UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care Services: Comprehensive and Compassionate Care

UCLA Health offers comprehensive cancer care services in Pasadena, providing patients with access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, advanced treatments, and personalized support. The cancer center is renowned for its development of new cancer therapies and its commitment to improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Patients benefit from a full range of care and support services from doctors, clinics, centers and hospitals crossing more than 40 scientific and medical disciplines. The Cancer Center has established an international reputation for developing new cancer therapies, providing the best in experimental and traditional treatments.

Expert Oncologists in Pasadena and Alhambra

UCLA Health's Pasadena cancer care services are delivered by a team of highly skilled and compassionate oncologists, including Dr. Dorcas Doja Chi and Dr. Steven Applebaum, and Dr. Kirimis. These doctors are board-certified and experienced in treating a wide range of cancers and blood disorders.

Dr. Dorcas Doja Chi: Dr. Chi is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist practicing in Pasadena and Alhambra. She treats a variety of conditions, from benign hematology disorders to various cancer types, and has a strong interest and focus in breast cancer. Dr. Chi is a compassionate advocate for patients and their families, and designs the best treatment plan for each individual that considers how to improve their quality of life. She received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed her internal medicine residency at Boston University, and her fellowship training in hematology/oncology at Tufts Medical Center. Prior to joining UCLA Health in 2019, Dr. Chi was born in China and moved to Santa Monica when she was 13. Dr Chi is a very experienced breast cancer oncologist. She is not only an expert with the diagnosis and treatment plan but also shows extraordinary compassion to the cancer patient.

Dr. Steven Applebaum: Dr. Applebaum is a highly regarded oncologist known for his expertise, patient-centered approach, and calming demeanor. Patients consistently praise his thoroughness, his ability to explain complex medical information in an easy-to-understand manner, and his genuine concern for their well-being. He is very knowledgeable about patients' conditions and explains them thoroughly. He always takes the time to see how patients have been doing. If there is more than one option patients could decide on, he explains both completely.

Dr. Kirimis: Dr. Kirimis is an exceptional clinician, known for her thoroughness, knowledge, and personable approach. Patients appreciate her ability to explain complex medical information clearly and her willingness to take the time to answer their questions. She is very professional, knowledgeable and personable, showing interest in patients' overall well being as well as specific oncology needs. She is always willing to take time to answer any questions patients may have. She reviews test results, listens to health updates, and speaks about the next scan. She is very supportive, and looks at the big picture.

Comprehensive and Coordinated Care

UCLA Health's Pasadena cancer care services offer a comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment. Patients benefit from a team of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, genetic counselors, and more, who collaborate to design a treatment plan tailored to each individual. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that every aspect of care is connected.

Personalized Guidance and Support

UCLA Health provides personalized guidance and support to help patients navigate the cancer journey. Dedicated nurse navigators help patients understand their diagnosis, coordinate appointments, access resources, and manage side effects. This ensures that patients never have to navigate the cancer journey alone.

A Focus on Quality of Life

UCLA Health recognizes that cancer treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. In addition to leading-edge therapies, patients have access to comprehensive services including early detection, prevention, integrative oncology, wellness programs, nutrition counseling, psychological support and survivorship care. Programs such as the Breast Cancer Wellness Program offer long-term, specialized follow-up care focused on health monitoring, symptom management, wellness promotion and quality of life - ensuring survivors feel supported well beyond active treatment.

Advanced Treatment Options

UCLA Health's cancer center has established an international reputation for developing new cancer therapies, providing the best in experimental and traditional treatments. Successful targeted therapies such as Herceptin®, Gleevec, and Sprycel were developed based on basic science performed in UCLA laboratories and clinical trials with UCLA Health patients.

Collaboration Drives Discovery

Close collaboration between researchers and physicians leads to scientific discoveries and improved cancer detection, prevention and treatment for patients.

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Patient Experiences

Patients consistently report positive experiences with UCLA Health's Pasadena cancer care services. They appreciate the expertise and compassion of the doctors and staff, the comprehensive and coordinated care, and the personalized support they receive.

Positive Feedback on Doctors

Patients express high levels of satisfaction with the doctors at UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care. They consistently praise their knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach.

Dr. Applebaum: Patients describe Dr. Applebaum as caring, thorough, and an excellent listener. They appreciate his calm demeanor, his ability to explain complex information clearly, and his genuine concern for their well-being. One patient noted, "Dr. Applebaum is very knowledgeable in his field and cares deeply about the well-being of his patients." Another patient stated, "Dr. Applebaum was terrific. Explained everything to me very clearly and patiently."
Dr. Kirimis: Patients describe Dr. Kirimis as kind, thorough, knowledgeable, and caring. They appreciate her attention to detail, her ability to explain things clearly, and her proactive approach to patient care. One patient shared, "Dr. Kirimis expresses herself very clearly and is very friendly." Another patient said, "Dr. Kirimis is the best! She literally saved my life."
Dr. Chi: Patients describe Dr. Chi as an expert with the diagnosis and treatment plan and also shows extraordinary compassion to the cancer patient.

Positive Feedback on Staff

Patients consistently praise the staff at UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. They appreciate their responsiveness and their willingness to go the extra mile to meet their needs.

One patient wrote, "Starting off with your front desk….Excellent! These days it’s hard to find an office with such good help."
Another patient shared, "The office staff are helpful and respectful of the patients in the waiting room."

Efficient and Timely Service

Patients appreciate the efficiency and timeliness of the services at UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care. They report short wait times and prompt attention from the doctors and staff.

One patient noted, "On time for this and every visit!"
Another patient shared, "Very prompt. Dr as usual was very informative and a good listener."

Clear Communication and Education

Patients value the clear communication and education they receive at UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care. The doctors take the time to explain everything thoroughly, answer all their questions, and ensure they understand their treatment plan.

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One patient stated, "My doctor took the time to explain everything to me. At the end I didn’t have any questions."
Another patient shared, "He laid out the tissue testing and how that influences treatment choices. My wife was able to join by phone, so her questions could also be answered."

A Caring and Supportive Environment

Patients consistently describe UCLA Health Pasadena Cancer Care as a caring and supportive environment. They feel listened to, respected, and valued as individuals.

One patient wrote, "Don’t feel rushed. My doctor was truly concerned about my health."
Another patient shared, "As always, Dr Applebaum was patient and informative. His calm demeanor made me feel calm."

Multiple Locations

Clinics, centers and hospitals are located in Westwood, Santa Monica, throughout Southern California and the Central Coast.

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