Kekoa Taparra

Dr. Kekoa Taparra is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, with a secondary appointment in Health Policy and Management at the Fielding School of Public Health. He specializes in genitourinary malignancies, particularly prostate cancer treatment.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in novel sugar metabolism pathways in lung cancer from Johns Hopkins University (NIH NCI F31 Award recipient)
• MD from Mayo Clinic with Science of Health Care Delivery certification
• MPH from Hawaiʻi Pacific University

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Taparra integrates basic science, clinical medicine, and public health concepts across the cancer care continuum. His interdisciplinary research spans Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology, Genitourinary Oncology, Metabolic Pathways in Lung Cancer, Population Health, and Health Policy Implementation.

His research has generated over 80 peer-reviewed publications in premier journals including NEJM, The Lancet, and JAMA, supported by ASCO, ASTRO, ASH, and AACR grants.

Notable recognitions include:

• ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation's inaugural Dr. Judith and Alan Kaur Young Investigator Award
• RSNA Roentgen Research Award during chief residency at Stanford

Dr. Taparra actively mentors through ASCO and ASTRO programs while leading translational research initiatives. His clinical work combines advanced radiation techniques with population health approaches to address disparities in cancer care access.