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Joel M. Palefsky
5.0 out of 5 (109)
Joel M. Palefsky

Joel M. Palefsky, MD

Infectious Diseases

Director, Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education (ANCRE) Center

Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education (ANCRE) Center
1600 Divisadero St., Third Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 353-7100
5.0 out of 5 (109)
Virtual visits available
5.0 out of 5 (109)
Virtual visits available
Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education (ANCRE) Center
1600 Divisadero St., Third Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 353-7100

Dr. Joel Palefsky is an expert in infectious diseases and cancers associated with these diseases. He is an internationally recognized expert on the biology, treatment, progression and history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections of the anus and genitals, particularly in the setting of HIV infection. He directs the UCSF Anal Neoplasia Clinic, Research and Education (ANCRE) Center, the world's first clinic devoted to anal cancer prevention.

Palefsky's research focuses on the biology and treatment of anal cancer. He is vice chair of the AIDS Malignancy Consortium, a research group supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that investigates new treatments for AIDS-related cancers, and chair of the Anal Cancer/HSIL Outcomes Research (ANCHOR) Study, a multisite NCI study examining whether treating anal cancer precursor lesions prevents the development of anal cancer and seeking to identify biomarkers of cancer progression.

Palefsky earned his medical degree at McGill University and completed a fellowship in infectious diseases at Stanford University.

Palefsky is founder and past president of the International Anal Neoplasia Society. He is also past president of the International Papillomavirus Society and founder and chairperson of its international campaign for HPV awareness.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University Medical Center-GME, Infectious Diseases

  • Residencies

    McGill University, Medicine

  • Internship

    McGill University, Medicine

  • Degree

    MD, McGill University

A life helping others and contributing to our collective knowledge is a life well lived.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    109 Ratings
    About our process
    Jul 31, 2025
    Dr. Palefsky is compassionate, caring, & truly extraordinary in his competence
    Jul 29, 2025
    Dr Palefsky is outstanding. Always communicates as to procedures
    Jul 22, 2025
    I count myself lucky to receive such excellent, compassionate medical care.
    Jul 22, 2025
    Dr. Palefsky is an exceptional doctor. I am very fortunate to receive care from him.
    Mar 20, 2025
    I love Dr Palefsky, always great to chat with him!
    Feb 27, 2025
    Dr Palefsky is the best!!
    Feb 04, 2025
    I respect and love.My doctor..
    Dec 03, 2024
    Dr Palefsky is great
    Nov 05, 2024
    Excellent care
    Oct 02, 2024
    Dr Palefsky.. Is the best Dr.
    Sep 24, 2024
    I have been under Dr Palefsky's care for many years Not only is he most knowledgeable but a very caring person as well. I consider him a friend.
    Sep 17, 2024
    I love my doctor.
    Aug 23, 2024
    The best ever.
    Aug 21, 2024
    Dr.Palefsky is a great doc...I am grateful for his time and attention
    Jun 25, 2024
    Already recommended Dr. Palefsky to my husband.
    Jun 04, 2024
    Dr. Palefsky is extremely professional, with a great bedside manner to help the patient feel more relaxed and comfortable. He's also one of the top doctors in his field.
    May 02, 2024
    Excellent experience!
    Apr 23, 2024
    I have been extremely privileged to have Dr. Joel Palefsky as my physician. He has consistently and over many years provided me with exceptional professional care and is internationally recognized as the best in his field. I am most grateful to Dr. Palefsky and sincerely believe that UCSF Health should be honored to count him among its most prestigious medical specialists.
    Mar 28, 2024
    He was great thank you
    Mar 07, 2024
    Dr Palefsky is the best at what he does. He is also a beautiful human being.
    Dec 07, 2023
    I have recommended Dr. Palefsky to my husband
    Dec 05, 2023
    Excellent knowledge, great bedside manner and genuine concern for my condition.
    Dec 05, 2023
    Dr. Palefsky is extremely competent with a great bedside manner.
    Oct 25, 2023
    Dr. Palefsky is wonderful! I am so fortunate to have him as my doctor!

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    Anal High-risk HPV, HSIL, and Microbiome Among Hispanic Peoples Living With HIV (PLWH)

    Among Hispanic PLWH without anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), the investigators hypothesize the microbiome will be different between those with and without hr-HPV infection and the proportion with pro-inflam...

    Recruiting

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