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Dr. Sima Porten is a specialist in cancers of the genital and urinary organs. She is a member of the urologic oncology team at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her clinical interests include the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary cancer, particularly bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial cancer, kidney cancer and high-risk prostate cancer.

Porten's research focuses mainly on the diagnosis and management of urothelial carcinoma, a cancer involving parts of the kidney, bladder and ureter (the tube connecting each kidney to the bladder). In studying the biologic or genetic basis of urothelial carcinoma, she hopes to develop new tests and treatments to bring personalized medicine to patients with bladder cancer.

Porten received her undergraduate, medical and master of public health degrees from Northwestern University. During medical school, she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and also completed a fellowship through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute–National Institutes of Health Research Scholars Program. She then completed her urology residency training at UCSF, where she received the Julius R. Krevans Award for Clinical Excellence. During her training in urologic oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, she was awarded a John Quale Travel Fellowship for her research in bladder cancer.

Porten is an active member of the American Urological Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society of Women in Urology and Society of Urologic Oncology.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Urology, Urology, 2016

  • Fellowships

    University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Urologic Oncology, 2014

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Urology, 2012

    UCSF, General Surgery, 2008

  • Internship

    UCSF, General Surgery, 2007

  • Degree

    Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 2006

  • Languages

    English

"People are incredibly resilient and can make it through almost anything you put in front of them."

Through direct patient care, research and collaboration, I strive to be the best physician I can be for patients with urologic cancers.

