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Best Internists in San Francisco

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 14, 2024

Introduction to Internal Medicine in San Francisco

Overview of Internal Medicine

Internal medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of adult diseases.

Internists, also known as general internists or physicians, serve as primary care providers for adults and manage complex medical conditions.

Importance of Internal Medicine in San Francisco

San Francisco's urban environment and lifestyle factors contribute to a higher prevalence of certain chronic diseases, making internal medicine particularly important.

The city's diverse population, including various ethnic groups and a significant LGBTQ+ community, requires internists who can provide culturally competent care and address specific health concerns.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Internist in San Francisco

When selecting an internist in San Francisco, consider their qualifications, board certifications, and any subspecialties they may have.

Look for doctors with experience treating conditions relevant to your health needs.

Given San Francisco's diverse population, language proficiency and cultural competence are important factors to consider.

Consider the location of the doctor's practice and its accessibility via public transportation or parking options.


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List of Internists in San Francisco

Dr. Collin Leong

Dr. Collin Leong

5.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese)

Dr. Collin Leong, an Internist and Primary Care Doctor based in San Francisco, CA, is affiliated with Collin Leong, MD, Inc. He holds certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine and completed his education at the University of California, San Francisco, with internships at Los Angeles County General and residency at Kaiser Hospital Oakland. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Dr. Leong accepts patients under networks like Cigna, Health Net, and GWH-Cigna. Known for his exceptional care, Dr. Leong has a 5.0-star rating, offering a diverse linguistic approach to healthcare in the area.

Collin Leong, MD, Inc.

American Board of Internal Medicine

Medical School - University of California

Medical School - San Francisco

Los Angeles County General Internship

Kaiser Hospital Oakland Residency

English

Chinese (Mandarin)

Chinese (Cantonese)

Cigna

Health Net

GWH-Cigna (formerly Great West Healthcare)

1842 Noriega Street San Francisco, CA

929 Clay Street, Suite 301 San Francisco, CA

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Dr. Annette Kwon

Dr. Annette Kwon

5.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Dr. Annette Kwon, an internist and gastroenterologist based in San Francisco, CA, brings a wealth of expertise from her medical training at John's Hopkins Medical School. Her residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco further solidify her credentials. Fluent in English, Dr. Annette Kwon is affiliated with Annette Kwon, MD and is associated with networks including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross. With a top-notch 5.0 star rating, she is recognized for her exceptional care and commitment to her patients.

Annette Kwon, MD

Massachusetts General Hospital (Residency)

Medical School - John's Hopkins Medical School

University of California, San Francisco (Fellowship)

English

Aetna

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross

2100 Webster Street, Suite 423 San Francisco, CA

Internist

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Dawn Harbatkin

Dr. Dawn Harbatkin

5.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Dr. Dawn Harbatkin is an internist and primary care doctor based in San Francisco, CA. She completed her medical education at Columbia University and Montefiore Medical Center, with residency training in Social Medicine. Dr. Harbatkin is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Lyon Martin Health Services. Fluent in English and Spanish, she accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and San Francisco Health Plan. Patients highly rate her with a 5.0-star rating.

Lyon Martin Health Services

American Board of Internal Medicine

Medical School - Columbia University

Montefiore Medical Center, Residency in Social Medicine

English

Spanish

Medicare

Medi-Cal

San Francisco Health Plan

1748 Market St., Suite 201 San Francisco, CA

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Dr. Eduardo Dolhun

Dr. Eduardo Dolhun

5.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Dr. Eduardo Dolhun is an experienced medical provider specializing in internal medicine, primary care, and family medicine in San Francisco, CA. He completed his medical education at The Mayo Clinic and pursued multiple fellowships including faculty development at UCSF Medical Center and medical school research at UCSF/Stanford University. Dr. Dolhun also holds a fellowship in obstetrics from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is affiliated with Dolhun Clinic and maintains a stellar 5.0 star rating.

