Eric J. Small

MD FASCO

Co-director, Urologic Cancer Service
Genitourinary oncologist
Prostate cancer investigator, avid baker and runner

Dr. Eric J. Small is a hematologist-oncologist. He co-directs UCSF's urological cancer service for patients and research program in urological oncology. In both patient care and research, he focuses on prostate cancer, immunotherapy and how biological mechanisms of the body may create resistance to standard therapies.

Small earned his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, graduating with honors. While in medical school, he completed a fellowship in pathology. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in hematology and oncology at UCSF.

Small is a member of several professional medical societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Urological Association.

In addition to the previously mentioned leadership roles, Small serves as co-leader of the UCSF Prostate Cancer Program and as deputy director and chief scientific officer of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. For 10 years, he served as chief of the UCSF Division of Hematology and Oncology. He serves on the ASCO board of directors and chairs four external advisory boards for other cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. He is an international leader in prostate cancer research and has published more than 380 peer-reviewed articles.

  • Education

    Case Western Reserve, 1985

  • Residencies

    Beth Israel Hospital Boston, Internal Medicine, 1988

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Hematology, 1991

    UCSF, Oncology, 1995

  • Board Certifications

    Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

    Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    Chinese

    Spanish

The research we do at UCSF benefits patients directly by allowing us to transform discoveries into personalized cancer care.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    201 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 23, 2023
    Would absolutely recommend Dr. Eric Small to all those who need his services. He listens to patient and is very patient if patient is not understanding. Repeats . Makes the patient very comfortable . He is an expert. And provides best service possible.
    May 31, 2023
    Dr Small is the best!
    May 19, 2023
    Terrific
    May 08, 2023
    Dr Smalls team has been fantastic since the beginnig
    May 03, 2023
    As always Dr. Small and his staff have always been: professional personable concerned and very much human beings when giving information or listening to my concerns. Never have they attempted to rush through a meeting and always took the time needed to explain thoroughly and listen attentively. My wife and I very much appreciate all who we come in contact in his office. Thank you.
    May 03, 2023
    Dr Small is an amazing care provider and so kind and thoughtful in his interactions with me.
    Mar 12, 2023
    As always great experience!! What else does one expect when one has the best oncologist around?
    Mar 06, 2023
    Dr Small and his team are the best
    Feb 22, 2023
    Outstanding care and tremendous professional people with a world class MD
    Feb 18, 2023
    It was the best medical experience ever; the doctor was wonderful.
    Feb 15, 2023
    Dr. Eric Small is an amazing doctor!
    Feb 14, 2023
    Great!
    Feb 09, 2023
    Always find my appointments with Dr Small to be informative and enjoyable
    Jan 25, 2023
    Time spent with his Fellow before speaking with Doctor was confusing and counter productive I thought
    Jan 05, 2023
    Dr. Small is the best. Period.
    Dec 12, 2022
    Very helpful in evaluating my options for treatment and understanding my choice.
    Nov 30, 2022
    I appreciate Dr. Small's expertise thoroughness and manner.
    Nov 23, 2022
    Excellent knowledge and caring attitudes.
    Nov 22, 2022
    Very good is insufficient fantastic oils a better description. Cleat concise explanations of options. He really listened and explained decisions.
    Nov 09, 2022
    Dr. Eric is a great listener and the most patient doctor I have ever met. He answers each question and in ways I can understand. He cares and devises a plan of treatment . I would recommend him to everyone.
    Nov 09, 2022
    Dr. Small is an outstanding clinician.
    Nov 01, 2022
    It may seem I'm just giving top ratings by rote but this is what I experienced from my team at UCSF!
    Sep 01, 2022
    Excellent. Informed does not necessarily equal responsive and communicative
    Aug 13, 2022
    If there were an option for excellent I would have chosen that.
    Aug 08, 2022
    I really couldn't ask for better care
    Jul 26, 2022
    Excellent care!
    Jul 25, 2022
    EXCELLENT CARE !!
    Apr 27, 2022
    Dr. Small and the Fellow both were friendly communicative and supportive.
    Apr 16, 2022
    Dr small is outstanding. Very clear and comprehensive. And offers time for questions.
    Apr 16, 2022
    Good so far
    Mar 28, 2022
    I am extremely pleased with my team of prostate oncology
    Feb 16, 2022
    Dr. Small is a first rate clinician who always makes you feel that your humanity is front and center.
    Feb 14, 2022
    To early
    Jan 24, 2022
    He takes care of me very well
    Jan 17, 2022
    Dr. Small is one of the best physicians I've had the opportunity to consult with from time to time about my prostate cancer. He really knows his "stuff" has excellent communication skills and is kind. He appreciates nuance and does a great job of explaining circumstances where the "data" is either inconclusive or simply hasn't caught up with changes in approaches to this disease's progression
    Dec 20, 2021
    Dr. Small was well prepared and very clear in his description of history and explanation of future treatment.
    Dec 18, 2021
    Dr Small and his assistant are first and foremost care givers. They are always prepared with the most current information regarding my care and have my chart at hand. I have truly been blessed to have them both looking after my health concerns.
    Dec 15, 2021
    Extremely good consult. Very educational discussion and Dr Small's expertise presented very well.
    Dec 15, 2021
    Dr. Small is a terrific clinician and an amazing human being. Beyond compare.
    Dec 02, 2021
    Friendly likable open minded
    Nov 23, 2021
    This was the very best experience I have ever had with a doctor. Dr Small exceeded all my expectations.
    Sep 26, 2021
    Dr. Small solved my concerns regarding medications for prostate cancer with knowledge and understanding.
    Sep 26, 2021
    We are just so impressed with Dr. Small and his staff. We feel we are given personalized attention and top-notch advice in a friendly and professional manner. (I'm the patient's wife)knowing that my husband is under Dr. Small's care lets me sleep at night and not worry or second-guess his health care. I know he is in the best hands possible and you have no idea how this has helped eliminate much of the stress of having cancer.

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