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J. Ben Arevalo
4.9 out of 5 (131)
J. Ben Arevalo

J. Ben Arevalo, MD, MBA

Palliative Medicine | Pain Medicine

Center for Pain Medicine
520 Illinois St.,
San Francisco, CA 94158
+2 more locations
(415) 885-7246
4.9 out of 5 (131)
Virtual visits available
4.9 out of 5 (131)
Virtual visits available
Center for Pain Medicine
520 Illinois St.,
San Francisco, CA 94158
+2 more locations
(415) 885-7246

About me

Pronouns: He | Him | His

Insurance plan info

Dr. J. Ben Arevalo is a pain medicine and palliative care physician who treats patients with cancer. He helps patients maximize their quality of life by managing symptoms related to cancer, as well as side effects of treatment, including pain, fatigue, nausea, low appetite, insomnia, anxiety and shortness of breath. He also supports patients and their families with medical decision making and advance care planning.

Arevalo has a special interest in caring for patients with hematologic (blood) cancers, including leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma, as well as patients with complex and treatment-resistant pain. He values the deep connections and enduring partnerships that he forms with patients and their families.

Arevalo earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School. He completed a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Chicago, where he also served as chief resident. He then completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative care at UCSF.

Arevalo also earned a master of business administration degree at Harvard Business School. Before joining UCSF, he worked as an emergency medicine physician and as a flight physician on a medical helicopter.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine, 2022

    American Board of Emergency Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 2022

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 2022

  • Residencies

    University of Chicago Medical Center, Emergency Medicine, 2021

  • Degree

    Harvard Medical School, 2018

  • Languages

    English

Cancer does not define you. Let's work together to help you live life your way.

