Dr. Daniel Paley grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, in a family with deep roots in medicine — his father was a surgeon and his grandfather a physician. He’s wanted to be a doctor for as long as he can remember, and initially expected to go into family medicine. During his surgical rotations in medical school, he found his path; he enjoyed the problem-solving, hands-on nature of surgery and the immediate feedback it offers. It was also a chance to help resolve what’s troubling a patient so they can get back to their life.
Dr. Paley earned his medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at Wayne State University in Detroit. He then completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, building his expertise in advanced laparoscopic techniques. He has practiced general surgery for more than 30 years and is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Paley takes a collaborative approach to patient care, taking the time to understand each patient’s full health history before discussing their treatment options. He wants patients to understand not just what’s available, but why one path may be the better fit for them.
Breast cancer care is a particular interest of Dr. Paley’s. He’s energized by advances in medicine that let doctors de-escalate treatment for the individual, targeting cancer cells more precisely while achieving the same outcomes. It’s also an area where he values the strong, lasting relationships he builds with patients.
Drawn to Glacial Ridge Health System by its supportive environment for both patients and providers, Dr. Paley joined GRHS in 2026.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Paley stays active: swimming, biking, kayaking, hiking, and learning pickleball. He also enjoys music and theater, and is a big fan of Ohio State football. Dr. Paley and his wife have two adult daughters, and now share their home with a young Golden Retriever.