Derek Helton, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Hematology and Medical OncologyDiplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
Dr. Derek Helton is drawn to the care of the whole patient in the fight against cancer and the relationships forged along the way. Dr. Helton's education and training began at California Lutheran University where he received his B.S. in Biological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, in 1996. He earned his M.D. Degree at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha honors in 2000.
He completed an Internship, Residency, and was then Chief Medical Resident in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Thereafter he completed fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles-Olive View and Cedars Sinai Medical Centers, where he twice earned distinction as the Most Outstanding Subspecialty Fellow.
Since 1996 Dr. Helton has actively participated in patient care advocacy on local and national levels. He is a former Delegate to the American and California Medical Associations and serves as a board member for the American College of Physicians Southern California Region III Chapter. In 2010 he was awarded Fellowship by his peers in the ACP for clinical excellence, scholarly pursuits, and work within the community. He enjoys contributing as a mentor to physicians in training through these venues as well.
Dr. Helton is working to head up San Diego Cancer Center’s Gastrointestinal Malignancies program. This includes malignancies of colon, rectum, anus, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
Dr. Helton is a musician and enjoys playing piano, reading, coastal recreation, and travel. He and his family live in Encinitas, CA.