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Sanford B. Church,

M.D.

Pulmonologist; Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine

4.9 (47 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center
1000 Five Point
Irvine, CA 92618
Specialties
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Academic Appointments
  • Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
About Me

Sanford B. Church, M.D., was inspired to go into medicine by his grandmother, a nurse, and by the care his own family received during a loved one’s cancer journey. These experiences shaped his calling to oncology and his approach to care — giving patients and families the knowledge and tools they need to take an active role in their health. 

At City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte, Dr. Church is a pulmonologist and critical care specialist with expertise in advanced procedures, such as endobronchial ultrasound and navigational bronchoscopy, which help diagnose lung problems. He has also studied whether current lung cancer screening guidelines work well for patients at higher risk, including patients at the Veterans Administration Long Beach Healthcare System. 

Outside of work, Dr. Church enjoys staying active with tennis and basketball and makes the most of the Southern California sunshine whenever he can.

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.
Mar 8, 2026
5.0
"Dr. Church was referral for pulmonary evaluation. He was very thorough and very nice."
Aug 9, 2025
5.0
"I would recommend Dr. Church to others. He is a good listener and very helpful."
Aug 9, 2025
5.0
"Dr. Church has an excellent skill in communications. He understands the situation and knows how to help."
Jun 8, 2025
5.0
"Dr Church and his care team are stellar in handling my health care."