Alumni Stories: Sameer Malhotra '00

Dr. Sameer Malhotra practices urology in Los Angeles, where he has lived since completing his residency training at Stanford University. Dr. Malhotra was born in Maryland and raised in both the San Francisco Bay Area and abroad, in countries including Egypt, Spain, and Mexico.

Question: What are your favorite memories of VP&S?

Dr. Malhotra: By far, it is of all the amazing people I met. A school is ultimately defined by the people who run, teach at, and attend it. Everyone I met at VP&S, from the deans to the teaching faculty, to the researchers and of course, the students, were amazingly talented, accomplished and bright people who wanted to make the world a better place and to help others. It was inspirational and humbling and set a standard for what I strive to be.

Question: What brought you to the field of Urology?

Dr. Malhotra: What I love most about urology is twofold. It is the great combination of medicine and surgery that the field encompasses and the significant impact that a urologist can have on the life of his or her patients. The types of illnesses that we encounter (including the types of cancers that we see, stone disease, prostate/urinary problems, and pelvic disorders and prolapse) are generally treatable and curable. As these infirmities cause significant symptoms and frustration for patients, it's very satisfying to fix their problems and see the impact it has on their health, happiness, and lives.

Question: What’s growing in your field today?

Dr. Malhotra: Among the areas I find the most interesting are transgender medicine and surgery (especially given the cultural shift of the last few years), electrically stimulated chemotherapy (using electrical current passed through the bladder to aid in the absorption of chemotherapy for bladder cancer) and molecular subtyping of prostate biopsy specimens (to help prognosticate whose cancers may be more aggressive or more indolent, which may help guide therapy selection and management).

Question: What are your favorite activities outside of work?

Dr. Malhotra: Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, running, reading, and playing and coaching sports (the latter for my children). I also enjoy craft cocktails and horror movies.

Question: Why did you decide to take on the role of class chair?

Dr. Malhotra: I have very fond memories of my classmates at VP&S and thought it would be an excellent way to reconnect with those I have fallen out of touch with over the years. As doctors, we are all busy and have limited time to stay connected, whether it's through social media or in-person get-togethers. I am looking forward to seeing my classmates at the reunions or at least hear from them on a more regular basis.