Stanislaus group’s Physician of Year began multiple programs for cancer patients
Dr. David Shiba was a leader for cancer treatment and care in Modesto during a medical career spanning more than 30 years.
He was chairman of oncology services at Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter Memorial Medical Center, and was instrumental in developing multiple programs that still support cancer patients.
Shiba is this year’s recipient of the John Darroch Memorial Award for Physician of the Year, an honor for a doctor who exemplifies clinical excellence, dedication to patient care and community involvement. The Stanislaus Medical Society recognizes a top physician every year.
The form nominating Shiba said he was dedicated to the profession and “thought of as one of the best oncologists in the community. He was the doctor’s doctor.”
Shiba was raised in Sacramento and graduated from University of California at Davis before earning a doctorate degree in pharmaceutical chemistry at UCSF, attending the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (1982 to 1986) and completing a residency and fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine.
Shiba said he was offered four different positions to continue work at Yale but told his mentors he wanted to gain experience through community practice.
Initially, his plan was to be in Modesto for five years and return to academic medicine. But five years turned into 31 years of community practice. “I enjoyed and learned so much from those 31 years,” Shiba said. “It was probably the greatest decision I made.”
Shiba firmly believed that Modesto-area patients fighting cancer should have access to clinical trials. An affiliation with Stanford University made that possible. Shiba also recognized the Sutter system had many patients who could participate in clinical studies with a pharmaceutical company.
He was on a committee that developed a cooperative research group throughout the Sutter system. He was a principal investigator or sub-investigator for a number of clinical studies during his career.
Under his leadership, a complementary therapy program was launched, including movement and aquatic therapy for cancer survivors, while other patients may explore art, music, photography or poetry to help them through their treatment journey. Shiba drew up the proposal and obtained Memorial Medical Foundation funding to begin the program.
“It is a great way to de-stress and take their mind off the actual cancer treatment,” Shiba said. “One year, we had an art show, as well as poems and story writing. I was amazed by the quality of the work.”
Some research has shown a connection between support groups and better outcomes for cancer patients.
Shiba and others also established a palliative care program at Memorial Medical Center.
For six years, Shiba hosted a public television program featuring cancer survivor stories and information about breakthroughs. He assisted his late wife, Debra, with launching the first Relay for Life fundraising event in Modesto.
The Physician of the Year, now 75, said “yes” and “no” when asked if he is retired from medicine. He ended his practice in April 2022 to be a caregiver for Debra, who was struggling with long-term illness. She died after a series of hospitalizations in December 2023.
People with vast medical education and a license remain in demand due to a nationwide shortage. Starting in June, Shiba will return to practice as an internal medicine doctor performing physical examinations at a clinic in Oroville, he said.
He has called Chico home for the last seven years and enjoys biking, skiing and spending time with his grandchildren.
