Portrait of James L. Rubenstein
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James L. Rubenstein, MD

Hematology Oncology • Lymphoma
Hematology, Blood & Marrow Transplant, and Cellular Therapy (HBC) Parnassus
Portrait of James L. Rubenstein
Portrait of James L. Rubenstein
ucsf logo

James L. Rubenstein, MD

Hematology Oncology • Lymphoma
Hematology, Blood & Marrow Transplant, and Cellular Therapy (HBC) Parnassus

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About me

Dr. James Rubenstein is a hematologist-oncologist, or a specialist in blood disorders. He has particular expertise in treating patients with neurologic complications from cancer, including patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the brain (called central nervous system lymphoma). He also specializes in patients with cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.

In his research, Rubenstein investigates immunologic tools to improve tumor response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and to minimize toxicity from treatment. He is also interested in developing tumor biomarkers to diagnose brain tumors.

Rubenstein earned his medical degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine at Stanford Medicine. He earned a doctorate in molecular and cellular neurosciences at the Rockefeller University. He completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at UCSF, which included training in neuro-oncology.

Rubenstein has won research awards from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the National Cancer Institute. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Association for Cancer Research.

Education & training

Board certification

  • Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Med/Medical Oncology

Fellowship

  • UCSF Medical Center - OMAG

Residency

  • Stanford University School of Medicine

Internship

  • Stanford University School of Medicine

Degree

  • MD, Cornell University at Ithaca

Locations

    Reviews

    Average rating

    4.9
    4.9 out of 5 Stars
    165 ratings
    About provider reviews

    Showing 1-6 of 20 reviews

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    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      November 12, 2025

      Best care provider in the world Dr can be considered as my best friend. I have a yellow puppy for him.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      September 17, 2025

      Dr. Rubenstien is a magnificent Doctor Who listens and gives me options and answers to what affects my health.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      August 13, 2025

      Best of Best Dr.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      August 6, 2025

      Dr. Rubenstein is the best!

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 25, 2025

      I have had a twenty-year experience with Dr Rubinstein and feel that I wouldn't be alive without his clinical trial

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 9, 2025

      Dr Rubinstein is the best he saved my life and my husband and I always enjoy our visits with him. He is very professional and caring. We'll be sad with my 6-month checkups ends.

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