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Heather Player,

M.D.

Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery

4.9 (204 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
City of Hope Antelope Valley
44151 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
City of Hope Santa Clarita
23823 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 250
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Specialties
Breast Surgical Oncology
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Surgical Oncology
Education
Medical school:

2011, M.D., Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York

Residency:

2011–2016, Administrative Chief, The Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut

Academic Appointments
  • Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery
About Me

Heather Player, M.D., knows that facing a serious illness can bring fear and uncertainty, but it can also be a time to find strength and hope. As a surgical oncologist at City of Hope® Antelope Valley and City of Hope Santa Clarita, Dr. Player is honored to walk alongside her patients as they navigate their cancer journeys. 

Dr. Player focuses on treating breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers and soft tissue tumors, including melanoma – one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. Her approach to care is founded on compassion and respect, and she is dedicated to offering the most effective, innovative treatments for her patients. 

Before pursuing a clinical career, Dr. Player completed degrees in both public health and secondary education, teaching science in New York City. She received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College, also in New York, then pursued a surgical residency at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut, where she was recognized as a “State Champion” in a surgical skills contest. 

Dr. Player completed her fellowship in surgical oncology at City of Hope and chose to stay because of the institution’s commitment to bringing kindness and leading-edge science together in the pursuit of a cure for cancer.

Patient reviews
The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.
Apr 28, 2026
"Absolutely love Dr.Player! Excellent Dr!"
Apr 25, 2026
5.0
"Great staff and service"
Apr 25, 2026
5.0
"The care I receive is great"
Apr 20, 2026
4.9
"I always recommend your practice"
Apr 7, 2026
5.0
"I speak often to friends and family about the treasures of City of Hope. Since you expect excellent service and staff is accountable, you know how great they all are."
Apr 6, 2026
5.0
"Excellent, exceptional care"
Apr 6, 2026
5.0
"In my experience, exceptional care"
Apr 6, 2026
5.0
"Excellent experience"
Mar 26, 2026
5.0
"My doctor was very good at making me feel hopeful and she had a very great uplifting personality which made me fill good about what was done."
Mar 25, 2026
4.7
"Good experience."
Mar 4, 2026
5.0
"She is an awesome doctor!!!!"
Feb 26, 2026
5.0
"Dr Player is compassionate and relatable. She took an upsetting diagnosis and made me feel at ease."
Feb 24, 2026
5.0
"Have referred several people to City of Hope."
Feb 5, 2026
5.0
"Dr. Player was such a gift. She reduced my fears, confidently explained my treatment and answered my questions respectfully and was easy to understand. Bravo!!!"
Feb 5, 2026
5.0
"My husband had Hernia surgery and prostate cancer surgery through City of Hope. Every aspect of the treatment, surgery and follow up was exemplary. From the scheduler to the surgeon and anesthesiologist, all were so helpful, skilled and compassionate. I was extremely impressed. Now, I am facing breast cancer surgery and feel that I am receiving the same compassionate and skilled care. Bless the City of Hope."
Jan 31, 2026
5.0
"I will not to hesitate to recommend Dr. Player to anyone who has issues such as mine. She is an excellent provider."
Jan 31, 2026
5.0
"What else needs to be said. I have been put at ease red with my health concerns by everyone working for the City of Hope. Professional, kindness, and attentiveness in putting my mind at ease. The Lancaster staff, I mean all of the staff members are exceptional health care givers, and because of them I'm not stressing over my breast issues. Thank you"
Jan 30, 2026
5.0
"Never any bad experiences"
Jan 30, 2026
5.0
"I recommend everyone to City of Hope"
Jan 16, 2026
5.0
"Dr. H Player was very helpful and explained and answered all my questions with clarity"
Jan 14, 2026
5.0
"Soft spoken and very concerned"
Jan 7, 2026
5.0
"It makes us feel comfortable and relaxed"
Dec 22, 2025
5.0
"I would highly recommend Dr. Player. I have to say she is one of, if not the best doctor I have seen."
Dec 5, 2025
5.0
"The doctor explained everything about her condition and the proposed treatment."
Nov 24, 2025
5.0
"She was fantastic. Answered everything"
Nov 23, 2025
4.7
"She was awesome"
Nov 19, 2025
4.9
"Very good service"
Nov 5, 2025
5.0
"My experience was perfection. From arriving, to being seen and speaking with Dr. Player and her nurses I feel confident that I'm getting the best care for my condition. Thank you"
Oct 5, 2025
5.0
"Dr Player never spoke to me directly. She only spoke to my daughter who was on the call with me. She referred to me only in third person as if I wasn't there."
Oct 4, 2025
5.0
"Listened intently."
Oct 4, 2025
5.0
"Overall excellent."
Oct 3, 2025
5.0
"Made me feel at ease. The Doctor is a very loving warm person."
Sep 24, 2025
5.0
"Wouldn't go anywhere else, or want to change. Love Dr. Player!!"
Sep 12, 2025
5.0
"I am extremely fortunate that I have been seen by very such highly skilled professionals."
Sep 10, 2025
5.0
"Good"
Sep 10, 2025
5.0
"Good"
Sep 4, 2025
5.0
"Very good experience"
Sep 3, 2025
5.0
"I liked her and am confident that she will do everything she can to minimize the risks associated with my surgery"
Sep 2, 2025
5.0
"Love Dr. Player she is fantastic."
Aug 27, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Player showed compassion, listened and answered questions. She made eye contact with put me at ease."
Aug 20, 2025
5.0
"Good"
Aug 20, 2025
5.0
"Great visit"
Aug 8, 2025
5.0
"I love the City of Hope & received the best of care."
Aug 8, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Player is kind, patient, knowledgeable, respectful, intelligent & I felt comfortable with her."
Jul 10, 2025
5.0
"Very impressed"
Jul 10, 2025
5.0
"I was impressed with all the personnel"
Jul 7, 2025
5.0
"[...] Dr Player was wonderful!"
Jul 2, 2025
5.0
"Excellent experience"
Jul 2, 2025
5.0
"Only good experience"
Jul 2, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Player is very attentive, compassionate and kind hearted. I Am grateful to God for leading me to Dr. Player!"