Sunil Sudarshan, M.D., professor in the UAB Department of Urology, has been named the next Associate Director for Basic Science at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective October 1, 2024.
Sudarshan joined UAB in 2012 as an associate professor. He earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University, followed by his medical degree from Duke University in 1999. He completed his residency in urologic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, during which time he investigated gene therapy-based strategies for genitourinary malignancies.
He further pursued his interest in urologic oncology by completing a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute of the NIH, during which his clinical interests encompassed the utilization of minimally invasive approaches to the management of urologic cancers, including advanced laparoscopic techniques for renal/adrenal malignancy as well as robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.
"I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding scientists during my 12-plus years at UAB," Sudarshan said. "These collaborations have enriched our scientific program as we work toward a common goal- to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms driving cancer development and progression. In this new role, I look forward to supporting my colleagues in their pursuit of basic discoveries that will move the field forward and improve outcomes for patients impacted by cancer."
Soroush Rais-Bahrami, M.D., expressed his remarks regarding Sudarshan's new role.
“I would like to congratulate Dr. Sudarshan for his recent appointment to serve as the Associate Director for Basic Science at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, recognizing his exceptional work and accomplishments as a surgeon-scientist, multi-disciplinary collaborator, mentor, and leader in the field of cancer research.”
The below message was sent out on Sept. 26, 2024, by O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Director, Barry P. Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D.
It is my great pleasure to announce that Dr. Sunil Sudarshan will be the next Associate Director for Basic Science at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective October 1, 2024.
Dr. Sudarshan is a urologist and surgeon-scientist who came to UAB in 2012. His research is focused on understanding how metabolic pathways can be corrupted to promote cancer, particularly in kidney cancer. Dr. Sudarshan has served in many important leadership roles at the O’Neal Cancer Center, including Co-Leader of the Cancer Biology and Immunology program, Chair of the O’Neal Invests Review process and Chair of the Strategic Plan refresh committee. As AD for Basic Science, Dr. Sudarshan will focus on catalyzing critical areas for the O’Neal, including promoting team thematic science and driving the discoveries from this science into patient care. In addition, he will work closely with Dr. Beth Brown, the AD for Population Science, to promote research that bridges basic and population science.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Sunil Sudarshan to this new position.