Dr. Dana Ataya is rewriting the script on what it means to be both a healer and an artist. A board-certified breast radiologist at a leading cancer center, she then heads to intimate live venues or studio sessions to express herself through soulful, introspective music. Her songs are steeped in folk, soul, jazz, and rock, creating emotional landscapes that reflect the resilience she witnesses daily in her patients.
Raised with a deep appreciation for heartfelt music, Dana’s artistic side found renewed purpose during and following the pandemic. She joined The ReMissions, Moffitt Cancer Center’s band, in 2020. “That’s when I began performing more publicly and writing songs like ‘Goodnight Is Not Goodbye,’ and ‘End the Confusion,’ blending my music with cancer advocacy.”
Tracks like “Stage 4 Needs More” and “End the Confusion” tackle heavy themes—metastatic cancer, confusing screening guidelines, and advocacy—rooted in her professional experience. Dana says, “My songs come directly from listening to patients; their strength and honesty fuel every lyric.”
Juggling mammograms by day, music writing by night, Dana keeps creativity close at hand—often scribbling lyrics or capturing melodies between performing biopsies. Her upcoming EP, promises to be a powerful, cohesive statement.
Beyond creating music, Dana is a nationally recognized medical educator and speaker. She has incorporated music at several medical conferences and community events, encouraging caregivers to embrace creative outlets. She sees art and science as two sides of the same coin: both require empathy and connection.
As she builds momentum—booking more performances, expanding her online presence, and engaging in musical collaborations—Dana’s core mission remains unchanged: using music as a tool for healing and unity. “I won’t stop,” she says. “There’s a voice for every story waiting to be heard.”
For readers of Muzique Magazine, Dr. Dana embodies the beautiful overlap of science and art. Her music is proof that when melody meets medicine, the result can be both deeply personal and widely transformative.
