Setsuko K. Chambers, MD

Dr. Chambers is one of the few nationally recognized gynecologic oncologists elected to the National Academy of Medicine, reflecting a level of excellence that stands out in the country. She performs open and laparoscopic surgeries as indicated for cancers, pelvic masses, and for high-risk women in need of risk-reducing surgeries. She also has expertise in genetic counseling and management of women at risk for breast, ovarian and uterine cancers.

During her tenure at Yale, she helped direct and mentor 15 fellows in her role as director of Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Research, then director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program. She was the first female tenured professor in obstetrics and gynecology and remained at Yale as a member of the faculty until 2004.

In 2004, Dr. Chambers joined the faculty at the University of Arizona where she continues to actively mentor faculty, residents, postdoctoral fellows and undergraduate students in her laboratory, in the clinical setting and through her leadership positions. During her time at the University of Arizona, Dr. Chambers has continuously held leadership roles in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as Vice Chair and Section Head of Gynecologic Oncology.

Dr. Chambers is one of the few gynecologic oncologist physician-scientists in the country, active as both a researcher and clinical gynecologic oncologist, evaluating oncology patients at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. She has directed a laboratory devoted to understanding the molecular basis for breast and ovarian cancer metastasis and initiation for over three decades. Dr. Chambers increasingly focuses on the tumor micro-environmental influence on tumor initiation in the fallopian tube and ovary.

As a translational scientist, Dr. Chambers also has reviewed and continues to review grants for a number of national entities, including the NIH, DOD, and others. She serves as co-founding editor in chief for a new open access journal American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Throughout her career, Dr. Chambers has served on many national and regional committees, grant review panels and study sections. She served as an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1999-2016 and is certified in the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology. In 2000, she served as president of the New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists. She was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2009 and has authored over 145 peer-reviewed publications and chapters.