Dolhun Clinic

Medical School - The Mayo Clinic

Residency - The Mayo Clinic

Fellowship - Faculty Development, UCSF Medical Center

Fellowship - Medical School Research, UCSF/Stanford University

Fellowship - Obstetrics, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

English

Spanish

2100 Webster Street, Suite 302 San Francisco, CA

Family Physician

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Dr. Yong Liu

Dr. Yong Liu

5.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese), Tagalog

Dr. Yong Liu, an internist based in San Francisco, CA, brings expertise honed through education at Bejing Medical University and Saint Mary's Medical Center. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he offers care in English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese, and Tagalog. Dr. Liu boasts affiliations with Yong Liu, MD, PhD, and is part of networks like Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, demonstrating a strong professional standing. With a stellar 5.0-star rating, Dr. Yong Liu provides high-quality medical services in the San Francisco area.

Yong Liu, MD, PhD

American Board of Internal Medicine

Saint Mary's Medical Center (Residency)

Medical School - Bejing Medical University

English

Chinese (Mandarin)

Chinese (Cantonese)

Tagalog

Aetna

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield

416 Sixteenth Avenue San Francisco, CA

Internist

Dr. David Shu

Dr. David Shu

5.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Dr. David Shu, an internist based in San Francisco, CA, is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital and obtained his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Fluent in English, Dr. Shu is affiliated with David P. Shu, MD and is connected with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Beech Street networks. Patients have given him a top-notch 5.0 star rating.

David P. Shu, MD

American Board of Internal Medicine

Lehigh Valley Hospital (Residency)

Medical School - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

English

Aetna

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Beech Street

2645 Ocean Avenue, Suite 303 San Francisco, CA

Internist

Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco

Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco

4.0

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish, Tagalog

Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco, an internist and primary care doctor based in San Francisco, CA, offers care services in English, Spanish, and Tagalog. Graduating from the University of the East Medical School, he is affiliated with Carmelo Lim Roco, MD, and is a part of networks such as Aetna, Beech Street, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Patients have rated him at 4.0 stars.

Carmelo Lim Roco, MD

Medical School - University of the East

English

Spanish

Tagalog

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Beech Street

490 Post Street, Suite 901 San Francisco, CA

901 Campus Drive, 108a Daly City, CA

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Dr. Hector Santiesteban

Dr. Hector Santiesteban

N/A

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Cantonese)

Dr. Hector Santiesteban is an accomplished medical provider based in San Francisco, CA. With specialties in internal medicine, primary care, and nephrology, he brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. His education includes a Doctor of Medicine from Emory University, followed by an internship and residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, as well as a fellowship in nephrology at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Dr. Santiesteban holds certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and nephrology. Fluent in English, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese (Cantonese), he ensures effective communication with a diverse patient population. Affiliated with various networks including Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dr. Santiesteban provides comprehensive care to his patients.

Hector Santiesteban

American Board of Internal Medicine

Nephrology (Internal Medicine)

Medical School - Emory University, Doctor of Medicine

Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Internship)

Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Residency in Internal Medicine

University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Fellowship in Nephrology

English

Spanish

Russian

Chinese (Cantonese)

Aetna

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross

1199 Bush Street, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA

119 Bush St, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Nephrologist

Dr. Benjamin Maeck

Dr. Benjamin Maeck

N/A

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Dr. Benjamin Maeck, an internist based in San Francisco, CA, received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Vermont and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Fluent in English, he is affiliated with Benjamin Maeck III and is part of the Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare networks, providing a wide range of medical services to his patients.

Benjamin Maeck III

American Board of Internal Medicine

Medical School - University of Vermont, Doctor of Medicine

English

UnitedHealthcare

Aetna

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

2250 Hayes St, suite 205 San Francisco, CA

Internist

Dr. Nikola Bukurov

Dr. Nikola Bukurov

N/A

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Serbo-Croatian

Dr. Nikola Bukurov, an Internist and Primary Care Doctor practicing in San Francisco, CA, brings a diverse medical background with education from Belgrade Medical School in Yugoslavia and Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Proficient in English and Serbo-Croatian, he is affiliated with Nikola Bukurov, MD and accepts Aetna, Cigna, and POMCO insurance plans. His experience and expertise provide a valuable healthcare resource in the San Francisco area.