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    131 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 27, 2025
    Dr. Arevalo showed care and compassion when he expressed concern over the amount of steroid that I had been given in recent UCSF appointments.
    Jun 20, 2025
    I love doctor A!
    Jun 19, 2025
    I was thoroughly impressed with Dr. Arevalo during my first visit with him. His friendliness and genuine warmth made me feel comfortable. I appreciated the professional thoroughness with which he reviewed my medical history and the time he took to listen attentively and answer my questions. What stood out most was his interest and confidence in being able to treat my condition. I felt heard and understood, and the proposed treatment plan was explained in a way that was both comprehensive and easy to follow. I look forward to continuing my care under his guidance.
    Jun 15, 2025
    Dr Arevalo is the first pain doc I've had in 28 years who is a real human! Listens, cares, wants to help, has sense of humor, is terrific
    Jun 06, 2025
    I couldn't have gotten a better provider. He was thorough in every way from pre procedure to post procedure. I'm very pleased and would definitely recommend him to others.
    May 25, 2025
    Dr. Arevalo is a credit to the medical field-he is knowledgeable, concerned, kind and I hope pain will soon be alleviated. It has interfered with my life and It is extremely challenging to remain positive. I cannot put any weight on my right leg so normal, basic activity is difficult.
    May 23, 2025
    Dr Arevalo is a truly gifted and caring doctor. I have been in so much pain and he has helped me tremendously. His demeanor and approach are amazing. He is genuinely empathetic and an all around good human being. He is also great at his job. The procedure was very painful (unavoidable) but I trusted Dr Arevalo completely and am confident he made it the least painful he could.
    May 22, 2025
    Dr. Arevalo is very knowledgeable and kind. I feel that he cares about my condition and will do his best to care for my pain.
    May 14, 2025
    I was worried that Dr Arevalo would only address my neck pain, which has subsided. But he asked and listened to everything that has been bothering me and giving me a lot of concern affecting my day to day existence. HE NEVER RUSHED ME with the video call and he immediately took notes and made the necessary referral. One of a kind doctor.
    May 10, 2025
    Everything was more than excellent
    Apr 25, 2025
    It would have been supportive, prior to the procedure, to know how to care for myself post-procedure, or to receive a printout or email related to post-procedure care.
    Apr 25, 2025
    Dr AREVELO is personable, caring, thorough and an excellent doctor. I feel well taken care of with his expertise.
    Apr 18, 2025
    Dr Arevalo has a high degree of social intelligence--eye contact, listening skill, communication skill, and compassionate response.
    Apr 18, 2025
    Dr. Arevalo was assisted by Dr. Kessler for my procedure. Both doctors are extremely professional, caring, and innovative. The procedure was handled expertly.
    Apr 18, 2025
    Professional and kind
    Apr 15, 2025
    In honesty I will recommend to anyone who has pain management Needs
    Mar 29, 2025
    I would suggest this to anyone this pain, man specially the doctor that I have . Very pleased.
    Mar 14, 2025
    Wonderful experience!
    Mar 14, 2025
    DR. ARVELO was an excellent pain care provider. Explained everything in details I could understand.
    Mar 14, 2025
    My pain management doctor was one of the best ones I have ever been assigned too.
    Mar 10, 2025
    Dr Arevslo provides excellent care, insights, listens and is very personable. UCSF is fortunate to have him on staff
    Mar 08, 2025
    Wonderful doctor, knowledgeable and helpful
    Mar 06, 2025
    Ben is great! He offered some excellent options to help me get through my current situation.
    Feb 24, 2025
    He is gentle And calm
    Feb 24, 2025
    Dr. Arelvano has been exceptionally important and helpful in my care. He is extraordinarily knowledgeable and combines his expertise with real concern for the patient at the personal level.
    Feb 13, 2025
    Very good meeting
    Feb 08, 2025
    I felt comfortable and confident in Dr. Arevalo
    Feb 05, 2025
    SO helpful!
    Feb 04, 2025
    He was wonderful, he really listened and kept me on track (I can get chatty) was very kind and knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. And his nurse, Pearl (might have been a student - I forget) was very nice as well. I feel very lucky to have him as my pain doctor!!!
    Feb 04, 2025
    Very impressed by the doctor's ability to listen and understand concerns. He also provded responsive suggestions to concerns about pain relief for cancer,and awarded concern with care to improve life not extend it wth serious consideration.
    Feb 03, 2025
    Dr. John Arevalo is a good listened to me also explain very well .
    Feb 02, 2025
    One of the best doctors I've ever had
    Jan 28, 2025
    Dr. Arevalso was professional, kind and listened carefully to all my concerns. He offered possible solutions for pain management until the MRI is completed. He explained all treatment options clearly and supported my decisions. I'm extremely happy to be his patient and I feel confident my pain concerns will be addressed at best as possible.
    Jan 28, 2025
    I felt calmer and trusting
    Jan 17, 2025
    It was a very well done procedure - It was surprising how smoothly it went
    Jan 02, 2025
    Dr Aravelo is wonderful. He listens carefully, he never rushes you, and he always answers questions specifically. He is one of the best doctors I worked with.
    Dec 31, 2024
    Better than "Very Good." Excellent.
    Dec 27, 2024
    He was fantastic, really helpful, compassionate, and smart.
    Dec 13, 2024
    Wonderful!
    Nov 26, 2024
    Had been very good with Dr. Arevalo Nothing concern about him
    Nov 23, 2024
    I've not had a previous care provider with Ben's specialty/expertise. He is excellent.
    Nov 22, 2024
    Dr. Arevalo Followed up with evening phone call to check up on after visit. I'm very pleased with his care.
    Nov 15, 2024
    The appointment led to a clear plan of action for treatment of my pain and other issues we discussed.
    Nov 15, 2024
    Dr Ben was wonderful- he listened attentively and we came up with a plan. He suggested a slight modification to what has been done before. He's very kind, thoughtful and compassionate. I wish there were more doctors like him!
    Nov 01, 2024
    Dr Arevalo was the first medical provider who really listened to me regarding my pain.

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