Diana Thiara

Diana Thiara, MD is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), within the School of Medicine. She serves as the Medical Director of the UCSF Weight Management Program and Program Director of the UCSF Obesity Medicine Fellowship, playing key leadership roles in clinical care and physician training.

Education:

• BA in Political Science, Yale College (2010), Magna Cum Laude
• MD, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2015), Alpha Omega Alpha
• Residency in Internal Medicine, UCSF (2018)
• Fellowship in Clinician Educator, UCSF (2020)
• Diplomate, American Board of Obesity Medicine (2021)

Research Interests: Dr. Thiara’s scholarly focus lies at the intersection of medical education and lifestyle-based interventions for weight management. She has developed and leads a Culinary Medicine program at UCSF and pioneered a virtual curriculum for lifestyle change in obesity. Her work emphasizes patient programming, education innovation, and improving access to obesity treatment. She is frequently interviewed by national media outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, and lectures nationally to primary care providers on medical and surgical weight loss.

Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2025) center on the expanding role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, in cardiometabolic health and weight management. These works reflect a strong focus on clinical outcomes, real-world evidence in type 2 diabetes, and emerging neuroprotective potentials, positioning her at the forefront of obesity pharmacotherapy research.

Scientific Awards:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2014)
• Magna Cum Laude, Yale College (2010)
• Robert H. Crede Award for Excellence in Community Service, UCSF (2023)

Advising and Grants: As Program Director of the Obesity Medicine Fellowship, Dr. Thiara oversees the training and mentorship of future specialists in the field. While specific grant funding is not detailed in the text, her leadership in program development (Culinary Medicine, virtual curriculum) and active publication record suggest involvement in educational and clinical research initiatives. Her national speaking engagements and media presence further underscore her influence in the field.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Thiara leads key clinical and educational teams within the UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine, including the Weight Management Program and the Obesity Medicine Fellowship. She collaborates with colleagues such as Jonathan Watanabe, as evidenced by co-authored publications, and is embedded within a broader network of obesity and internal medicine specialists at UCSF.