Submitted on June 26, 2025
UCSF Urology has named Sima P. Porten, MD, MPH as Chief of Urologic Oncology, a role that recognizes her exceptional clinical expertise, research leadership, and long-standing commitment to advancing care for patients with genitourinary cancer. She begins the position on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Porten, a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist and nationally recognized expert in bladder cancer, has been a faculty member at UCSF since 2014. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Urology, Fellowship Director for Urologic Oncology, and Co-Director of the UCSF Global Fellowship Program in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute. She co-leads the Urologic Clinical and Translational Science (UCATS) clinical trial program.
A leader in both clinical and translational research, Dr. Porten has significantly expanded UCSF’s bladder cancer program. Under her leadership, UCSF became one of the few institutions in the country to offer blue light cystoscopy in both clinic and operating room settings – technology that improves diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification for non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). She has led multiple clinical trials, including as global principal investigator of TAR-200, a sustained drug-delivery system for bladder cancer, and served as a national Alliance study champion for pivotal trials in intravesical immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
“Dr. Porten has built a program that reflects the very best of academic medicine where patient care, research, and education are deeply intertwined,” said Taube Family Distinguished Professor and Chair of Urology Dr. Benjamin Breyer. “She is an advocate for innovation and equity, and her leadership will continue to shape the future of urologic oncology at UCSF and beyond.”
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Porten is deeply committed to mentorship, diversity and global health. She has held numerous leadership roles in the UCSF Department of Urology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, including Associate Chair for Clinical Affairs, Co-Chair of the Genitourinary Site Committee, and Protocol Review Committee member. She is a four-time honoree of the Muriel Steele Society for her influence as a woman in surgery and was named Young Urologist of the Year by the Society of Urologic Oncology in 2021.
As Division Chief, Dr. Porten will oversee a growing team of physicians, researchers, and trainees focused on delivering cutting-edge, compassionate care across the full spectrum of urologic cancers. With her appointment, UCSF reaffirms its commitment to clinical excellence, research innovation, and the training of the next generation of leaders in urologic oncology.
“I’m excited to advance innovative research, expand access to high-quality care, and train the next generation of urologic oncology leaders,” Dr. Porten said “ I am indebted to my mentors and role models, in particular Dr. Max Meng and Dr. Peter Carroll, who
trained and supported me these past 20 years since residency. I would not be where I am without them. “
UCSF Urology extends its gratitude to Max Meng, MD, for his 12 years of dedicated leadership as Chief of Urologic Oncology. Dr. Meng will continue to serve as Vice-Chair for Quality and Safety in the Department.
Under Dr. Meng’s guidance, the Division has doubled its faculty – from 4 to 10 – and expanded in both specialization and national reputation. Rooted in a deep committee to innovation and delivering the newest, most promising therapies, during Dr. Meng’s tenure the number and diversity of clinical trials available to patients has grown considerably. His commitment to excellence and mentorship helped lay the foundation for the division’s continued growth and impact.