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Dr. Mary Ellen Kleinhenz is a pulmonologist who evaluates and treats patients with a variety of conditions affecting their breathing. She specializes in caring for adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited condition that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs, as well as those needing lung transplantation. She also uses her knowledge of the special therapies devised for these patients to help develop treatments for people with other chronic lung conditions.

Kleinhenz champions pulmonary rehabilitation programs and respiratory therapy as ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with chronic lung disease. She cares for patients in both clinic and hospital settings.

Kleinhenz studies how the organisms living in the airways of CF patients change with treatment and disease progression, with the goal of improving management of CF. She is particularly interested in helping patients and their families deal with the challenges of living with the illness. With colleagues at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, she has worked to develop, study and update strategies to better prepare young people with CF to manage the illness throughout their lives. She also works with colleagues in the UCSF Lung Transplant Program to develop best practices for lung transplant recipients.

Kleinhenz earned her medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, then completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, a teaching affiliate of Case Western Reserve University.

As a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's center committee, Kleinhenz visits CF centers nationwide to assess patient care, encourage colleagues to sustain high quality care and help improve services. She is also a member of the American Thoracic Society.

  • Education

    Perelman School of Medicine, 1975

  • Residencies

    University of Alabama at Birmingham, Internal Medicine, 1978

  • Fellowships

    University Hospitals Cleveland, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 1981

  • Board Certifications

    Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

    Pulmonary Disease, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Caring for patients is a privilege and an honor.

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    178 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 30, 2022
    Dr Kleinhenz is an Outstanding doctor. The time she has spent with me over the last week to solve some complicated medical issues goes beyond what I have ever received from any doctor. She doesn't just want to fix the issue she wants to find the root and resolve the medical issue well not causing any harm or create other complications. I am a doctors daughter and I Can't tell you how impressed and grateful I am for her care.
    Mar 18, 2022
    This Dr is very rude. She is snappy and has no manners. Maybe was a bad day for her but I was having a bad day too. High prednisone I was on and very anxious. She explained things to me that I didn't understand cuz I'm. It a dr. She tried to explain about me getting vaccinated very pushy. Sorry I don't want this doctor again. I left that office in tears
    Feb 14, 2022
    Very nice
    Jan 29, 2022
    Excellent in sharing evaluation with VA providers. My VA pulmologist had the information the day after my appointment.
    Jan 27, 2022
    She had researched my problem on her time before seeing me.
    Jan 20, 2022
    She was professional and comprehensive in her time with me.
    Dec 28, 2021
    Excellent she took the time to explain what I needed to know very knowledgeable patient friendly I have no words to describe her finest knowledge tactful very glad I meet her.
    Dec 17, 2021
    I had some additional questions which I sent to the provider and she answered them in a very through and efficient manner.
    Aug 19, 2021
    Dr Kleinhenz provides me with excellent care.
    Jul 10, 2021
    Very nice the care provider
    Jun 17, 2021
    I don't have my prescription yet but everything else is great
    Jun 16, 2021
    personable very knowledgeable. she knows her patient. doesn't rush through appointment.
    May 12, 2021
    Dr. Kleinhenz is an excellent doctor caring and smart!
    Apr 22, 2021
    love her she's so nice and concerned for my recovery
    Mar 09, 2021
    I will not going to find a more the nurturing and supportive doctor than Dr. Mary Ellen Kleinhenz. she was very caring and show concerns about my health and I can tell she is the kind of doctor that every patient wants to have. so a Big Thank You.
    Feb 10, 2021
    Dr Kleinhenz is the best doctor I've ever had..
    Feb 03, 2021
    Excellent as always
    Jan 26, 2021
    always good experience
    Jan 09, 2021
    The doctor was very courteous and understanding.
    Jan 06, 2021
    excellent
    Sep 30, 2020
    Dr Kleinhenz is always at the top of my list of BEST doctors. I have always given her rave reviews in all the years I have been her patient which is 10 yrs or more.
    Aug 19, 2020
    I continue to visit this physician I continue to be very appreciative of her knowledge and thoughtful care but enough questions!!!
    Jun 29, 2020
    Excellent doctor!

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