Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Oliver Eng

Oliver Eng, MD, FACS (he/him/his) is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Associate Director, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program and Surgical Oncology Fellowship. 

1. What are your career/research interests?

I am a surgical oncologist who specializes in providing care for patients with advanced and metastatic cancers. In particular, my clinical practice and research activities are on cancers that have spread into the abdominal cavity.

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

A variety of personal experiences including family members with cancers not only impacted my decision to pursue medicine, but additionally continue to inspire and motivate me to this day to provide care for patients with difficult cancers.

3. What brought you to UCI?

One of the most amazing characteristics of UCI is the collaborative environment, and the opportunity to be a part of this institution was an opportunity like none other.

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

It was quite seamless to transition to UCI. Whether it is cancer care in the clinic, research innovations, or educational initiatives, the ability of people to come together and work as a team to tackle the biggest challenges in cancer is innate to the environment here.

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

Providing the best cancer care comes from first understanding the needs of the local community. This is a community I have the privilege of being a part of, and all of our efforts to advance cancer awareness, prevention, and access to treatment are done to be able to offer each patient in our community the best care possible.

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

I think as a physician in general, the challenges are continual and dynamic, and can arise in a myriad of situations. Navigating the work/life balance in particular is something I continue to try and improve upon.

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

The accomplishment I am most proud of is being a parent!

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

Spending time with family, enjoying outdoor activities, exploring the OC food scene.

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

My children have traveled to more countries than I have!

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