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Dr. S. Andrew Josephson is a neurologist who specializes in neurovascular and other neurologic disorders, caring for general neurology and stroke patients in the hospital as well as in the clinic. He founded UCSF's Neurohospitalist Service – a national referral program for all types of inpatient neurologic disorders – and specializes in difficult-to-diagnose conditions. He serves as the chair of the Department of Neurology and is the Carmen Castro Franceschi and Gladyne K. Mitchell Neurohospitalist Distinguished Professor.

Josephson is known nationally for his pioneering work in launching the neurohospitalist model of care – a subspecialty in which neurologists focus on inpatient treatment – and for his leadership of its society. His research interests include improving models of inpatient neurologic care delivery, issues of quality and safety in attending hospitalized patients, neurologic education, delirium and how strokes contribute to dementia. He is editor-in-chief of JAMA Neurology, a leading specialty journal published by the American Medical Association.

After graduating from Stanford University, Josephson earned his medical degree at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis. He completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in neurology at UCSF, where he was chief resident. He also completed fellowships at UCSF in vascular neurology – which focuses on stroke – and behavioral neurology.

Josephson has won numerous teaching honors at UCSF, including selection as the keynote speaker for the UCSF School of Medicine's commencement ceremony. He has received the Henry J. Kaiser Award for Excellence in Teaching, Academic Senate Distinction in Teaching Award and Robert B. Layzer Golden Toe Award for teaching residents in neurology.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Vascular Neurology, 2008

    American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology, 2007

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Vascular Neurology, 2006

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Neurology, 2005

  • Internship

    UCSF, Neurology, 2002

  • Education

    Washington University School of Medicine, 2001

  • Languages

    English

"We're biased, but we think the brain is the most important organ in the body. [It's] what makes us human."

My threefold mission is delivering exceptional clinical care to patients, leading transformative cutting-edge research and training the leaders of tomorrow.

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    5.0

    Overall Experience
    34 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 07, 2025
    Everyone who helped me at UCSF were amazing! On a rating scale of 1-5 they were all 100!
    Oct 26, 2024
    Dr. Jospehson is simply the best doctor I have ever had.
    Sep 29, 2024
    Dr Josephson is an absolutely outstanding clinician. He took time to answer all of my questions and develop a long term care plan. There is no one better. Absolutely exceptional care.
    Sep 05, 2024
    You're lucky to have him (Dr. Josephson) & so am I.
    Aug 09, 2024
    We feel very fortunate to be under Dr. Josephson care. I believe that he is the best!
    Jul 28, 2024
    Excellent experience- knowledgeable my case showed compassion
    May 03, 2024
    Dr Josephson did an outstanding job. His history and physical was very thorough. His knowledge and insight was outstanding. His ability to communicate and explain the care plan and answer questions was outstanding. He is the very best physician I have encountered.
    Dec 29, 2023
    Dr. Josephson is an extraordinary clinician who gives fabulous care and is extremely empathetic and caring. He is truly the best.
    Sep 14, 2023
    Dr josephson is a remarkable physician. Care, empathy and medical knowledge and communication were outstanding. Focus was on the brain but Dr. Josephson also saw problems with my blood chemistry (anemia) and recommended attention to possible colon bleeding as from polyps and need for me to get a colonoscopy.

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