Rena Fox

Rena Fox, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She maintains a dual role in clinical care and academic leadership, serving a large primary care panel at Mt. Zion and previously practicing for 19 years in the UCSF Viral Hepatitis Clinic. She also leads national initiatives in liver disease policy and education.

• B.A., Human Biology, Stanford University (1991)
• Post-Baccalaureate, Bryn Mawr College (1992)
• M.D., University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine (1997)
• Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Washington (2000)
• Clinician-Educator Fellowship, General Internal Medicine, UCSF (2001)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, UCSF (2018)

Dr. Fox's research is centered on improving the care of patients with liver disease, particularly hepatitis C (HCV), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Her work spans clinical epidemiology, health services research, and health policy. She has developed electronic medical record algorithms for HCV screening and NAFLD risk stratification, evaluated the cost-effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals, and studied outcomes in vulnerable populations. Her research emphasizes translating evidence into practice, especially in primary care settings.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on liver disease, with recurring themes in HCV, NAFLD/MASLD, HCC surveillance, and health disparities. Keywords include Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, and Public Health, while subfields span clinical scoring systems, telemedicine, care coordination, and policy implementation. Her work frequently addresses care gaps in underserved populations and aims to improve detection, treatment, and outcomes in chronic liver disease.

Scientific Awards:

• UCSF Master Clinician (2024)
• UCSF Health Team PRIDE Award (2019)
• Excellence in Teaching Award, UCSF Academy of Medical Educators (2013)
• Robert H. Crede Award for Clinical Care (2010)
• EASL Top 10% Research Poster (2008)
• AASLD Jan Albrecht Award (2003)
• Outstanding Resident of the Year, University of Washington (2000)

Dr. Fox is deeply involved in medical education and academic service. She mentors medical students and residents, lectures nationally, and has led university-wide committees including the Committee on Committees and Faculty Council. She chairs the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) and co-chairs the SFCAN Liver Cancer Task Force. Her grants include leadership roles in the UCSF Hepatitis C Cure Initiative and a Gilead Sciences-funded project on NASH detection. She has served as a medical editor for the VA Viral Hepatitis Website and Hepatitis C Online, and co-authored VA clinical guidelines on DAA use.

She is actively involved in several key teams and initiatives: the UCSF Hepatitis C ECHO clinic (telemedicine consultation), the VOCAL Study Group (multi-institutional liver research), and the Executive Advisory Board for End Hep C SF. Her leadership in policy and implementation science positions her at the forefront of efforts to eliminate hepatitis C and reduce liver cancer disparities.