Nikola Bukurov, MD

Medical School - Belgrade Medical School - Yugoslavia

Sinai Hospital - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

English

Serbo-Croatian

Cigna

Aetna

POMCO

3905 Sacramento Street, Suite 103 San Francisco, CA

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Dr. J. Nicholas Jew

Dr. J. Nicholas Jew

N/A

San Francisco, CA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Chinese (Cantonese)

Dr. J. Nicholas Jew is an internist and primary care doctor based in San Francisco, CA. He obtained his medical degree from Creighton School of Medicine and completed his training at Alameda Healthcare Center. Dr. Jew is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is fluent in English and Chinese (Cantonese). He is affiliated with J. Nicholas Jew, MD and accepts various insurance networks including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

J. Nicholas Jew, MD

American Board of Internal Medicine

Medical School - Creighton School of Medicine

Alameda Healthcare Center

English

Chinese (Cantonese)

Cigna

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

919 Clay Street San Francisco, CA

Primary Care Doctor

Internist

Choosing an Internal Medicine Doctor in San Francisco

Understanding Internal Medicine

Definition and scope of internal medicine

  • Comprehensive care for adults
  • Focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases

Importance of selecting the right internist

  • Long-term health management
  • Coordination of specialized care when needed

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Internist in San Francisco

Qualifications and Certifications

  • Board certification (e.g., American Board of Internal Medicine)
  • Educational background and training
  • Continuing education and specializations

Experience and Expertise

  • Years of practice
  • Areas of specialization within internal medicine
  • Familiarity with specific health conditions

Patient Reviews and Ratings

  • Overall star ratings
  • Number of reviews
  • Specific feedback on care quality and patient experience

Language and Cultural Competence

  • Multilingual capabilities
  • Understanding of diverse cultural health practices

Insurance and Network Participation

  • Acceptance of major insurance plans
  • In-network status with your provider

Location and Accessibility

  • Proximity to your home or workplace
  • Office hours and availability
  • Telemedicine options

Steps in the Selection Process

Research potential providers

  • Use online directories and review platforms
  • Check doctor profiles on hospital websites

Verify credentials and board certifications

  • Use the American Board of Medical Specialties website
  • Check with the California Medical Board

Schedule consultations

  • Prepare questions about their approach to care
  • Discuss any specific health concerns

Evaluate personal comfort and communication

  • Assess the doctor's listening skills and empathy
  • Ensure clear and understandable explanations

Consider practical factors

  • Office environment and staff friendliness
  • Ease of scheduling appointments
  • After-hours care options

Top-Ranked Internal Medicine Doctors in San Francisco

Dr. Collin Leong

Qualifications and Experience

  • Board-certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Education from University of California, San Francisco
  • Internship at Los Angeles County General
  • Residency at Kaiser Hospital Oakland

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Chinese (Cantonese)

Patient Rating

  • 5.0-star rating

Contact Information

  • Locations: 1842 Noriega Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
  • 929 Clay Street, Suite 301, San Francisco, CA 94108

Dr. Annette Kwon

Qualifications and Experience

  • Medical education from John's Hopkins Medical School
  • Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Fellowship at University of California, San Francisco

Specializations

  • Internal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Patient Rating

  • 5.0-star rating

Contact Information

  • Location: 2100 Webster Street, Suite 423, San Francisco, CA 94115

Dr. Dawn Harbatkin

Qualifications and Experience

  • Board-certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Medical education from Columbia University
  • Residency in Social Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Patient Rating

  • 5.0-star rating

Contact Information

  • Location: 1748 Market St., Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94102

Additional Resources for Finding Internal Medicine Doctors in San Francisco

Online Healthcare Platforms

Zocdoc

  • User-friendly interface for searching and booking appointments
  • Provides detailed doctor profiles, including patient reviews and ratings
  • Allows filtering by insurance accepted and available appointment times

Healthgrades

  • Comprehensive database of doctors and hospitals
  • Offers patient reviews and ratings
  • Provides information on doctor's education, board certifications, and hospital affiliations

Professional Medical Associations

American College of Physicians (ACP) - Northern California Chapter

  • Provides a directory of internists in the San Francisco area
  • Offers educational resources and events for both doctors and patients
  • Can be a reliable source for finding board-certified internists

San Francisco Medical Society

  • Local medical association with a directory of member physicians
  • Offers community health resources and educational programs
  • Can provide information on local healthcare initiatives and policies

Insurance Provider Networks

Utilizing Insurance Company Websites

  • Most insurance providers offer online tools to find in-network doctors
  • Can help patients find internists who accept their specific insurance plan
  • Often include basic information about the doctor's practice and specialties

Common Insurance Networks in San Francisco

  • Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna are widely accepted
  • Some doctors also accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, and San Francisco Health Plan
  • Check with individual doctors for the most up-to-date insurance information