Sima Porten

MD MPH

Urologic cancer surgeon
Mom, bladder and kidney cancer researcher, dance lover

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.

  • Education

    Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 2006

  • Residencies

    UCSF Medical Center, Urology, 2008

  • Fellowships

    University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Urologic Oncology, 2014

  • Board Certifications

    Urology, American Board of Urology

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

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

Conditions I specialize in

  • Urologic cancer

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    498 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 30, 2022
    Dr. Porten is an Angel.
    Mar 29, 2022
    Great. Very concerned about my illness.
    Jan 22, 2022
    I am very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism in the procedure
    Jan 11, 2022
    Each visit I feel like I am not getting the full answer from the doctor on pertinent questions. I get what seems to be answers that just barely answer the questions. I leave feeling like there's more to know to fully understand my health concerns.
    Dec 16, 2021
    Dr. Porten and her team are SO courteous efficient expert and professional. I always feel well taken care of when I come to UCSF for my cystoscopies every three months.
    Dec 15, 2021
    Dr P is absolutely terrific. She is what every Dr or provider should be. Thorough prepared caring and personable.
    Dec 09, 2021
    She was very effective in seeking and providing information.
    Dec 07, 2021
    Dr Porten is an exceptional oncologist and surgeon. She is also an exceptional person. Her warmth and compassion are not expected but are much appreciated.
    Dec 05, 2021
    This provider was very caring and well informed of my condition.
    Nov 20, 2021
    Dr. Porten is the absolute best surgeon superb in every way and I feel very fortunate to have her as my urologist.
    Nov 11, 2021
    As usual excellent care from the whole team
    Oct 26, 2021
    Dr. Porten makes me feel that I am in good hands & I find that to be very important. So happy she is my doctor for this illness.
    Oct 21, 2021
    Top Notch.
    Oct 04, 2021
    She was great!
    Sep 21, 2021
    Dr. Porten's entire team was respectful loving and positive.
    Sep 14, 2021
    I hope that I never have to refer any of my acquaintances to an Oncologist. but if I did and this specialty was needed I would.
    Aug 12, 2021
    Felt at ease after talking with her.
    Jul 28, 2021
    Great doctor :) I am very happy to have met her and look forward to future appointments.
    Jul 28, 2021
    Dr. Porten makes me feel that I am equally in charge of my treatments options. We discuss the pros and cons of each choice and come to the best conclusion for me moving forward.
    Jul 13, 2021
    All good
    Jul 13, 2021
    Outstanding surgeon
    Jul 12, 2021
    Dr. Porten has been great. She is very professional and very knowledgeable about my condition. Everything was explained to me in a way I could understand.
    Jul 07, 2021
    Dr Porten is a very competent and considerate provider and I have recommended her to friends.
    Jun 28, 2021
    Dr Sima Porten is Awesom!
    Jun 09, 2021
    Provider could not have been better.
    May 25, 2021
    Dr Porten is simply wonderful. I am so fortunate to be in her care.
    May 25, 2021
    Care provider was caring and friendly but nurses were not
    May 23, 2021
    I had a problem and it was satisfactorily resolved.
    Apr 20, 2021
    Excellent doctor. Excellent personal attention.
    Apr 18, 2021
    She is one of the best doctors I've seen
    Mar 23, 2021
    I couldn't have asked for more. All my issues were addressed. I felt comfortable asking questions.
    Mar 08, 2021
    I could not have done better than to be under Dr Porten's care for this condition.
    Mar 07, 2021
    really a competent knowledgeable delightful doctor
    Mar 07, 2021
    I always get the best care from Dr. Porten
    Mar 02, 2021
    Dr. Porten was cordial professional informative technical sympathetic and kind. Excellent meeting her.
    Mar 02, 2021
    Dr Porten is the best. She is an awesome person and Doctor.
    Feb 14, 2021
    professional engaged and energetic. excellent interpersonal skills.
    Feb 14, 2021
    awesome
    Feb 05, 2021
    very courteous friendly and helpful
    Feb 05, 2021
    I already have recommended Dr. Porten and UCSF in general.
    Feb 03, 2021
    dr porten is GREAT
    Jan 31, 2021
    The entire visit with Dr. Porten and her staff was positive. The communication was excellent at all levels and i was very well treated. Dr. Porten is a strong communicator and she has a most pleasing and agreeable yet professional manner. I am very appreciative of he help.
    Jan 27, 2021
    I cannot say enough about Dr. Sima Porten...she is the best!
    Jan 12, 2021
    Dr Porten is wonderful. I'm so lucky to have her.
    Jan 08, 2021
    very good experience
    Jan 08, 2021
    Excellent physician
    Dec 12, 2020
    good
    Dec 11, 2020
    Dr. Porten and her team saved my life. I have complete confidence in my care at UCSF.
    Nov 25, 2020
    good
    Nov 23, 2020
    Dr Porten is the best
    Nov 08, 2020
    Dr. Porten is excellent. She is smart hard-working takes the time to really understand my health and is always caring.
    Oct 09, 2020
    Dr. Porten is an A+ M.D. Highest rating possible.
    Oct 06, 2020
    I'd trust this doctor with my life. I have and I am.
    Oct 02, 2020
    Dr. Porten is one of the best! She is genuine very concerned and gives you such an assurance in every aspect. Thank you CUSF!
    Sep 01, 2020
    I would really hate to have to recommend this doctor meaning that someone that I know has my condition.
    Sep 01, 2020
    dr Porten is wonderful. when she enters the room I get a sense of calm about me. I absolutely trust her decisions and treatment!
    Aug 25, 2020
    As stated earlier Dr. Porten is an outstanding health care provider. I would rate her as one of the top health care professionals from whom I've received care.
    Aug 14, 2020
    Wish the care provider could spend more time with me so I could ask more questions and chit chat about my health. But overall great care provider.
    Jul 20, 2020
    Dr Porten is an amazing doctor with empathy and compassion. Truly grateful she is my doctor.
    Jul 15, 2020
    Dr. Porten is the best. Very understanding and compasionate. I have recommended her to friends.
    Jul 02, 2020
    The Provider was very knowledgeable and well informed. She explained my condition very clearly and completely and she was responsive to all of my questions. Additionally she comported herself with professionalism while maintaining a very pleasantapproachable and agreeable manner. She was a pleasure to deal with.

    Selected research

    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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