Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh

Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, MD (She/Her/Hers) is a board-certified, fellowship-trained UCI Health radiologist who specializes in diagnostic and vascular and interventional radiology. Read on to learn more about her story.

1. What are your career/research interests? 

Finding novel combinations to treat primary and metastatic hepatobiliary pancreatic cancers.

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

I was hospitalized several times as a child and my desire to be a doctor came from that. I chose interventional radiology because during my training several patients were out of patients, and someone would say "send them to IR" who invariably solved the problem. It intrigued me.

3. What brought you to UCI?

Colleagues who worked here and the opportunity to build something meaningful.

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

I got to know people through research collaboration, clinical work and events. There is a sense of camaraderie/ collegiality at UCI which is unique.

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

The desire that everyone should get the best care possible. If this was my family member what would I want for them. What keeps me going is when my patients tell me: "I attended my daughter's wedding" or "I went with my grandsons on a trip." Knowing that I helped someone reach their goal or milestone in their life is the biggest reward.

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

Having more resources is a great challenge. Time being the most precious resource of all. Not being able to help everyone or having people unable to understand their situation is another challenge.

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

Completing a first in human Phase 1 trial on liver directed therapy.

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

Hiking, biking, outdoor activities in general. I love the piano.

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

I own a tortoise.

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