Kari Connolly, MD

Dr. Kari Connolly is a dermatologist and rheumatologist whose focus is care for autoimmune skin diseases. She is particularly interested in the mechanisms by which tissue damage occurs.

In research, Connolly is involved in studies on scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis and blistering diseases. Her laboratory processes several hundred skin specimens a year. She also participates in clinical trials evaluating potential new treatments for autoimmune diseases.

Connolly earned her medical degree with honors from Albany Medical College. She completed a three-year internal medicine residency at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her interest in autoimmune diseases brought her to UCSF to complete a combined fellowship in rheumatology and dermatology. She completed her postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of eminent UCSF rheumatologist Dr. David Wofsy, investigating SLE.

Connolly joined UCSF in 1991. She has received honors and awards for her research, teaching and patient care.

To make an appointment with Connolly, patients need to have a referral from a dermatologist or rheumatologist.