Vanessa A. Kennedy, M.D.
Specialties
Gynecology Oncology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Robotic Surgery
Surgery - Robotic
Department
Title
- Assistant Clinical Professor
Reviews
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
4501 X Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95817
Driving Directions
Primary Phone:
800-362-5566
916-734-5959
Additional Phone Numbers
Department Referral Phone: 800-362-5566
Physician Referrals: 800-4-UCDAVIS (800-482-3284)
Clinical Interests
Dr. Kennedy provides specialized surgical care and chemotherapy services to women with gynecologic malignancies and complicated benign gynecologic conditions. She performs procedures through a variety of approaches, minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic and robotic techniques.
Dr. Kennedy believes strongly in treating the patient as a whole and incorporating patients and their loved ones into the decision making process. She is passionate about maximizing quality of life for her patients and supporting them in their transitions between the various phases of treatment, from diagnosis to surgery and active treatment and into survivorship and whatever lies ahead.
In addition to providing surgery, chemotherapy and surveillance for cancer patients, Dr. Kennedy also has a special interest in sexual health concerns in women and girls with cancer, and is working to develop a specialized clinic to address these concerns.
Research/Academic Interests
Dr. Kennedy’s research interests include assessing patient and provider understanding of the potential sexual implications of cancer diagnosis and treatment, improving education and resources for those caring for women with cancer, and providing sexual health counseling and support for female cancer patients.
Division
Gynecologic Oncology
Center/Program Affiliation
Education
M.D., Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls SD 2007
B.A., Augustana College, SiouxFalls SD 2003
Residency
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood IL 2007-2011
Fellowships
Gynecologic Oncology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento CA 2011-2014
Board Certifications
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2012
Professional Memberships
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer
Society for Gynecological Oncologists
Honors and Awards
Lloyd H. Smith OB/GYN Excellence in Surgical Teaching Award, 2017
Dean�s Team Award for Excellence, Interstitial Gynecological Brachytherapy Program Team, UC Davis Medical Center, 2015
Fellow Research Day Award, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2014
International Society for the Study of Women�s Sexual Health Poster Award, Biology � Clinical, 2014
Special Resident in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, AAGL, 2011
Endocrine Society Medical Student Achievement Award, Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, 2007
Select Recent Publications
Coady D, Kennedy V. Clinical Expert Series: Sexual Health in Women Affected by Cancer: Focus on Sexual Pain. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2016;128(4):775-91.
Lindau ST, Abramsohn EM, Baron SR, Florendo J, Haefner HK, Jhingran A, Kennedy V, Krane MK, Kushner DM, McComb J, Merritt DF, Park JE, Siston A, Straub M, Streicher L. Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns: What oncologists and patients should expect from consultation with a specialist. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinician. 2016;66(3):241-63.
Kennedy VA, Leiserowitz GS. Preserving sexual function in women and girls with cancer: survivorship is about more than just surviving. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Aug;213(2):119-20.
Kennedy V, Abramsohn E, Makelarski J, Barber R, Wroblewski K, Tenney M, Lee NK, Yamada SD, Lindau ST. Can you ask? We just did! Assessing sexual function and concerns in patients presenting for initial gynecologic oncology consultation. Gynecol Oncol. 2015 Apr;137(1):119-24.
Graziano S, Murphy D, Braginsky L, Horwitz J, Kennedy V, Burkett D, Kenton K. Assessment of bowel function in the peripartum period. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2014 Jan;289(1):23-7.
Burkett D, Horwitz J, Kennedy V, Murphy D, Graziano S, Kenton K. Assessing current trends in resident hysterectomy training. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2011 Sep;17(5):210-4.
Eyster KM, Klinkova O, Kennedy V, Hansen KA. Whole genome deoxyribonucleic acid microarray analysis of gene expression in ectopic versus eutopic endometrium. Fertil Steril. 2007 Dec;88(6):1505-33.