Susana Ortiz-Urda, MD, PhD, MBA, is an internationally recognized dermatologist, physician-scientist, entrepreneur, and biotechnology executive dedicated to advancing precision medicine, cancer prevention, and RNA therapeutics. She serves as Professor of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spartia Therapeutics, Inc. and Quantum Dermatology.
Dr. Ortiz-Urda’s research focuses on the development of novel RNA-based therapeutics for melanoma and other solid tumors, including lung and colorectal cancers. Through Spartia Therapeutics, she is translating innovative discoveries in RNA biology into next-generation cancer therapies, with the goal of bringing transformative treatments to patients.
She completed her Dermatology residency and a postdoctoral fellowship in Epithelial Biology at Stanford University, followed by a Dermatology-Oncology research fellowship at UCSF. She also earned an MBA from New York University, combining scientific innovation with expertise in biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and healthcare leadership.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ortiz-Urda has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals, including Science, Nature Medicine, and other high-impact publications. Her pioneering work in melanoma biology, precision oncology, and translational medicine has earned her multiple national and international awards and recognition.
In addition to her academic and scientific leadership, Dr. Ortiz-Urda provides comprehensive medical dermatology care, treating a wide spectrum of skin diseases that extends well beyond melanoma and skin cancer. She is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized, evidence-based care and supports the mission of the Santa Barbara Skin Institute by combining academic excellence with exceptional clinical expertise. Her extensive knowledge across all aspects of medical dermatology allows her to provide highly individualized care tailored to each patient’s needs.
As Founder of Quantum Dermatology, Dr. Ortiz-Urda is also leading the development of innovative approaches to skin longevity, artificial intelligence-assisted dermatology, advanced imaging, genomics, and preventive medicine, integrating cutting-edge technology with personalized patient care.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ortiz-Urda enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their four children. She loves the beach, discovering exceptional restaurants, sharing good food and wine with family and friends, and is known among her colleagues for brightening the workplace with an occasional box of donuts.
