Dennis H. Baker, MD

"Dr. Baker earned his B.A. degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1977 and an M.S. in Physiology from Georgetown University in 1979. He graduated from Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine, with his M.D. degree in 1982 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center in 1985. Dr. Baker is board certified in Internal Medicine and is certified in the subspecialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He holds an academic appointment of Clinical Assistant Professor at the USC School of Medicine as a member of the Clinical Faculty of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. His professional interests include Preventive Medicine, and Palliative Care.

Prior to moving to Santa Barbara Dr. Baker served in the National Health Service Corps. He provided medical services to the uninsured and homeless in Venice, California. In more recent years he has committed time to caring for persons infected with HIV at the Public Health Clinic in Santa Barbara. He is committed to improving the care of patients at the end of life and utilizes these skills in his own practice as well as with the volunteer Hospice agencies in the community. He serves as one of the Medical Directors of the Palliative Care Consultation Service at Cottage Hospital. He is also a Medical Director for Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care.

Dr. Baker is active in a number of professional medical organizations. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Baker is a longtime member and a Past President of the Santa Barbara County Medical Society. He has been a delegate to the California Medical Association. Additionally, his committee memberships at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital have included the Medical Advisory Panel, the Bioethics Committee, and the Medical Staff Informatics Committee.

Dr. Baker and his wife, Stephanie, are devoted to their two daughters and their chocolate lab. When not caring for his patients, some of his favorite activities include swimming, hiking, and music. He lives in the Upper East area of Santa Barbara."

"Premium Care Internal Medicine in Santa Barbara, California, is fundamentally different from the conventional medical practice because it’s limited in size, so we can provide personal attention. The team of physicians, Timothy Leigh Rodgers, MD, Brittany Bryan, MD, and Dennis H. Baker, MD, believe in offering the type of individualized care that can only be achieved when we dedicate time to longer examinations and getting to know each person.

The physicians at Premium Care Internal Medicine are highly experienced in our field of internal medicine, which is reflected in the quality of medical care we provide over a broad range of services. We offer annual preventive care examinations and individualized wellness plans that lay out the steps needed for you to stay active and healthy, from management of chronic diseases to nutritional assessments and help developing an exercise or activity that you’ll love.

Our team also focuses on providing comprehensive care for seniors, working together to find solutions for the unique health challenges of aging and to help seniors maintain optimal health.

The prevention and management of chronic disease is an area of expertise at Premium Care Internal Medicine. No matter what health concern you face — diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, or heart disease — you can count on advanced medical care and the support you need to successfully control chronic disease and continue to enjoy life. Women’s health care services are also offered at our office and include complete pelvic examinations and pap smears."