Edgar Pierluissi

Edgar Pierluissi, MD, is a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He serves as the Medical Director of the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where he has led initiatives to improve care for older adults since founding the unit in 2007. His work bridges clinical medicine, healthcare quality improvement, and medical education.

• University: University of California, San Francisco
• School: School of Medicine
• Role: Professor of Clinical Medicine
• Key Position: Medical Director, Acute Care for Elders Unit, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

Dr. Pierluissi is dedicated to enhancing care for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults in safety-net settings. His research and clinical interests include geriatrics, hospital medicine, transitions of care, polypharmacy, and healthcare systems improvement. He has pioneered educational programs to teach health systems science and quality improvement to medical students, emphasizing early clinical engagement and systems thinking.

His recent publications (2020–2023) reflect a strong focus on integrating clinical skills with health systems improvement in medical education, particularly through clerkships and student-led projects. Earlier works (2011–2019) highlight his contributions to understanding hospitalization-associated disability, optimizing discharge processes, reducing polypharmacy, and improving care models for elders. The recurring themes across his research include patient safety, interprofessional collaboration, and sustainable quality improvement in resource-limited environments.

Dr. Pierluissi has no listed scientific awards in the provided text.

He has advised or collaborated with numerous researchers and clinicians, though specific student advisees are not listed. His work has been supported through institutional roles and quality improvement initiatives, particularly at UCSF and SFGH. He is actively involved in leading and sustaining clinical programs focused on geriatric care and systems innovation.

Dr. Pierluissi leads the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, a specialized inpatient unit designed to meet the needs of older adults. This team integrates geriatrics, hospital medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care aimed at preventing functional decline and improving discharge outcomes.