Cristian D. Valenzuela, M.D.

  • Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine

Biography

I am a surgeon who specializes in treating skin cancers in adult patients, including melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and peritoneal surface malignancy.

I am a Chilean-American surgeon who was born and raised in the New York City area. Driven to help the less fortunate, I pursued my surgical residency at a public hospital in Spanish Harlem.

I also have a strong passion for basic science research, which has led me to work on laboratory projects focused on blood vessels and tissue development. After completing my general surgery residency, I specialized in cancer surgery at Wake Forest University. I later joined the surgical staff at OHSU, where my primary focus includes the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal surface malignancies.

Outside of work, I enjoy running and hiking, playing the piano, playing chess and watchmaking. I am married and have three children.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 2011, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
    • B.A., 2007, Cornell University
  • Residency

    • General Surgery, New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center, 2020
    • General Surgery (Internship), Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Medical Center, 2012
  • Fellowship

    • Complex General Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest University, 2022
    • Laboratory Fellowship (NIH-funded), Harvard Medical School/Brigham & Women’s Hospital, 2017
  • Certifications

    • American Board of Surgery, General Surgery, 2022
    • American Board of Surgery, Complex General Surgical Oncology, 2023

Memberships and associations:

  • American College of Surgeons
  • Society of Surgical Oncology

Publications

Elsevier pure profile

Publications