Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Krishnansu S. Tewari

Krishnansu S. Tewari, MD, FACOG, FACS, FRSM (he/his/him) is a Professor and Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics & Gynecology. Read on to learn more about his story. 

1. What are your career/research interests?

I have devoted my professional life to the study and eradication of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.

2. As it is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, what should everyone know about cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is preventable through screening with Pap smears and HPV testing as well as through vaccination. Women who keep up on their cervical cancer screening are more likely not to develop cervical cancer or if they do the disease is often found in its earliest stage where it can be cured with surgery.

3. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices?

I was born with a VSD and underwent open heart surgery at age 10. For the next 10 years I was in and out of the hospital and these experiences shaped my career path towards medicine.

4. What brought you to UCI?

I had the good fortune to go to Medical School, Ob/Gyn Residency, and Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at UC Irvine and understood from the very beginning that this University had so much to offer patients and academic physicians.

5. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

I have a shared vision with those who want to be on the frontline taking care of patients, training the next generation of physicians, and participating in clinical research.

6. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

Our local community is very diverse with individuals from all walks of life and all cultures. It's wonderful the CFCCC provides a haven for patients to receive compassionate, cutting-edge therapy for their cancer.

7. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey?

Biggest challenge was deciding to leave Kaiser after 4 years and join UCI in 2006 as full-time faculty. I had a large number of patients at Kaiser who I had helped and I was sorry to leave. However, once at UCI I never looked back because the mission of the CFCCC resonated so strongly with me.

8. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Personal - my wife & children. Professional - I have participated on clinical trials that have led to US FDA approval of novel medicines for patients with cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.

9. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

Music, Football, History of Medicine, Travel, Movies, Motorcycles

10. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

I have 4 dogs and 2 pigs. Always loved dogs, not pigs but my wife likes the pigs.

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