Spotlight: Reena Cherry, Clinical Advisory Board

Reena Cherry, MS, PA-C, is a Senior Physician Assistant at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center in San Diego, California.

What motivated you to get involved with the Kidney Cancer Association?

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with Dr. Christopher G. Wood at MD Anderson Cancer Center as his Physician Assistant for many years. Dr. Wood’s work in the  kidney cancer space is legendary – he was a past president of the KCA, a world-renowned kidney surgeon, and a fierce advocate for kidney cancer patients around the world. Treating kidney cancer was a passion we both shared through our clinical practice at MD Anderson and through his work with the KCA. He spoke frequently about the importance of the KCA and, in so doing, planted the seed for me to follow in his footsteps years later. I currently work with a dynamic team at UC San Diego Health and remain passionate about treating kidney cancer and doing all I can to support patients and their caregivers. I am humbled to serve on the KCA Clinical Advisory Board and look forward to connecting with the kidney cancer community for years to come. 

How is kidney cancer part of your work?

I am thrilled to live in my hometown of San Diego and even more thrilled to work with a wonderful team at UC San Diego Health in the department of GU Medical Oncology. Our daily practice includes the treatment of genitourinary malignancies including renal cell carcinoma. Not only do we provide outstanding medical care of patients through standard-of-care treatment paradigms but we broaden our clinical outreach by enrolling patients on clinical trials which allows an expansion of our treatment capabilities and further supports life-saving research in the kidney cancer space.

What is the most meaningful part of your job?

The most meaningful part of my job is educating patients about the treatments we offer and the side effects they may encounter and providing critical support for caregivers. When patients have a better understanding of their treatment course and the medications they are receiving, it significantly reduces their stress and anxiety which ultimately improves their quality of life. I am also passionate about supporting caregivers and ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to continue providing assistance for patients at home. 

What are you excited to bring to the KCA?

I have a strong interest in giving educational presentations to the community to provide more insight about kidney cancer, the procedures and surgeries we perform, and the novel oral and systemic agents we have in our toolkit to fight this disease. I hope to partner with the KCA in order to provide this type of educational platform to patients, their family/friends, and the community at large.

What is your favorite travel destination?

My favorite travel destination is LONDON!  I love everything about London and recently traveled there with my family for spring break. Highlights from our trip include delicious Indian cuisine, the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio, and seeing The Phantom of the Opera in West End. It was an unforgettable trip – I can’t wait to go back!   

What do you like to do in your free time?

To support my own health and wellness, I walk, run, or ride my peloton for exercise. I am also a fan of musical theater (“My Fair Lady” is one of my all-time favorites). I enjoy watching my son’s club soccer team compete in tournaments across Southern California and I enjoy watching my daughter’s performances as she pursues her passion as a film and stage actor.