Matthew DeNicola, MD

Fellowships: Hematopathology, UCLA (2013-2014)
Residency: Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology, UCLA (2009-2013)
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine (2005-2009)

Dr. DeNicola serves as President and Chief Financial Officer of Mission Pathology, where he also directs the hematopathology service as one of the group’s hematopathologists. He also oversees the flow cytometry, hematology, and coagulation divisions for Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories. In addition to his laboratory leadership, he operates an outpatient clinic performing bone marrow biopsies under sedation for patients who require this setting.

Within the Cottage Health System, Dr. DeNicola is Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. In this role, he represents laboratory medicine across the health system through service on multiple committees, including the Medical Advisory Panel, Physician Hospital Efficiency Steering Committee, Surgical Sub-Specialties Committee, Laboratory Utilization Committee, and the Cottage Institutional Review Board. His committee work focuses on advancing best practices, clinical efficiency, and thoughtful laboratory utilization.

Dr. DeNicola is also deeply engaged in professional advocacy at both the state and national levels. He currently serves on the House of Delegates for the College of American Pathologists and regularly participates in the CAP Pathology Leadership Summit and Hill Day in Washington, DC. His prior national involvement includes several years on the CAP Economic Affairs Committee. In California, he serves as Vice Chair of the Advocacy and Practice Management Committee for the California Society of Pathologists. He is also an active educator, frequently lecturing pathology residents on the professional and economic aspects of pathology practice. In recognition of his community engagement, Dr. DeNicola was among the first pathologists to receive a grant from the California Health Professions Education Foundation.

In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Dr. DeNicola provides consulting services to private companies and laboratories. His work spans laboratory assay development, companion diagnostic scoring, clinical trial development, image analysis software and algorithm design, and broader laboratory development strategies. He is certified as an Expert Reviewer with the California Medical Board and is available for expert witness consultations. He also offers practice management consulting to private pathology groups, with a particular focus on small- to mid-sized, physician-owned practices that hold hospital contracts.

Above all, Dr. DeNicola is passionate about extending the reach of pathologists beyond the laboratory. He works closely with clinical colleagues to ensure every case receives thoughtful, personalized attention and prides himself on being readily available for case discussions and laboratory questions. Outside of work, he is an avid Dodgers and Lakers fan, a dedicated coffee enthusiast, and enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife, family, and pack of chihuahuas.