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Dr. Katherine Van Loon is a specialist in gastrointestinal cancers, with a particular interest in colon cancer.

With a background in public health, Van Loon's research is focused on epidemiology – the study of which populations develop diseases and which factors contribute – as well as outcomes in gastrointestinal malignancies. She has a long-standing interest in global health and has also studied the epidemiology of gastrointestinal cancers in the developing world.

Van Loon earned her master's degree in public health from the Yale School of Public Health before attending the Medical College of Georgia. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. She came to UCSF for a fellowship in oncology in 2009.

Van Loon is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). She received a Young Investigator Award from the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation in 2012.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Oncology

  • Residencies

    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Internal Medicine

  • Internship

    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Internal Medicine

  • Degree

    MD, Medical College of Georgia

"Sitting with a patient in crisis is hard, but it's also a privilege."

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    94 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 04, 2025
    It was a great experience since I am now clear of stage 4 colon cancer, which went into my liver and lung. Clear of all cancers for 5 years now!!!
    Aug 03, 2025
    The care I receive is good and the treatments have been generally successful, however distant and impersonal. I would have to advise prospective patients that Zoom and Mychart are the main source of contact with my doctor. I am grateful for the treatment I have received but others may want see their provider closer and more personally involved, at least at the outset of their relationship. I'd like to add that the many, many nurses, technicians and customer service people I interacted with at MB over the last 16 months have been receptive, kind and helpful.
    Aug 02, 2025
    Dr Van Loon is an amazing Dr we have recommended her and UCSF to many people suffering from cancer.
    Feb 14, 2025
    I am a cancer patient and even if things turn out for the worse, I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL TO DR VAN LOON. She is a wonderful and brilliant doctor. She is caring and will never give me a death sentence. She will try everything, doing everything so that I can still be with my family.
    Jan 24, 2025
    Dr Van Loon is a very good communicator.
    Jan 24, 2025
    Always a good experience
    Jan 04, 2025
    Dr K Vanloon is an extra caring provider. So lucky to have her as my physician.
    Dec 22, 2024
    Dr. Van Loon is a fantastic doctor. I recommend UCSF to anyone that needs care.
    Nov 02, 2024
    I have a good doctor, I am in a good hands Thank you
    Sep 14, 2024
    If outstanding were an option I'd give Dr van loon outstanding!
    Sep 06, 2024
    Care provider has been awsome
    Sep 06, 2024
    Dr Katherine Van Loon is the only one I trust. Whatever happens to my health, I will always be grateful to Dr Van Loon for extending my time as a mother to my girls.
    Apr 22, 2024
    Every visit has been very pleasant and efficient
    Apr 21, 2024
    I have already recommended both UCSF and Dr.Van Loon. She is a brilliant physician and I was fortunate to be her patient.

    My work

    Battling cancer during pregnancy

    Dr. Van Loon led a team-wide effort to treat a patient diagnosed with colon cancer during pregnancy, including safely administering chemotherapy.

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