We're available 24/7. Call us anytime. (888) 552-6760
(888) 552-6760 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Salman Otoukesh,

M.D.

Hematologist-Oncologist

4.9 (61 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center - Duarte
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
Specialties
Hematologic Oncology
Education
Medical school:

Board Certifications

  • 2019, Hematology board Eligible
  • 2016, Diplomat in Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
  • 2019, Diplomat in Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

Fellowship

  • 2019–2020, Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California
  • 2016–2019, Hematology & Oncology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California

Residency

  • 2015–2016, Chief Resident, Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas
  • 2013–2016, Internal Medicine Resident, Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas

Professional Experience

  • 2020–present, Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California
Academic Appointments
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Leukemia, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
  • Associate Program Director of Hematology/Oncology Fellowship (ACGME)
  • Co-Chair ClinicalPath CML, Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, California
  • Physician Leader for Duarte Ambulatory Leukemia Clinic (Triad Shared Leadership Model), Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, California
  • Director of Adult Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivorship program, Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, City of Hope, Duarte, California
About Me

Salman Otoukesh, M.D., brings a unique global perspective to his work at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte, shaped by his experience as the former chief medical officer for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Iran, where he was born and raised. 

He specializes in treating leukemia with a special focus on stem cell transplants, which can offer lifesaving options for patients. Dr. Otoukesh is passionate about exploring new ways to fight this complex disease. “I enjoy thinking outside the box to find different ways to beat cancer.” 

Fluent in both English and Farsi, Dr. Otoukesh earned his medical degree at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. After practicing medicine in Iran for six years, he moved to the United States to continue his training at Texas Tech University of Health Sciences, Loma Linda University Health, and then completed a fellowship in stem cell transplantation at City of Hope. 

Inspired by his father, a devoted doctor and researcher, Dr. Otoukesh takes a deeply personal approach to patient care. He feels at home at City of Hope, a place where the powerful connection between mind and body during and after cancer treatment is embraced.

Patient reviews
The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.
Apr 20, 2026
"Always explains things that I understand and very positive in even the not so good results"
Apr 1, 2026
"Excellent care"
Mar 30, 2026
5.0
"Good"
Mar 30, 2026
5.0
"Good"
Mar 9, 2026
5.0
"Dr. O is very kind and caring along with his staff."
Mar 7, 2026
4.9
"Everyone at City of Hope has been kind, friendly, happy and Wonderful. It's a Lovely atmosphere."
Feb 21, 2026
4.9
"My doctor is the best. He understands my concerns and he explain everything to me. He Is very dedicated. After the transplant he is being very supportive of making sure I understand the processes and the progress of my recovery. He always asks me If I have any more questions before we finish with our meetings. I'm very happy with Dr Salman Otoukesh!"
Feb 5, 2026
4.9
"Dr. Otoukesh is simply the best! Besides his knowledge as a medical practitioner, he is caring and responsive to his patients."
Jan 28, 2026
4.9
"Great system"
Jan 28, 2026
4.9
"The best"
Jan 28, 2026
4.9
"Dr O. Is a wonderful doctor. Very knowledgeable and compassionate"
Jan 23, 2026
4.9
"Totally focused on me, my condition, my concerns and my questions."
Jan 23, 2026
5.0
"They are wonderful !"
Jan 20, 2026
5.0
"Dr. Otoukesh is simply the best. Quite candidly my wife and I love that man."
Jan 20, 2026
5.0
"You never want be a cancer patient. However, if you are blessed to be cared at City of Hope you will quickly appreciate their standards of care are way and above anyone else's."
Jan 10, 2026
5.0
"Always makes me feel good even if my results are not so good!"
Nov 18, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Otoukesh had already reviewed my blood work and went through the results with me. He reviewed my medications and said I should continue on my present regimen."
Nov 1, 2025
5.0
"Genuinely concerned and thorough in his communication"
Oct 30, 2025
5.0
"All very well"
Oct 30, 2025
5.0
"Highly recommended for excellent service"
Oct 29, 2025
5.0
"Dr Otoukesh was incredibly prepared and helpful."
Oct 26, 2025
5.0
"My wife and I have been involved with CoH for 6 years now and this is a wonderful institution and would recommend and use anytime we could"
Aug 30, 2025
5.0
"Detailed and good communication"
Jul 27, 2025
5.0
"I couldn't be happier with the treatment and patient care that I receive"
Jul 23, 2025
5.0
"Buena"
Jul 23, 2025
5.0
"Buena"
Jul 23, 2025
5.0
"Buena"
Jul 20, 2025
4.9
"Dr. Otoukesh does not cover all blood tests, low numbers and what they mean. I was not made aware in year one that survivorship occurs at 1 year will many tests. Dr. O was not readily aware of the breast cancer I had and the treatment."