Rena K. Fox

Rena K. Fox, MD is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in General Internal Medicine with a focus on liver diseases and viral hepatitis. She practices at UCSF's Mount Zion campus and serves as a faculty member for UCSF's Hepatitis C Project ECHO, which supports providers in underserved and rural areas through telemedicine.

Dr. Fox received her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and pursued a fellowship in General Internal Medicine at UCSF with a special interest in hepatitis C. She has also completed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training through the University of California.

Dr. Fox's research focuses on liver diseases, particularly hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Her work examines diagnostic approaches, treatment outcomes, disparities in care, and the implementation of best practices in diverse patient populations. She has made significant contributions to understanding how to improve diagnosis and management of liver diseases in primary care settings, with emphasis on vulnerable populations including veterans and those with comorbid conditions.

Analysis of Dr. Fox's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on practical clinical questions with direct patient care implications. Her research spans from developing case-finding algorithms for NAFLD to assessing adherence to cancer surveillance guidelines and evaluating barriers to optimal care. A notable trend is her emphasis on bridging the gap between specialists and primary care providers to optimize liver disease management across healthcare settings.

Scientific Awards

• UCSF Master Clinician, UCSF Department of Medicine, 2024
• UCSF Health Team PRIDE Award Winner for UCSF HCV Project ECHO, UCSF, 2019
• Excellence in Teaching Award, The Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators, UCSF Academy of Medical Educators, 2013
• Robert H. Crede Award for Clinical Care, UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine, 2010
• Top 10% Research Poster, EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver), 2008
• The Jan Albrecht Commitment to Clinical Research in Liver Diseases Award, AASLD, 2003
• Outstanding Resident of the Year, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 2000

Dr. Fox is actively involved in teaching internal medicine residents and has developed educational tools and national policies on hepatitis C in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She serves as medical editor of the VA's viral hepatitis and liver disease website and has contributed to large multi-center studies examining long-term outcomes for patients with liver disease. Her work with the VOCAL Study Group has produced significant findings on hepatocellular carcinoma treatment and outcomes.

As a key member of UCSF's Hepatitis C Project ECHO team, Dr. Fox helps support providers across the country by offering information and guidance on hepatitis C screening and care via telemedicine. Her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs has been instrumental in advancing hepatitis C care for veterans, contributing to the VA's leadership in hepatitis screening, testing, treatment, and prevention.