About Us

• Dr. Deborah Villa is a hematologist and medical oncologist who practices in San Luis Obispo. She sees patients with all types of malignancies, but has a special interest in women's health and breast cancer. She is board certified in hematology and medical oncology. Dr. Villa is a compassionate physician who treats the whole person by focusing not only on their disease and physical health, but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. She works with other physicians to provide patients with an integrative approach to cancer care, and also relies on the latest advances in medicine, including molecular analysis, to diagnose tumors and identify targetable mutations. The San Luis Obispo location participates in UCLA Health's full list of clinical trials. Dr. Villa received her medical degree from Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. She completed her internal medicine residency at a joint program between Northwestern University and Evanston Hospital, where she received the highest academic achievement and was named chief resident. After her residency, she spent an additional year conducting breast cancer research. She then returned to California, where she was born and raised, and completed a three year fellowship in bone marrow transplant, hematology and medical oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Prior to joining UCLA Health in 2019, Dr. Villa provided cancer treatment and care for two decades to patient's in California's Central Coast. She is a member of the American Society of Medical Oncology. When she's not working, Dr. Villa enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, birding, photography and swimming.