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Kevin McDonnell,

M.D., Ph.D.

Medical Oncologist

4.9 (97 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center - Duarte
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
Specialties
Medical Oncology
Education
Medical school:

M.D., Ph.D., Medicine/Physiology & Biophysics, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Residency:

Internal Medicine - New York Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY

Academic Appointments
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
  • Assistant Professor, Center for Precision Medicine
About Me

Kevin McDonnell, MD, PhD, is a specialist in the fields of medical oncology and clinical cancer genetics at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte. Recognized by Los Angeles Magazine as a Top Cancer Doctor, Dr. McDonnell brings over 20 years of experience to this role, along with a dedication to improving care for cancer patients everywhere. 

Dr. McDonnell earned both his medical degree and his doctorate at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He then completed his clinical training at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Houston and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Before joining City of Hope, Dr. McDonnell spent eight years at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, both in Los Angeles, where his work centered on colon cancer, cancer genetics, functional genomics and precision cancer therapy. 

Dr. McDonnell has led numerous research initiatives and authored many peer-reviewed publications in his field.

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 29, 2026
"Was even able to get information on how the test might affect future insurance."
Apr 24, 2026
5.0
"Dr. McDonnell is fantastic. I'm so grateful he's leading my care."
Apr 23, 2026
5.0
"Dr McDonnell is an excellent provider. I was very impressed by his knowledge and his excellent regard for the patient"
Apr 20, 2026
5.0
"The experience at City of Hope is great from the front desk staff to the Providers, will definitely recommend it to my friends and family"
Apr 20, 2026
5.0
"My overall experience was very good everything was explained in detail while at the same time all my questions were answered in simple terms that I could understand"
Apr 18, 2026
5.0
"Dr.McDonnell understands how important it is for people to trust all members of their care team."
Apr 18, 2026
5.0
"I just went through a bilateral mastectomy, if it wasn't for Dr. McDonnell helping me to advocate for myself I wouldn't have had the same incredible experience. Dr. McDonnell's care is so genuine and he is truly my anchor when it comes to my care team. I trust him tremendously and I respect his guidance on living with Li Fraumeni Syndrome. Dr. McDonnell treats me as a person and not a case. He is truly the best doctor on my team as he balances and juggles all of his responsibilities with such intelligence, grace, and compassionate care. City of Hope and your patients are so very fortunate to have him in our lives. Dr. McDonnell is simply the best."
Apr 4, 2026
5.0
"Good"
Apr 4, 2026
5.0
"Good"
Apr 4, 2026
5.0
"Excellent experience"
Apr 4, 2026
5.0
"Excellent experience overall."
Mar 21, 2026
5.0
"City of Hope has been wonderful. Thank you!!!"
Mar 21, 2026
5.0
"I love this office. City of Hope staff and doctors have been wonderful."
Feb 24, 2026
5.0
"Everyone - nurse, genetic counselor, doctor, checkout receptionist - seemed to have an easy and familiar rapport, and that was comforting."
Feb 24, 2026
5.0
"Dr. McDonnell was an excellent listener and took plenty of time with me, even though my appointment was at the end of the day. We didn't finish until [...], and not once did he appear rushed. This was my first visit with him (I'm a new patient), and I felt so at ease with him. I really appreciated that he gave me a hard copy of the slide discussion that he'd put together, that he clearly explained every step of what he was doing in the exam room, and that he also escorted me to the elevator himself after we were done."
Feb 23, 2026
4.7
"I cannot speak highly enough of service I have received."
Feb 17, 2026
5.0
"I drive an hour or more to see McDonnell because he is such a great physician and I even referred a friend to him. I am so grateful for him. He is thorough and a great listener."
Jan 9, 2026
5.0
"I would recommend Dr. McDonnell, he has been incredibly helpful."
Jan 9, 2026
5.0
"I was diagnosed with DCIS [...]. I put all my trust in Dr. McDonnell to give me the best medical advice. He has been patient with me, he meets me where I am at as I have an increase in anxiety due to this diagnosis."
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
"I was very pleased with Dr.McDonnell and his assistant"
Dec 31, 2025
5.0
"Great experience!"
Dec 31, 2025
5.0
"Doctor and staff all are very thorough."
Dec 20, 2025
4.4
"I left with more questions than I came in with, due to not understanding some of the more complex scientific issues at play"
Dec 9, 2025
5.0
"Super staff"
Dec 9, 2025
5.0
"Very professional all staff"
Nov 11, 2025
5.0
"Dr. McDonnell and his team work together very well and from the patients point of view everyone is grounded and present and ready to make your visit go as smoothly as possible ."
Nov 11, 2025
5.0
"I picked out Dr. McDonnell from reading his bio on the City of Hope Website . I read about 8 doctors bios and Dr. McDonnell was a standout in my mind and as far as care goes he never disappoints. He actively listens to your questions and concerns and of those who love you and accompany you to each appointment. He explains in great detail that's helpful and appreciated . This is a man who got into this field of medicine because he is genuinely interested in the genetic disposition of each person that walks through his doors . Every person who ends up being a patient in Dr. McDonnell's care is very fortunate . I have so much gratitude for this man ."
Aug 12, 2025
5.0
"Especially Dr. McDonnell and his assistant."
Aug 12, 2025
5.0
"I live about an hour or more away from COH so when I have an appt with a new physician, I always want it to be a good experience and Dr. McDonnell exceeded my expectations. He is so thorough, kind, and attentive and I really felt like I was included in the discussion and heard. All of my questions were answered, and he gave me time. It was so so appreciated. [...]"
Aug 5, 2025
5.0
"Went very well"
Aug 5, 2025
5.0
"It was a very nice experience"
Aug 5, 2025
5.0
"I feel like I'm in the best hands!!!"
Jul 23, 2025
5.0
"My recent visit with the Dr. McDonnell was exceptional from start to finish. The doctor was respectful, attentive, and took the time to thoroughly explain all of my options before the examination. He made sure to speak with me beforehand, ensuring I felt informed and comfortable.When it was time for the exam, the doctor stepped out of the room to give me privacy to change into a gown. Upon returning, he clearly explained the purpose of the exam and what to expect. Afterward, he again stepped out so I could change back into my clothes. Once I was ready, the doctor returned to answer any questions I had, which I really appreciated.Later that same day, I received a follow-up call with my test results - a thoughtful and timely gesture. The doctor also went the extra mile by researching and providing me with a list of recommended primary care providers, which was incredibly helpful.To top it all off, the doctor personally walked me over to the receptionist to schedule my next appointment. It's rare to feel this supported and respected during a medical visit, and I truly value the care I received."