor of Clinical Affairs. He is a Professor of Urology and former Founding Chair of the Urology Department at UC San Diego School of Medicine. A graduate of the Uniformed Services University and UC Davis (BS in Mechanical Engineering), he trained in urology at the Naval Medical Center and UCSF. Board-certified and seasoned from his time as Vice Chair of Urology at UCSF, Dr. Kane performs advanced robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgeries for prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers at UC San Diego and its affiliated hospitals.

He is internationally recognized for his research in prostate and kidney cancer outcomes, risk stratification, and innovative surgical techniques. Dr. Kane has authored over 390 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and his team helped establish guidelines now in use by the NCCN. He co-chaired the NCI Renal Cell Carcinoma Advisory Task Force and served on the NCCN Prostate Cancer Management Guidelines Committee for a decade. His career milestones include starting robotic surgery programs at UCSF and the VA in San Francisco and performing over 200 robotic cancer surgeries annually. His recent appointment as President of the American Board of Urology underscores his prominence in the field.

In addition to his surgical and research leadership, Dr. Kane is a committed educator and advocate for professional excellence. As chair of the Western Section of the American Urological Association and President of the American Board of Urology, he champions certification standards and continuous clinical advancement. He mentors residents, fellows, and junior faculty and frequently presents at national and international conferences on topics such as prostate imaging, active surveillance, and germline testing. A retired Navy Captain and decorated Desert Storm veteran, he has received honors including a UC Davis Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal and recurring honors as a “Top Doctor” in San Diego. Through his integration of clinical excellence, research innovation, mentorship, and leadership, Dr. Kane is a top-tier expert driving progress in urologic cancer care.