Santosh Kesari MD PhD

Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD

Director, Neuro-oncology; Chair and Professor, Department of Translational Neurosciences; Regional Medical Director, Research Clinical Institute, Providence Southern California

Accepting New Patients

Awards and Accomplishments

Overview | Location and Contact | Insurance | Frequently Asked Questions

About Dr. Kesari

Neuro-oncologist Dr. Santosh Kesari is a board-certified neurologist and is currently Chair and Professor, Department of Translational Neurosciences, Saint John’s Cancer Institute. He was named regional medical director of Providence Southern California’s Research Clinical Institute in April 2021.

He is also Director of Neuro-oncology at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, and leads the Pacific Neuroscience Research Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute.

Dr. Kesari is ranked among the top 1% of neuro-oncologists and neurologists in the nation, according to Castle Connolly Medical Ltd and an internationally recognized scientist and clinician.

He is a winner of an Innovation Award by the San Diego Business Journal. He is on the advisory board of American Brain Tumor Association, San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation, Chris Elliott Fund, Nicolas Conor Institute, Voices Against Brain Cancer, and Philippine Brain Tumor Alliance. He has been the author of over 250 scientific publications, reviews, or books.

He is the inventor on several patents and patent applications, and founder and advisor to many cancer and neurosciences focused biotech startups. In addition, he is a member of the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute.

Dr. Kesari has had a long-standing interest in cancer stem cells and studies their role in the formation of brain tumors and resistance to treatment. He believes that in order to cure patients with brain tumors we first need to gain a better molecular and biological understanding of the disease.

A physician/scientist, Kesari harnesses his experience in surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and novel devices to help develop Precision Therapeutic Strategies that will advance medicine to a new stage in the battle against brain tumors and eradicate the disease.

Career Highlights

Dr. Kesari graduated from University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences in 1992 and earned a PhD degree in molecular biology and a MD from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine.

He completed his residency in neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School and his neuro-oncology fellowship at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

He was previously assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital and then professor of neurosciences at UC San Diego.

He is a member of the Society of Neuro-Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Indian Society of Neuro-Oncology, American Neurological Association, and American Academy of Neurology.

Useful Links

Medical Specialties

  • Neuro-Oncology

Accepted Insurance

Medicare, medicaid and most insurance plans are accepted. Please contact us to confirm coverage.

Clinic Locations & Contact Information

Providence Saint John’s Health Center
2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance
4101 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503 

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
15031 Rinaldi Street, Mission Hills, CA 91345

Hoag Health Network 
One Hoag Dr., Building 47, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Providence St. Jude Medical Center
2151 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 3100 Fullerton, CA 92835

Providence St. Joseph Hospital
1000 W. La Veta Ave. Orange, CA 92868

Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo
27700 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dr. Santosh Kesari accepting new patients?

Yes, he is accepting new patients at this time.

What are Dr. Santosh Kesari’s areas of expertise?

Dr. Kesari’s clinical focus is neuro-oncology.

What languages does Dr. Santosh Kesari speak?

Dr. Kesari speaks English.

Is Dr. Santosh Kesari taking telehealth appointments?

Yes, Dr. Kesari is taking telehealth appointments. Please call 310-582-7613 to make an appointment.

Where is Dr. Santosh Kesari’s office located?

Dr. Kesari’s office is located at 2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404.

Articles by Dr. Santosh Kesari

  • Medical Degree

    University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
    University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences
  • Residency

    Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School
  • Fellowship

    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Certifications

    Neurologist/Neuro-oncologist