About Dorothy Patrice Dada, MD, PhD 

Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurologist Dorothy P. Dada, MD, is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has studied extensively in medicine and neurology, and she holds fellowships in the Steve Tisch Sports Neurology-Neurotrauma program and the UCLA Goldberg Migraine program. This is where she enjoys providing care for her adolescent and adult patients suffering from headaches, facial pain, concussions, and mild traumatic brain injuries.   

All children need heroes, and Dr. Dada’s hero was her childhood pediatrician. It was he who first inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. Perhaps this is because Dr. Dada was frequently hospitalized as a child with severe asthma attacks. Her pediatrician always used his extraordinary skill to create a safe and lighthearted environment during the most frightening situations for her and her family. She saw in her pediatrician a unique ability to balance the art of medicine with compassion and empathy, and her patients believe she brings those same qualities when she is working with them.  

Dr. Dada received her medical training at Loma Linda University. As her studies evolved, she earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience to fully understand the mechanisms involved in brain injury. During these studies, she set herself a goal to develop novel therapies for brain repair. Although challenging, this was also a gratifying experience. During this time, she recognized the importance of genuinely connecting with her patients, expanding her goals, and her true passion for neurology.  

Dr. Dada enjoys learning how headaches and traumatic brain injuries affect her pediatric and adult patients’ lives. And more importantly, she enjoys discovering what she can do to alleviate their suffering. Using a comprehensive assessment, she works with each patient and family to develop an individualized treatment plan that alleviates suffering and leads to functional recovery.    

Not only do her patients recognize her compassion when she is caring for them, but that compassion also extends well beyond her workplace. Being highly active in community service, Dr. Dada enjoys mentoring undergraduate and medical students, promoting wellness and awareness of heart disease in women, and volunteering for health fairs.   

Dr. Dada’s dedication has earned her many honors and awards throughout her academic career. She has produced manuscripts for medical journals and presented lectures all over the country.   

In her free time, Dr. Dada loves spending time with her friends and family, and she is always up for a great music festival or outdoor jazz concert.  Her hobbies include cycling, hiking, running, and yoga, and she especially loves competing in new fitness challenges with her husband, Rodney.