“My best mentors let me find my own voice”
For Dr Soo Park is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego, CA, USA. Dr Park specializes in non-melanoma skin cancers and is passionate about immune therapy and cancer prevention. Her journey has been shaped by mentors who taught her the power of listening and patience, and her daily work continues to be inspired by her patients’ resilience and milestones. Whether it’s a new drug approval or a shared family photo, Dr Park finds purpose in the small moments that make a big impact.
My best mentors have always challenged me to be more than I thought I could be. They showed up, encouraged me to reflect and most importantly, listened with intent. They let me find my own voice. The most valuable lesson that I learned from my mentors is patience with others.
I find it incredibly fulfilling when I can use science and compassion to give more time, comfort and meaning to someone’s life. The relationships I have with my patients and fellow colleagues instill a sense of worth.
Q3. Is there a particular moment or experience in your career that reinforced your passion for your specialty?
Every new drug approval, the family pictures that my patients show me, another birthday celebrated — these moments keep me humble, engaged and inspired. It is a privilege to practice oncology.
About Dr Soo Park
Dr Soo Park is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego. She is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in cutaneous oncology with a focus on non-melanoma skin cancers. As a clinical investigator, she is interested in immune therapy and cancer prevention. Dr. Park earned her medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine before completing her residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis. She completed a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of California San Diego and joined the faculty in 2019.
Disclosure: Soo Park is a consultant for Regeneron and Replimune. She has received grant/research support from BMS.
Cite: Dr Soo Park on finding purpose in every moment: touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2025. touchONCOLOGY. April 28th, 2025
Opening soon!
We are excited to announce that nominations for the touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 will open soon, and we invite the oncology and haematology community to share their suggestions for exceptional individuals who are shaping the future of oncology and haematology through innovation and excellence in patient care.
Nominations for touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2026
Register below to hear about nominations as soon as they open!
SIGN UP to touchONCOLOGY!
Join our global community today for access to thousands of peer-reviewed articles, expert insights, and learn-on-the-go education across 150+ specialties, plus concise email updates and newsletters so you never miss out.
