Dr. Joseph Liao

Professor

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Biography

Joseph C. Liao is the Kathryn Simmons Stamey Professor in the Department of Urology at Stanford University. A board-certified and fellowship-trained urologic surgeon and physician scientist, he is recognized nationally for his contributions to cancer imaging diagnostics. His clinical practice centers on the care of patients with early-stage bladder and prostate cancer. Dr. Liao graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and earned his medical degree from Stanford School of Medicine. He completed his residency in urology and fellowship in endourology and minimally invasive surgery at UCLA Medical Center before joining the faculty at Stanford in 2006, where he currently serves as the executive vice chair. He has held numerous roles, including chief of urology at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and is a member of several prestigious organizations including Stanford Bio-X and the Cancer Institute. His research primarily involves the development of precision diagnostics and therapies for major urological diseases, employing a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates genomics and imaging science. Dr. Liao has authored over 180 publications in top medical journals and is committed to training future physician-scientists through his leadership of NIH-funded programs at Stanford.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2006-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Palo Alto, CA

Joined the faculty in the Department of Urology.

Executive Vice Chair

2025-01-01 — Present

Department of Urology, Stanford University • Palo Alto, CA

Serves as executive vice chair.

Chief Urology

2006-01-01 — 2021-01-01

VA Palo Alto Health Care System • Palo Alto, CA

Oversaw urology services at the facility.

Awards

#

Elected Member

2022-01-01

Courses

UROL 199 UROL 299 UROL 370 UROL 399

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.