Roberto Ruiz-Cordero

Dr. Roberto Ruiz-Cordero is a cytopathologist, molecular pathologist and hematopathologist who specializes in diagnosing disease through cellular examination of body tissues or fluids. To obtain samples for biopsy, he performs fine needle aspiration (FNA) – extracting cells with a needle and syringe – guided by palpation (touch) or ultrasound images. He performs rapid on-site or remote assessment of image-guided biopsies as well.

Ruiz-Cordero also analyzes biopsy samples from cancer patients having the UCSF 500 Cancer Gene Test, which supplies genetic mutation information that can help with making the best treatment decisions for individual patients.

In his research, Ruiz-Cordero studies the genetic alterations present in cancer. He is particularly interested in using gene sequencing to aid in cancer diagnosis and treatment. His goal is to optimize cell specimens obtained via minimally invasive procedures, such as FNA biopsy, for extraction of nucleic acids (cell molecules such as DNA that store and express genetic information) and molecular testing.

Ruiz-Cordero earned his medical degree at Universidad La Salle in Mexico City and completed a residency in pathology at Jackson Memorial Hospital. At the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, he completed fellowships in cytopathology, molecular genetic pathology, and hematopathology (the analysis of lymph node and blood disorders at the cellular level).

Ruiz-Cordero is a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, College of American Pathologists, United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology, Association for Molecular Pathology and American Society of Cytopathology.