Jamie Fertal, D.O., is a noted specialist in palliative medicine for cancer patients. She focuses on therapies that improve the quality of life at any stage of the patient's cancer journey – from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Dr. Fertal joined City of Hope as an associate clinical professor in the Department of Supportive Care Medicine, which focuses on evidence-based therapies that may improve quality of life, promote healing and prevent complications. City of Hope is a leader in supportive services and advocates for establishing supportive care as a standard best practice for cancer care in the United States.
The author of several clinical research studies, Dr. Fertal has published on both the physiological and emotional aspects of palliative and hospice care. She is noted for studies that provide ethical guidance for clinicians.
Dr. Fertal previously served as medical director for outpatient palliative care at Providence in Southern California. She received her doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri and furthered her training in geriatrics and palliative medicine through a fellowship at University of California Irvine. Her special interest is in assisting older adults with cognitive and functional challenges.
Driven by her belief in integrative medicine and a multispecialty approach to cancer treatment, Dr. Fertal collaborates with a team of City of Hope specialists to develop a personalized care plan for each patient.
2012, Hospice and Palliative Medicine
2011, Geriatric Medicine
2010, American Board of Internal Medicine
2006, D.O., Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine of AT Still University, Kirksville, Missouri
2001, B.S., Biologic Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
2012, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California/St. Joseph’s Hospice
2011, Geriatric Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California
2010, Banner Good Samaritan/Phoenix VA Internal Medicine Residency, Phoenix, Arizona
2007, Downey Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Residency, Downey, California
2006, Doctor’s Hospital of Montclair, Montclair, California
2023-Present, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope, Orange County, California
2018-2023, Outpatient Supportive Care Medicine/Palliative Care Medical Director, and Inpatient consultation team, St Josephs Center for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
2016-2018, Medical Director, Aetna, California and Hawaii
2011-2016, Assistant Professor and Medical Director of the Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic, University of California Irvine, California
AAHPM