Walter Kinney, MD

Walter Kinney, MD, has a long and distinguished career in conducting research that impacts patient care practices and truly changes – and saves – lives.

Dr. Kinney’s research has been instrumental in the widespread adoption of co-testing for cervical cancer, utilizing the traditional Pap test in conjunction with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test. For decades, the Pap test was used alone. “I saw women who’d regularly had Pap tests come in with cancer,” said Dr. Kinney. “This seemed particularly tragic because cervical cancer should be preventable.”

In 2003, Dr. Kinney’s work helped secure FDA approval for the first HPV test. Kaiser Permanente became the first large organization to implement the test, which has since become the standard of care nationally. Cervical cancer rates among KP Northern California’s members are well below the national average.

With more than 60 published studies to his credit, Dr. Kinney has also has helped demonstrate that co-testing every three years is more effective than an annual Pap test alone. He is currently studying the feasibility of moving away from Pap tests to primary HPV screening.

“Dr. Kinney’s research is internationally recognized for changing the way we care for women,” says Rob Azevedo, MD, Physician-in-Chief, Sacramento. “The impact he’s had is unmatched by most researchers.”