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    628 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 30, 2025
    I have had excellent care and follow up.
    Jun 27, 2025
    Dr. Porten is fantastic! About 10 years ago, she found metastatic cancer in my left ureter, she successfully removed the cancer and re-attached the ureter to a different location in my bladder, and half full of my bladder and to urinate normally, the outcome could've been much worse, and I am forever grateful to Dr. Porten!!!
    Jun 25, 2025
    Excellent care by every one
    Jun 25, 2025
    All Excellent
    Jun 24, 2025
    The best!
    Jun 24, 2025
    I liked it a lot
    Jun 13, 2025
    Excellent care
    Jun 11, 2025
    She was wonderful.
    Jun 09, 2025
    Dr. Sima Porten is stellar! An amazing human and doctor. One in a million. I am alive because of her skill, thoughtfulness, dedication, and smarts.
    Jun 06, 2025
    Just feel so fortunate to have Dr Porten managing my care
    May 28, 2025
    You're missing the choice of outstanding in this survey , that's what everyone who's helped me rightly deserves. I've never heard anything but great stories about UCSF & now I know why . In a field where you have so many people to care for it's very nice to receive such caring and concerned people to care for all of us . Thank you.
    May 28, 2025
    Dr. Porten was extremely knowledgeable, informative, and helpful. She listened to us and gave us comfort that I would be well cared for.
    May 24, 2025
    We are 83 years old and very tech challenged. With your help and patience we made it work.
    May 24, 2025
    Excellent experience!!
    May 21, 2025
    Always an excellent experience at this clinic. Dr. Porten is a superb physician, extremely personable and very clear in her explanations of the medical situation as it has evolved. 10 stars.
    May 21, 2025
    Dr. Portens kindness and friendly attitude makes what would normally be a very stressful appt just the opposite! I actually look forward to my appointments just because I get to see her! She is always very optimistic, upbeat, and listens well which makes my overall experience an extremely positive one! She continues to be my favorite Dr I have ever interacted with in my entire life. I am SO GRATEFUL FOR DR PORTEN!!
    May 14, 2025
    Dr. Porten is wonderful -- upbeat, reassuring, very professional. Highly recommend her.
    May 07, 2025
    Dr. Porten is a clear communicator and has always shown interest in me as a patient, and making sure I understood the treatments steps and reasons. It is comforting to receive medical attention from such an articulate professional.
    May 07, 2025
    Dr. Sima Porten is very good. She is quick and thorough. And no discomfort during the procedure or after. Excellent Doctor!
    Apr 30, 2025
    Dr. Porten was the most professional, patient, kind and caring doctor I have ever had the privilege to meet and am grateful I can now look to her for what may be ahead.
    Apr 27, 2025
    Dr Porten is simply the best.
    Apr 25, 2025
    Dr Portens very able assistant !He added to the comfortable experience
    Apr 25, 2025
    Dr. Sima Porten listens to & understands my questions & makes me feel so comfortable with her kindness & great expertise. Nursing staff is great.
    Apr 24, 2025
    Absolutely the best post cystoscopy physical feeling I had. I've been doing this for 10 years.
    Apr 22, 2025
    Dr Porten provided excellent information
    Apr 09, 2025
    Dr Porten has been an angel from first contact until now. I cannot thank her enough.
    Apr 02, 2025
    She listened to me heard what I was saying and asking gave me direct answers
    Mar 26, 2025
    Dr Portenis great! Also her team provided excellent service and care.
    Mar 16, 2025
    Our caregiver was exceptional in all aspects of our conversation.
    Mar 14, 2025
    Dr Porten is wonderful!
    Mar 13, 2025
    All went well.
    Mar 12, 2025
    Dr. Porten is the best - very grateful to have her as my surgeon/oncologist
    Mar 05, 2025
    Dr Porten is fantastic!!!!
    Mar 01, 2025
    Feel that I'm in excellent hands w/ Dr. Porten.
    Feb 27, 2025
    Kindness, understanding, down to earth, patient, explains things well, allows patient a say in the treatment plan, explains and teaches while doing a procedure, but also a no-nonsense take care of business gal!
    Feb 19, 2025
    Explained to us all the procedures that will be happening and gave us closer
    Feb 16, 2025
    MD and entire staff were kind and professional and showed that they truly care.
    Feb 12, 2025
    Great doctor- and a team leader.
    Feb 12, 2025
    All excellent, better than very good
    Feb 12, 2025
    Extremely professional and polite staff and Dr is great. Dr Porten represents what a true Dr is supposed to be. She is professional and very trusting.
    Feb 12, 2025
    I love my DrPorten and Dr Harris and Krisztina Emodi they are truly the BEST
    Feb 01, 2025
    Dr Porten is extremely professional.Staff is attentive and friendly
    Jan 28, 2025
    Care provider was easy to talk toI never felt rushed
    Jan 17, 2025
    Dr Porten is terrific.
    Jan 17, 2025
    Dr. Portent is excellent in communicating things as the are now. Then as to how the process moves forward and how we move forward to a cure for my particular problem
    Jan 16, 2025
    Dr Porten is the best !
    Jan 07, 2025
    this doctor was excellent in every respect. I learned more about my condition in a short conference with her then with prior providers.
    Jan 07, 2025
    Dr Porten is excellent
    Dec 24, 2024
    I can't say enough good things about Dr. Porten!!! By far, the BEST doctor I have ever had!!
    Nov 27, 2024
    Dr. Porten is always great.
    Nov 24, 2024
    I wasn't to happy about having the procedure done awake but Dr. Porten put me at ease by explaining the procedure and talking me through it.
    Nov 20, 2024
    Dr Porten is a wonderful provider!
    Nov 20, 2024
    Warm, kind, responsive with great intelligence and the feeling that my well being really matters
    Nov 20, 2024
    Dr. Porten is the best
    Nov 17, 2024
    I love my doctor, Sima Porten. Love her.
    Oct 30, 2024
    Dr Porten is a rock star. She is brilliant and kind. She remembers small stories we had over the last five years. Exceptional.
    Oct 28, 2024
    Dr. Porten is a wonderful doctor and surgeon. I always feel at ease with her to discuss my concerns. She is very professional, personable and caring.
    Oct 24, 2024
    Amazing how well all went and quality of whole team in making difficult procedure in my mind so palatble
    Oct 20, 2024
    Excellent
    Oct 18, 2024
    Dr. Porten is the absolute very best !
    Oct 16, 2024
