Carolyn Rennels, MD

Dr. Carolyn Rennels is a specialist in palliative care who supports patients with serious illnesses by addressing their symptoms while upholding their values and goals. She is honored to walk with her patients on their health journeys and to be allowed a glimpse into their multifaceted lives.

Rennels' research has focused on caregiving, the patient experience (human perspectives on the health care they receive), and how doctors can deliver care in line with their patients' individual goals. She also has interests in the medical humanities (a field that integrates philosophical theories, the social sciences and the arts into medical education) and narrative medicine (an approach to care that incorporates both patients' and providers' unique stories related to a health concern). She loves teaching medical students, residents and fellows about palliative medicine and communication.

Rennels earned her medical degree at UCSF, where she also completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine.

Rennels was born in the Bay Area. She loves spending time outdoors with her family.