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Alka M. Kanaya
5.0 out of 5 (74)
Alka M. Kanaya

Alka M. Kanaya, MD

Internal Medicine

General Internal Medicine at Mount Zion
1545 Divisadero St., First and Second Floors,
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 353-7900
5.0 out of 5 (74)
Virtual visits available
5.0 out of 5 (74)
Virtual visits available
General Internal Medicine at Mount Zion
1545 Divisadero St., First and Second Floors,
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 353-7900

Dr. Alka Kanaya is a specialist in internal medicine who provides primary care.

Kanaya's research focuses on the causes and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and she has developed a three-pronged research program to investigate them. The first arm uses existing studies to test new biomarkers (measurable substances in the body) that predict diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while the second arm studies these risk factors in South Asian patients, who have a higher disease prevalence compared with other ethnic groups. The final arm studies behavioral interventions – such as restorative yoga classes – to determine whether they prevent the onset of diabetes in high-risk groups.

Kanaya earned her medical degree from UCSF, where she completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in epidemiology and internal medicine.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine, 1998

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Internal Medicine, 2001

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Internal Medicine, 1999

    UCSF, Internal Medicine, 1998

  • Internship

    UCSF, Internal Medicine, 1998

  • Degree

    University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 1995

  • Languages

    English

I am grateful to my patients and peers at UCSF, who give my life purpose and meaning.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    74 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 21, 2025
    Wonderful rapport, great listener, extremely knowledgeable
    Jan 10, 2025
    Dr. Kanaya is wonderful in all respects. I feel fortunate to have her as a my doctor.
    Nov 04, 2024
    Always 100% wonderful!
    Oct 11, 2024
    Dr. Kanaya is the best!
    Oct 04, 2024
    Dr Kanaya is a very good listener and excellent at explaining in simple language. She is very courteous and puts one at ease almost immediately.
    Sep 30, 2024
    I was particularly impressed by the doctor's warmth and understanding. I felt that my ideas about my medical were fully understood and accepted.
    Aug 23, 2024
    Excellent
    Aug 16, 2024
    Have already recommended provider to others
    Jul 14, 2024
    Dr. Kanaya is a very caring and highly knowledgeable provider. She receives my highest recommendation.
    Apr 12, 2024
    Dr Kanaya is extremely well informed, personable, and meticulously caring.
    Apr 12, 2024
    Dr. Kanaya is an exceptionally capable physician.
    Dec 23, 2023
    Dr. Kanaya has been my G.P for several years and always scores 5 stars
    Dec 15, 2023
    So happy to be a patient of Dr Kanaya
    Nov 17, 2023
    Dr. Kanaya is the best primary care provider I ever have. She has the best bedside manners, a great listener and a truly caring doctor. I am grateful that she takes excellent care for me!!
    Nov 03, 2023
    This Dr is an excellent care provider.Knowledgeable, caring and communicates clearly.
    Sep 29, 2023
    Dr.Kanaya is wonderful , kind and thoughtful physician.We are very lucky to have her as care provider.
    Aug 11, 2023
    Great
    Jul 28, 2023
    Dr. Kanaya is an amazingly good physician. I'm a physican, and I know one. I'm lucky to have her as my doctor.

    Selected research

    See all research

    My work

    Why Do South Asians Have Such High Rates of Heart Disease?

    Dr. Kanaya disccuses her pioneering research on heart disease in South Asian patients.

    Read the story in the New York Times

    Contact me

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