Mary Nakamura

MD

Rheumatologist

Dr. Mary Nakamura is a rheumatologist who specializes in caring for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. She directs the UCSF Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic.

In research, Nakamura is interested in cells of the innate immune system (the immune system with which people are born, as opposed to adaptive immunity, which develops in response to a real or perceived health threat). Her research also focuses on osteoimmunology (a field that explores how the immune system and skeletal system interact).

Nakamura earned her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. She completed a residency in internal medicine at UCSF, followed by a fellowship in rheumatology at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

  • Education

    Yale University School of Medicine, MD, 1986

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Internal Medicine, 1989

  • Fellowships

    San Francisco VA Health Care System, Rheumatology, 1994

  • Board Certifications

    Rheumatology, American Board of Internal Medicine

    Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    83 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 01, 2023
    Dr Nakamura is the absolute best of the best !Pls give her the recognition she deserves !
    Dec 16, 2022
    Excellent in everyday. I am feeling grateful for such good care.
    Nov 11, 2022
    I have been with ucsf rheumatology for about three years now and still have no definitive diagnosis or successful treatment plan. New symptoms are often pawned off to my PCP who then tries to push them back to rheum. Because I'm a nurse at UCSF I'm often left to make my own decisions when I really need help making a care plan which is why I've come to a doctor. I often cannot get a hold of her for months at a time despite calling about acute flare ups heart arrhythmias pregnancy concerns medication changes etc. I'm incredibly discouraged and would never recommend this UCSF experience to anyone else. Which is especially upsetting since I work for UCSF as well and am well aware of in basket goals and the standard of care that we claim to provide.
    Oct 28, 2022
    Dr Nakamura was very thorough providing my current condition. She recommended medical advice and helpful to schedule appointments. Also called other Doctors regarding my care.
    Sep 24, 2022
    Dr. Nakamura is one of the very best physicians I have ever seen. UCSF is truly luck to have her and so are here patients.
    Sep 18, 2022
    Dr Nakamura is the best.
    Nov 23, 2021
    Dr Nakamura is the best of the best !
    Jul 11, 2021
    Dr. Nakamura is a wonderful specialist who is extremely kind caring and professional.
    Jul 08, 2021
    This doctor is a thorough thoughtful and caring individual. I trust her to give me outstanding advice and care.
    Jun 24, 2021
    I feel like I've built a very good partnership with Dr. Nakamura over time. She understands my POV as a patient and is willing to work with me on my care on my terms and I appreciate that greatly. She treats me with respect and is very prompt to respond when I text which I am grateful for.

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