Emad Elquza

Biography

Emad Elquza, M.D., M.B.A., is Physician In-Chief and Medical Director of Oncology Services at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCI Health, and Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. He received his M.D. from Flinders University School of Medicine in Adelaide, Australia, graduating with distinction, and completed his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Arizona, where he served as Chief Fellow. He later earned an M.B.A. with a healthcare focus from the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management.

Dr. Elquza has held multiple administrative and clinical leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining UCI Health in 2020, he served as Executive Medical Director of Clinical Oncology Services at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson and Associate Director of Clinical Services at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. He also served as Interim Division Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Arizona from 2014 to 2016. His clinical expertise centers on gastrointestinal malignancies, with particular focus on esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.

Dr. Elquza has been principal investigator on multiple clinical trials, including an investigator-initiated Phase I study of concomitant pemetrexed and cisplatin plus radiation therapy in esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinomas, as well as numerous industry-sponsored and cooperative group trials. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and presented research at national conferences including ASCO and the American Society of Hematology. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 2007.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, University of Southern California, 1998
• MD, Flinders University School of Medicine, 2004
• MBA in Healthcare, University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, 2018

Distinctions

• ASHP Best Practices Award, Transition of Chemotherapy to the Outpatient Setting, 2017
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Resident Teaching Award, 2007
• Top Doctors, Castle Connolly, 2025
• Chief Fellow, Hematology & Oncology Fellowship Program, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, 2009
• Attending Educator of the Year, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, University of Arizona, 2013
• University of Arizona, College of Medicine Faculty Mentoring Award, 2019
• Phoenix Friends Scholar, Establishment of an Oncology research Program in a community practice, 2012
• Graduated with Honors, University of Southern California, 1998
• Graduated with Distinction, Flinders University School of Medicine, 2004
• Dean's List for Excellence in Teaching by a House Officer, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 2007