Skip to main content
Joseph Califano III, MD, Otolaryngology (ENT), San Diego, CA

JosephAnthonyCalifanoIIIMD

Otolaryngology (ENT) San Diego, CA

Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery

Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Director, Head and Neck Cancer Center University of California, San Diego

Dr. Califano is on Doximity

As a Doximity member you'll join over two million verified healthcare professionals in a private, secure network.

  • Gain access to free telehealth tools, such as our “call shielding” and one-way patient texting.
  • Connect with colleagues in the same hospital or clinic.
  • Read the latest clinical news, personalized to your specialty.

See Dr. Califano's full profile

Already have an account?

  • Office

    200 W Arbor Dr
    San Diego, CA 92103
    Phone+1 858-822-6197

Summary

  • I am a board certified otolaryngologist at UC San Diego Health. I am a a clinically active head and neck surgeon and currently direct a laboratory focused on the molecular biologic basis of head and neck cancer.

    My interests include minimally invasive treatment of tumors of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, thyroid, and neck, with an interest in tumors of the skull base, salivary glands, and premalignant conditions of the upper aerodigestive tract. I also have an deep interest in HPV-related cancers of the throat, as well as premalignant conditions of the upper aerodigestive tract. 

Education & Training

  • Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
    Johns Hopkins Carey Business SchoolNon-degree, Business of Medicine, 2012 - 2013
  • Johns Hopkins University
    Johns Hopkins UniversityResidency, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1994 - 1999
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineInternship, Transitional Year, 1993 - 1994
  • Harvard Medical School
    Harvard Medical SchoolClass of 1993
  • Amherst College
    Amherst CollegeB.A., Chemistry, 1985

Certifications & Licensure

  • CA State Medical License
    CA State Medical License 2015 - 2025
  • MD State Medical License
    MD State Medical License 1995 - 2016
  • NY State Medical License
    NY State Medical License 1999 - 2001
  • American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Otolaryngology

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification eClinicalWorks EHR, eClinicalWorks LLC, 2012-2013
  • Top Doctor Castle Connolly, 2012
  • America's Top Doctors for Cancer Castle Connolly, 2011
  • Join now to see all

Clinical Trials

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • Integrated Time Course Omics Analysis Distinguishes Immediate Therapeutic Response from Acquired Resistance  
    Joseph A Califano, Christine H Chung, BioMed Central
  • The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Axis: Support for a New Target for Oral Premalignancy  
    Rosin MP, Califano JA, Cancer Prev Res, 6/22/2010
  • Combination effects of salvianolic acid B with low-dose celecoxib on inhibition of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo  
    Zhao Y, Hao Y, Ji H, Fang Y, Guo Y, Sha W, Zhou Y, Pang X, Southerland WM, Califano JA, Gu X, Cancer Prev Res, 6/1/2010
  • Join now to see all

Books/Book Chapters

  • Join now to see all

Lectures

  • "Integrating high throughput analysis to define treatment strategies for HNSCC" 
    New York, NY - 7/29/2014
  • "A transcription factor signature of HNSCC implicates STAT and NFKB activation in HPV negative tumors." 
    New York, NY - 7/29/2014
  • Moderator, "Thyroid-Neck II" 
    New York, NY - 7/27/2014
  • Join now to see all

Other

  • "Oral Cancer" 
    Califano JA (Committee Member), The Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan
    1/1/2010
  • Invited Guest Interview, "Molecular Detection of Cancer" 
    Califano JA, RCN Radio Cadena Nacional of Colombia
    2/5/2003

Press Mentions

  • Higher Cancer Risk with Heavy Cannabis Use – US Study
    Higher Cancer Risk with Heavy Cannabis Use – US StudyAugust 21st, 2024
  • Daily Marijuana Use Linked to Increased Risk of Deadly Head and Neck Cancers, Study Finds
    Daily Marijuana Use Linked to Increased Risk of Deadly Head and Neck Cancers, Study FindsAugust 10th, 2024
  • Heavy Cannabis Use Tied to Increased Head and Neck Cancer Risk
    Heavy Cannabis Use Tied to Increased Head and Neck Cancer RiskAugust 8th, 2024
  • Join now to see all

Grant Support

  • A NOVEL POINT OF CARE TEST FOR ORAL AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER RISKNIH2017–2021
  • OPTIMIZING AN ASSAY FOR HIGH RISK HPV DNA IN BODY FLUIDSNCI2017–2019
  • Integrative Pathway Analysis Of Epigenomic/Transcriptional Alteration In HnsccNational Institute Of Dental &Craniofacial Research2010
  • Validation Of Epigenetic Biomarkers Of Head And Neck Cancer Progression--OldNational Institute Of Dental &Craniofacial Research2009–2010
  • Tadalafil Induced Modulation Of Immune Response In HnsccNational Cancer Institute2009–2010
  • Integrative Pathway Analysis Of Eqigenomic/Transcriptional Alteration In HnsccNational Institute Of Dental &Craniofacial Research2009
  • Cetuximab For Treatment Of High-Risk Pre-Malignant Upper Aerodigestive LesionsNational Cancer Institute2008–2009
  • Hu/Jhu Head And Neck Cancer Translational Research And *National Cancer Institute2005–2008
  • Molecular Anatomy Of Mitochondria In HnscNational Institute Of Dental &Craniofacial Research2004–2006

Professional Memberships