Mark J. Pletcher

Mark J. Pletcher, MD, MPH is a Professor in Residence of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, with dual appointments in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Department of Medicine. He maintains an active clinical practice while leading significant research initiatives focused on cardiovascular disease prevention and clinical decision-making.

Educational Background:

• Undergraduate degree from Harvard College
• Medical degree from University of California, San Francisco
• Master's degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) from University of California, Berkeley
• Clinical Research Fellowship at UCSF in General Internal Medicine
• Advanced Training in Clinical Research Certificate Program through UCSF Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Dr. Pletcher's research spans multiple critical areas in clinical epidemiology, with particular expertise in risk prediction models for cardiovascular disease. His work investigates atherosclerosis development in young adults through the long-running CARDIA study, examines biomarkers including proteomics and telomeres, and addresses the growing public health crisis of prescription opioid abuse. His clinical decision-making research focuses on practical applications for preventing coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

Analysis of Dr. Pletcher's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in top-tier medical journals over the past two decades. His work demonstrates a strong focus on translating epidemiological findings into clinical practice, with particular attention to cost-effectiveness analyses and risk prediction tools that can be implemented in real-world settings. The longitudinal nature of many studies, particularly the CARDIA research, provides valuable insights into how early-life factors influence later cardiovascular outcomes.

As Principal Investigator of the SFCC for the VEST-PREDICTS study (a multi-center randomized controlled trial), Dr. Pletcher is actively advancing clinical care for patients at risk of sudden death from heart arrhythmias. His research program bridges basic epidemiological investigation with direct clinical applications, making significant contributions to evidence-based medicine in cardiology and public health.