Soonmee Cha, MD

Dr. Soonmee Cha is a neuroradiologist who specializes in using advanced imaging techniques to examine brain and spinal tumors in adults and children. She is nationally and internationally recognized for her expertise in performing and interpreting imaging studies and in the use of CT and MRI.

Cha is also recognized for her research on brain tumor imaging that centers patients' needs. She believes noninvasive imaging technologies can improve outcomes by refining diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and enhancing monitoring during care. She has received several grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has served as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on many NIH projects. She has written more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and four book chapters.

Cha earned her medical degree from Georgetown University. She completed a residency in diagnostic radiology at North Shore University Hospital and a fellowship in neuroradiology at New York University Langone Health.

Cha directs UCSF's residency program in diagnostic radiology, ranked number one in the nation for seven consecutive years, and serves as vice chair of education for the radiology and biomedical imaging department. She is an active member of the Radiological Society of North America, American Society of Neuroradiology, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Association of Program Directors in Radiology.