Joseph M. Cleveland, MD

Dr. Joseph Cleveland is a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in San Luis Obispo with UCLA Health. He treats patients with all types of cancer and hematologic conditions and is board certified in both medical oncology and hematology. A diagnosis of cancer is a truly vulnerable and uncertain moment in life, and he is a firm believer in placing compassion, humanism, and each patient’s quality of life at the forefront of care. Personal experiences with cancer among his own family and friends inspired him to pursue his calling as a cancer physician from a young age, and he employs empathy in the care of each patient as if they were his own family.

Originally a native of central California, Dr. Cleveland spent the latter half of his life in Texas, where he received his medical degree from the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, where he was inducted into both the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at The University of California, San Francisco, where he was elected for the residency humanism in medicine award. He completed his Fellowship training in Medical Oncology & Hematology at Stanford University where he served as a chief fellow and was recognized for the fellowship humanitarianism award. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to joining UCLA Health, Dr. Cleveland has conducted both basic and translational research in B and T cell lymphomas at UCSF and Stanford University and presented in international and national conferences. His research has been published in many prominent journals.

Dr. Cleveland is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and Gold Humanism Honor Society. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children (human and beagle), Ironman triathlons, surfing, cycling, hiking, weightlifting, scuba diving, cooking, and exploring the central California coast.