Joanna Doran, Bruin story since ʼ98

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The 2025 UCLA Award for Professional Achievement belongs to Joanna Doran ʼ98 for her dedication to improving the lives of those affected by cancer. The distinguished attorney, author and speaker is an advocate for patients finding a path forward, allowing them to focus on healing.

Doran's commitment began while studying political science with an emphasis in international relations at UCLA. As a student, she worked at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI), where she saw the legal challenges patients faced. She earned her J.D. at Loyola Law School, where she externed for a disability rights organization with a program on cancer. Upon graduation, she received a public interest law fellowship to continue her work in cancer rights. Within a few years, she became director of that program and began teaching a course on Cancer Rights Law.

Driven by these early experiences, Doran co-founded and serves as CEO of the national nonprofit Triage Cancer, the only nationwide organization dedicated to providing free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers.

Recognizing the overwhelming burden placed on cancer patients by these challenges, Doran is sharing her expertise with others. She has presented more than one thousand educational seminars and educated countless students at Triage Cancer and as an adjunct professor of law at Loyola Law School Los Angeles, and Wayne State University Law School. She has contributed to numerous publications and co-authored "Cancer Rights Law" for the American Bar Association, the first and only book of its kind.

Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2009 Advocate of the Year from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the 2015 Legacy Advocate Award from Stupid Cancer and she was named one of the Top 20 Attorneys in California Under the Age of 40 by the Los Angeles Daily Journal in 2010. She has served on prominent committees and boards including the California Division of the American Cancer Society, ZERO Prostate Cancer’s Medical Advisory Board and the executive committee of the American Bar Association’s Breast Cancer Task Force.

Joanna Doran's impact is undeniable. Through her work and her extensive advocacy, she has ensured that millions of individuals with cancer and their caregivers have access to the information and support they need.