A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, FRCSC

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD

University of California San Diego School of Medicine

La Jolla, California

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, is a board-certified urologist who specializes in screening, detecting, treating and preventing prostate cancer. He has successfully a genetic test to predict lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer. As a Professor in the Department of Urology and Director of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Kader instructs medical students, residents and fellows at UC San Diego School of Medicine. His current research interests include artificial intelligence in healthcare and the use of augmented reality and enhanced imaging techniques for education and improved surgical outcomes. Dr. Kader completed a Fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and a Residency in Urology at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. He earned his medical degree and doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Kader is nationally recognized for his expertise in performing robot-assisted radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for patients with bladder cancer. He holds several patents for genetic discoveries focused on the early detection and prevention of prostate cancer in addition to device patents for prostate cancer treatment. He is the principal investigator in numerous clinical research projects and has published extensively.

Talks by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD

AI in Healthcare: The Hype, The Reality, and The Promise

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Aug 2024

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, FRCSC, explores the current state and future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Dr. Kader begins by analyzing AI’s role in transforming current medical practice.
Dr. Kader acknowledges AI’s benefits, including its potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. When acting as a “scribe,” AI can be invaluable in creating grant proposals, patient education materials, and the writing of operative notes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kader envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into routine clinical practice, augmenting the capabilities of healthcare professionals and enhancing patient care. He calls for continued investment in AI research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of robust frameworks for AI implementation and governance.

Impact of PCa Risk on PCa Early Detection

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Jan 2023

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, discusses prostate cancer risk, addressing PSA screening limitations and benefits of risk-adapted screening.

Clinical Implications of Genetics in Prostate Cancer

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Aug 2020

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, Professor in the Department of Urology and Director of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, San Diego, discusses the use of genetic and genomic prostate cancer markers as a risk assessment tool in men from screening to post-treatment workup. He describes several case studies in-depth, notes what markers were used for each individual case, and details the patient-specific outcomes associated with each case.

The Role of Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Apr 2020

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Professor in the Department of Urology and Director of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, San Diego, argues that genomic risk stratification plays an important role in our understanding of prostate cancer. He highlights the differences between germline and somatic genomic classifiers and the impact they can have on prostate cancer risk and outcome. Dr. Kader discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a wide range of genetic tests. Additionally, he discusses the differences between high penetrance and low penetrance genetic change and the implications they can have on screening, detection, and treatment decisions.

Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection: Should We Follow the NCCN Guidelines? Pro Argument

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Jan 2020

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, argues that although PSA-based prostate cancer screening is flawed, urologists should adhere to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection Guidelines. He outlines how, in order to avoid overdiagnosis and other issues, urologists can be more judicious as to which patients are offered screening, biopsy, and treatment, while not abandoning the use of PSA as a marker for prostate cancer altogether.