Submitted on July 16, 2026
The UCSF Department of Urology is pleased to announce the appointment of Rishi R. Sekar, MD, MSc, as the new associate program director of the Urologic Oncology Fellowship Program.
Dr. Sekar succeeds Dr. Max Meng, who is stepping down after years of service to the fellowship program as its former program director and later associate program director. Through his leadership, mentorship and commitment to excellence in education, Dr. Meng helped shape the training of many urologic oncologists and played a pivotal role in the program's national reputation. “Dr. Meng has been an outstanding leader and fellow advocate. He brings incredible care and attention to his work and has been a true role model of excellence for our fellows,” said Department of Urology Chair Benjamin Breyer, MD. “We welcome Dr. Sekar into this important role.”
Dr. Sekar joined the UCSF faculty in 2025 as an assistant professor of urology after completing a Society of Urologic Oncology fellowship at the University of Michigan. He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Emory University before receiving his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, where he graduated cum laude and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his urology residency at the University of Washington and later earned a Master of Science in Health Services Research through the University of Michigan, as part of the National Clinician Scholars Program.
"Dr. Sekar brings exceptional clinical expertise, a passion for education, and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to mentorship," said Sima Porten, program director of the UCSF Urologic Oncology SUO Fellowship. "We are excited to welcome him as associate program director and are confident he will build on the outstanding educational foundation established by Dr. Max Meng while helping prepare the next generation of leaders in urologic oncology."
A fellowship-trained urologic oncologist, Dr. Sekar specializes in the surgical management of prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, adrenal, urethral and penile cancers using both open and minimally invasive techniques. His research focuses on improving cancer care delivery, addressing health disparities, and advancing equitable access to high-quality care for underserved populations.
As associate program director, Dr. Sekar will help lead the education and mentorship of the next generation of urologic oncologists while supporting the continued growth and excellence of UCSF's nationally recognized urologic oncology fellowship program.