Cary Presant,

M.D., State University of New York, Buffalo, NY

Internal Medicine - Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO

“I believe in talking with my patients and their families to understand what matters most to them. Cancer affects every person differently, so I tailor treatments using precision medicine — with the goal of curing or controlling disease while helping my patients enjoy their lives. My patients are like family to me, and I use the latest advances to treat their illness and improve their quality of life in a warm, caring environment.” 

Since 1979, Cary A. Presant, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.S.C.O., has been caring for people with cancer in Southern California. A board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, he has led cancer programs at respected institutions including Washington University St. Louis School of Medicine, the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Citrus Valley Health Partners and St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles. He also founded California Cancer Medical Center and later merged it with Wilshire Oncology Medical Group Inc. Today, Dr. Presant serves as a professor and clinical co-director at City of Hope^®, where he also leads efforts in smoking cessation through the National Cancer Institute Cancer Moon-Shot Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) at City of Hope. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Presant has been dedicated to advancing cancer research and treatment. He has authored more than 400 scientific publications and written extensively about chemotherapy, precision medicine, cancer detection, experimental tumor biology, pharmacology, and improving quality of life for patients. He has also served in national leadership roles, including past president of the California Division of the American Cancer Society, past director of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and past president of the Association of Community Cancer Centers. The American Medical Association named Dr. Presant to represent them to the United States Commission on Cancer. 

Currently, Dr. Presant’s research focuses on improving cancer cures and outcomes through new therapies and helping patients quit smoking to reduce cancer risk. He has received many grants for his research from the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical companies. 

Beyond medicine, he enjoys being active outdoors, skiing, playing tennis and golf, as well as photography, performing magic and traveling with his wife and family.