Alka M. Kanaya

MD

Internist
South Asian health researcher and yoga aficionado

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.

  • Education

    UCSF, 1995

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Internal Medicine, 1998

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Epidemiology and General Internal Medicine, 2001

  • Board Certifications

    Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    Hindi

    Sindhi

    Spanish

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

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    77 Ratings
    About our process
    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
    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.
    May 11, 2023
    Dr Alka Kanaya is wonderful.
    May 11, 2023
    Dr.Kanaya Is the best doctor I have ever had!
    Apr 06, 2023
    First visit with. Dr Kanaya. She is very knowledgeable and addressed all my concerns. I will be very happy with her as my new primary care doctor.
    Mar 16, 2023
    good experience
    Mar 03, 2023
    Dr Kanaya is the best!
    Mar 02, 2023
    Very satisfied

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America

    Recruiting

    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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