Irene Morae Kang

Irene Morae Kang, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope, Orange County, California, where she also serves as Medical Director of Women’s Health Medical Oncology. She specializes in breast cancer treatment and research, with clinical expertise extending to hematology-oncology. Dr. Kang joined City of Hope in 2022 after serving as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Southern California (2017-2022).

Education & Training:
• M.D. from University of California San Francisco School of Medicine (2006-2011)
• B.S. in Bioengineering and Premedicine from University of California Berkeley College of Engineering (2001-2006)
• Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at University of Southern California (2014-2017)
• Internal Medicine Residency at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (2011-2014)

Research Focus: Dr. Kang's research centers on molecular characterization of breast tumors, circulating tumor cell analysis, cancer treatment innovations, and health disparities in oncology. Her work explores exercise interventions during chemotherapy, liquid biopsy technologies, HER2-targeted therapies, and inflammatory breast cancer biology. She maintains active involvement in clinical trials investigating new therapeutic approaches for breast cancer.

Publications: Her recent articles (2019-2021) demonstrate a strong focus on translational breast cancer research, particularly liquid biopsy applications, exercise oncology, treatment complications, and health disparities. She frequently publishes on molecular diagnostics, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and novel therapeutic strategies.

Awards & Honors:

• USC Oncology Teaching Award (2020)
• USC Oncology Co-Chief Fellow (2016)
• Resident Clinical Vignette Competition: First Place (2012)
• Phi Beta Kappa (2006)
• Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (2004)

Professional Leadership: Dr. Kang serves on multiple national committees including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. She holds memberships in ASCO, American Society of Hematology, and contributes to USC Clinical Investigations Support Office committees. Her leadership extends to cancer education programs and integrative health initiatives.