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
    216 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 26, 2024
    Dr Small is the best!
    Jun 16, 2024
    Eric Small is quite brilliant yet fully human and very focused on my health in the broadest sense.
    May 22, 2024
    Dr. Eric Small is amazing!
    May 04, 2024
    The doctor really took the time to explain everything. He was very friendly and helpful.
    Apr 13, 2024
    Absolutely world class! Thank you!
    Apr 10, 2024
    Dr Small and Dr Mandair spent two hours with me explaining my advanced cancer and options for treatment. Very conscientious and listened to my questions. I am better informed now.
    Mar 20, 2024
    Outstanding provider
    Mar 06, 2024
    Dr Small is by a wide-margin the best Dr of multiple Drs I have seen in my prostate cancer journey. He is the only one who considered QoL in treatment decisions. Moreover, it is clear that I received the absolutely most up-to-date perspective on treatment options. He addressed my questions clearly with data if available, and with his clinical judgement if not.
    Dec 01, 2023
    Eric is excellent...much better than very good!
    Nov 20, 2023
    A very well thought out diagnosis and prognosis. It was clearly articulated. The visit summary was extremely helpful.
    Nov 19, 2023
    Dr. Small and his very capable and caring staff are a true god send to those who he and his staff care for. It is a true pleasure as well as a comfort when you have someone who cares for you as a human being and treat you as such. To Dr. Small and his staff, I thank you for your care.
    Oct 18, 2023
    It is a privilege and a pleasure working with Dr. Small and his colleagues.
    Oct 14, 2023
    Dr. Eric Small showed humanity, scientific expertise, and empathy toward me. Something very rare with my past doctors visits excluding Dr. Small.
    Sep 10, 2023
    I really appreciated hearing Dr. Small's assessment of my condition and his recommendations for treatment. He's well-spoken, knowledgeable, and provides straightforward answers to questions.
    Aug 28, 2023
    The Doctor had so much to say It felt hard to ask questions! That was the only thing that was taxing.
    Aug 23, 2023
    Dr. Eric Small is amazing!!!
    Aug 03, 2023
    Outstanding care by Dr Small
    Jul 31, 2023
    Dr.Small rocks it!!!
    Jul 15, 2023
    He's the best!!
    Jun 29, 2023
    The best!
    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
    Dr Small is an amazing care provider and so kind and thoughtful in his interactions with me.
    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.
    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. Small is an outstanding clinician.
    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 01, 2022
    It may seem I'm just giving top ratings by rote, but this is what I experienced from my team at UCSF!

    Selected research

    See all research

    Contact me

    Share