11/21/2025
Provider spotlight on surgical oncologist, Dana Dominguez, M.D.
My initial interest in surgical oncology came early on in life, as I unfortunately had multiple close friends with family members who had cancer. Seeing how deeply those experiences affected their lives made me want to have the power to make a difference in those kinds of situations.
Being born and raised in Chico, and having the chance to provide specialty cancer care to this part of California is a privilege. The North State has been long underserved, while also having some of the highest cancer rates in the state. I’m excited to help patients and their families by providing excellent care close to home, removing the need to travel long distances to get high quality treatment.
Since becoming a surgical oncologist, I continue to be inspired every day by my patients and their families. It’s difficult to describe just how disruptive and life changing a cancer diagnosis can be, and I am continuously astounded by the resilience and strength my patients demonstrate throughout their journeys.
What drew me to surgical oncology was the unique balance of complex, technically demanding surgeries with the opportunity to build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients. That combination —precision in the operating room and connection beyond it — is what makes this work so fulfilling.
My wife, Faren Clum, is a Hospice and Palliative Care physician with Butte Home Health and Hospice, and through her, I’ve seen firsthand how vital palliative care is to the Surgical Oncology team. These services support not only patients and their families, but also the providers who care for them. As we move forward with the new cancer center, I hope to continue building these collaborative relationships that truly enhance patient care.
There’s so much misinformation online about what causes or prevents cancer. What I tell people is this: control what you can control. Try to eat healthy, exercise, and make sure to get your age-appropriate cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor. This is certainly much easier said than done, and I am also trying hard to take my own advice!
Looking ahead, I am encouraged that with the new cancer center we’ll have more resources to help patients receive the entirety of their cancer care locally. Reducing the need for long-distance travel can lift a huge burden for patients and families, allowing them to focus on what really matters—healing and recovery.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughters, ages four years and one month. My wife and I enjoy trying new restaurants, I love all types of cooking, watching the Giants, Warriors and 49ers, and torturing myself with the game of golf.
