Meet Cynthia Tsay, PA-C

Cynthia Tsay, PA-C, is a physician assistant with Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in caring for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment and breast cancer surgery.

She treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Arcadia Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. 

Growing up, she wanted to be a sleuth. 

“I was always drawn to murder mysteries and detective stories. I loved piecing together clues and solving complex problems. Over time, I realized that health care has its own kind of detective work — every patient comes with their own story and it’s up to us to put the pieces together. Becoming a PA gave me the perfect balance of problem-solving and making a real difference in people’s lives.” 

If she weren’t practicing medicine, she’d be traveling with her own pack. 

“Outside of medicine, I’m passionate about exploring new adventures with my husband and our two corgis, Beau and Ruby. From kayaking and paddle boarding to traveling abroad, I make the most of our weekends together. Running their Instagram account allows me to combine creativity with storytelling, sharing our experiences in ways that others can connect with. Blending travel, creativity and celebrating the bond with our pets brings me a lot of joy.” 

People would be surprised to learn… 

“Something that often surprises people is that I speak multiple languages. It’s a part of my background that I’m really proud of and that helps me connect with different communities.” 

Being able to support cancer patients at each step is truly gratifying. 

“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to walk alongside patients throughout their cancer journey. From the difficult moment of diagnosis, through developing a treatment plan, being present in the operating room and supporting them in their recovery, it’s an honor to be part of such an important chapter in their lives. The fact that I can provide care and compassion during some of their most vulnerable moments is what makes this work so meaningful to me.” 

Her patients keep her inspired every day. 

“Knowing that I can be a source of support, comfort and guidance during some of the hardest moments of patients’ lives pushes me to always show up as my best self. They remind me why I chose this profession and motivate me to keep growing as a PA.” 

The multidisciplinary care Keck Medicine can offer breast cancer patients is extraordinary. 

“What I value most about working at Keck Medicine is the collaborative culture. Being part of a multidisciplinary team, we provide individualized and comprehensive care that is truly tailored to each patient’s needs. 

At Keck Medicine, breast cancer care is elevated by our Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic (MDBC). This clinic is designed to provide patients with the expertise of multiple specialists in a single, coordinated visit. By combining perspectives from breast surgery, oncology, radiation, plastic surgery and genetics, we ensure that each patient’s care plan is both comprehensive and individualized. By working collaboratively, we are able to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s needs and ensure patients feel supported throughout their journey. 

It is rewarding to be part of an organization that is committed to advancing medicine while keeping patient-centered care at the heart of its mission.” 

The cancer breakthrough she hopes for: 

“I hope to see liquid biopsies become a reality in my lifetime. Imagine being able to detect cancer early — it could completely transform patient care and truly change the future of medicine.” 

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