Christopher R. Abrecht, MD

Dr. Christopher R. Abrecht is a physician specializing in pain medicine. He focuses on improving the quality of life and physical function of patients with all kinds of pain, including chronic pain. Recognizing that every patient is unique, he individualizes care plans that may include medication management; injections; and integration with physical therapy, pain psychology and complementary therapies. He also offers advanced procedural interventions for lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the lower back's spinal canal that compresses nerves) and a variety of other conditions.

In the UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, Abrecht is chief of the Division of Pain Medicine. He is also medical director of the UCSF Center for Pain Medicine.

Abrecht's research focuses on improving the practice of pain medicine. This includes tracking outcomes that matter to patients and ensuring that patient safety remains a priority. His work also centers on transitional pain care, which involves preparing patients for painful procedures and ensuring a smooth transition between outpatient and inpatient settings.

Abrecht earned his medical degree from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He completed a residency in anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. He completed a fellowship in pain medicine at UCSF.