Joseph Stephen Ryan, MD

Dr. Joseph Ryan is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist practicing in Santa Barbara. He cares for patients with all types of cancers and blood disorders, with a special focus on malignant hematology and emerging cellular therapies. He draws on advanced fellowship training in bone marrow transplantation to provide leading-edge treatment options. Dr. Ryan is dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care, with an emphasis on building trust and providing clear, thoughtful guidance to patients and their families.

Dr. Ryan earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of California, San Diego, followed by a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Scripps Health in San Diego. He then completed an additional fellowship in Bone Marrow Transplantation at Scripps. Before medical school, he graduated from Gonzaga University.

Before joining UCLA Health, Dr. Ryan practiced as a hematologist and medical oncologist at Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara. His research interests include financial toxicity in cancer care and improving quality and patient safety in oncology. He has presented nationally and co-authored peer-reviewed publications on topics such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cancer registries, and patient safety.

Dr. Ryan’s path to oncology began with early research experiences at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, where he worked in a pancreatic cancer laboratory. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, and being with his wife, young daughter, and their golden retriever. He is also an enthusiastic Gonzaga basketball fan, especially during March Madness.

Dr. Ryan is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH).