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
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Degrees
- M.D., 2011, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
- B.A., 2007, Cornell University
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Residency
- General Surgery, New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center, 2020
- General Surgery (Internship), Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Medical Center, 2012
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Fellowship
- Complex General Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest University, 2022
- Laboratory Fellowship (NIH-funded), Harvard Medical School/Brigham & Women’s Hospital, 2017
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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