    Dr. Porten is wonderful, and her support staff are great
    Oct 11, 2024
    Dr. Porten is amazing
    Oct 07, 2024
    I am thankful that I am under the care of Dr. Porton and her oncology colleagues.
    Oct 02, 2024
    Dr Porten is exceptional in all areas. I feel very blessed to be her patient.
    Sep 11, 2024
    What do I do now? Didn't get any follow up instructions. I have no idea where I sit healthwise.
    Sep 04, 2024
    Best care ever
    Sep 04, 2024
    Dr. Porten is the best of the best.
    Aug 24, 2024
    Excellent communicator with solid empathy.
    Aug 21, 2024
    Provider told me what would happen, but no dates, and now I'm anxious about dates.
    Aug 17, 2024
    Good
    Aug 17, 2024
    Dr. Porten is friendly, professional and informative. She is an outstanding example of what physicians should always be.
    Aug 08, 2024
    Satisfied
    Jul 31, 2024
    So good!You are the very best!
    Jul 28, 2024
    Super competent, kind and considerate, I chose so well!
    Jul 26, 2024
    I am grateful to now be under the care of Sima Porten. She presented as exceptionally kind, astutely knowledgeable, and highly qualified.
    Jul 22, 2024
    Caregiver was very friendly and helpful answering any questions
    Jul 21, 2024
    The whole operation is highly professional.
    Jul 12, 2024
    Everyone was fantastic.
    Jul 12, 2024
    Dr. Porten is awesome
    Jul 10, 2024
    Outstanding physician who answered all my questions, shared her thought process and the current evidence. And she made me feel safe. I am grateful.
    Jun 28, 2024
    Dr. Porten is quite impressive.
    Jun 28, 2024
    Dr. Porten has our utmost respect and trust her completelythe best!
    Jun 20, 2024
    Very good
    Jun 19, 2024
    You could not hope to be treated better at a 5 star hotel!
    Jun 12, 2024
    Good
    Jun 09, 2024
    Dr. Porten shared information regarding care options that I was unaware of which gave me encouragement and a more positive outlook of my prognosis.
    Jun 05, 2024
    Best explanation of what is to come.
    May 24, 2024
    Dr. Porten is a superb doctor in all respects.
    May 19, 2024
    She not only made me feel that my needs were met, but she included my caregiver(wife) in our life changing decisions as an equal.
    Apr 26, 2024
    Dr Porten is very knowledgeable and compassionate
    Apr 24, 2024
    Excellent
    Apr 24, 2024
    Simi Porten is a great doctor/surgeon and a kind and thoughtful person. UCSF could use more like her.
    Apr 23, 2024
    I love Dr. Porten,
    Apr 12, 2024
    Dr. Porten is excellent
    Apr 11, 2024
    Dr. Porten is absolutely the best!!!
    Apr 08, 2024
    I mentioned this on my last survey but worth mentioning again. My last urologist, literally 10 minutes away from my home versus the professionalism and patient care are extreme. I don't mind driving 2 hours, one way, for excellent service and quality care
    Apr 06, 2024
    All kind and professional. Easy in and out time.
    Mar 30, 2024
    I have all the confidence in Dr Porten
    Mar 27, 2024
    Dr. Sima Porten is an exceptional doctor. Shows great concern & listens to my concerns & is totally there for me. I feel blessed to be her patient.
    Mar 27, 2024
    This may be overstating the obvious, but it's reassuring for the patient when it's clear that the physician has read the chart BEFORE seeing the patient. Grateful that Dr Porten does!
    Mar 18, 2024
    UCSF provided excellent care.
    Mar 16, 2024
    Had a great experience.
    Mar 06, 2024
    Dr Porten is excellent and I'm very happy she is my doctor
    Mar 06, 2024
    Dr. Porten was very thorough and pleasant to deal with. It was my first contact with Dr. Porten and I was more than satisfied.
    Mar 06, 2024
    Dr. Porten is excellent
    Jan 05, 2024
    Dr,P has a good sense of humor,
    Jan 03, 2024
    Excellent experience with this physician
    Dec 28, 2023
    For me it is an excellent service and attention, all very vien.
    Dec 13, 2023
    Dr. Porten is clear and understanding, and she inspires a lot of confidence.
    Dec 13, 2023
    Excellent
    Dec 08, 2023
    From day one, I've been so impressed with my doctor and the assistants!!! I'm forever indebted to my doctor.
    Dec 06, 2023
    Dr Porten my care provider is excellent in every way. Feel blessed to have her as my physician.
    Dec 06, 2023
    Dr. Porten is extremely knowledgeable and we appreciate her fitting us into a hectic schedule to consult with us.
    Nov 15, 2023
    Dr. WIll make referral for other issues discussed.
    Nov 15, 2023
    Very positive attitude about treatment. That's very encouraging. Thank you.
    Nov 15, 2023
    Always a great experience at Mission Bay.
    Nov 09, 2023
    Excellent in every way. Doctor explained results on Cysto monitor and answered all of my questions patiently and clearly.
    Nov 08, 2023
    Dr porten is the friendliest doctor. She is so on top of my condition and very helpfulDr poten is the best
    Oct 26, 2023
    We are now waiting for contact to set first treatment appointment.
    Oct 21, 2023
    Excellent in every respect.
    Oct 18, 2023
    Excellent doctor
    Oct 05, 2023
    Dr. Porten is the best
    Oct 02, 2023
    Very knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. She exceeded my expectations from this consultation by offering me hope and an appropriate treatment option. She is one of the best doctors I worked with for a long time. Highly recommend her for anyone experiencing bladder cancer problems.
    Sep 22, 2023
    Everything was excellent very good attention and are very professional thank you very much for serving me so well
    Sep 22, 2023
    The experience of hearing from Dr. Porten that she doesn't see any signs of my tumor is overwhelming. I'm so glad that she accepted me as her patient.
    Sep 19, 2023
    I am lucky to have this excellent and caring physician.
    Sep 13, 2023
    Dr. Sima Porten and her staff are courteous, caring, and highly skilled.
    Sep 06, 2023
    She was completely prepared, likely brilliant, efficient yet "human", extraordinary.
    Sep 06, 2023
    Dr. Porten is a fantastic doctor.
    Decorative Caduceus

    Measuring Surgical Recovery After Radical Cystectomy

    Post-surgical outcomes determined from patient-reported assessment of symptom burden using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-BLC form).

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Blue Light Cystoscopy With Cysview® Registry

    Rate of detection of bladder malignancies with Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview versus white light cystoscopy alone.

    Recruiting

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