Dean Schillinger

Dean Schillinger MD is an internationally recognized health communication scientist and Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He directs the UCSF Health Communications Research Program and co-directs the NIDDK Center for Diabetes Translational Research (DREAMS-CDTR). His work spans diabetes policy, health literacy, precision communication, and health equity interventions.

Education:

• Brown University, BA in Russian Language and Literature (1986)
• University of Pennsylvania, MD in Medicine (1991)
• UCSF, Internal Medicine Residency (1991-1995)

Schillinger’s research focuses on health communication for vulnerable populations, particularly addressing health literacy’s impact on diabetes and heart disease prevention. He pioneered precision communication frameworks to reduce disparities and developed scalable interventions using computational linguistics and machine learning.

His recent publications analyze sugary beverage taxation, digital health tools for diabetes management, social norms in nutrition policy, and telehealth’s role in chronic disease care. Key themes include health equity, policy evaluation, and behavioral science.

Scientific Awards:

• 2003 Outstanding Researcher of the Year, Institute for Health Care Advancement
• 2008 Advancing Patient Safety Research Award, National Patient Safety Foundation
• 2009 George Engel Career Research Award, American Association of Communication in Healthcare
• 2013 Everett M Rogers Award, APHA
• 2021 Noncommunicable Disease Innovation Award, WHO

He has led over 300 peer-reviewed articles and secured grants from NIH (NIDDK, CDC, NLM), NIMHD, and private foundations. Schillinger co-created the youth-led The Bigger Picture Campaign and advised San Francisco’s sugary drink warning label ordinance. His mentorship earned him the 2010 Bay Area Research Mentor of the Year Award.