Bethan Powell

Dr. Bethan Powell is a gynecologic oncologist, a specialist in care for cancers of the female reproductive organs. She has been treating and studying hereditary cancers for more than 30 years. As medical director of the UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, she oversees the genetic counselors and works with the program director on development and administration.

Powell's research has examined hereditary cancer risk, primarily with regard to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome. Her areas of focus have included biomarkers and other innovative ovarian cancer surveillance strategies, surgical techniques to prevent ovarian cancer, inequities in genetic testing, and risk management and health outcomes for women who experience early menopause and elect ovary removal to prevent ovarian cancer. She enjoys supporting other cancer genetics projects and mentoring other researchers in the field.

Powell earned her medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Washington University in St. Louis.

Powell first came to UCSF in 1990 and served as the gynecologic oncology division chief. Joining Kaiser Permanente in 2008, she established its hereditary cancer program and directed a network of six hereditary cancer clinics in Northern California. She is excited to be back at UCSF.