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Laura J. Esserman
4.9 out of 5 (90)
Laura J. Esserman

Laura J. Esserman, MD, MBA

Breast Surgical Oncology | Breast Surgery

Breast Care Center
1825 Fourth St., Third Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94158
4.9 out of 5 (90)
Virtual visits available
4.9 out of 5 (90)
Virtual visits available
Breast Care Center
1825 Fourth St., Third Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94158

Dr. Laura Esserman, a nationally known breast surgeon, directs the UCSF Breast Care Center. Her work is devoted to developing new, more effective ways to care for and empower breast cancer patients during treatment. She tailors treatments for individual patients using biology, personal preference and constant feedback regarding outcomes of care.

Esserman earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard University and completed her medical and surgical training at Stanford University. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in breast oncology at Stanford and later earned a master's degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She joined UCSF Medical Center in 1993.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Surgery, Surgery, 1992

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University School of Medicine, Oncology, 1988

  • Residencies

    Stanford University School of Medicine, General Surgery, 1991

  • Internship

    Stanford University School of Medicine, General Surgery, 1984

  • Education

    Stanford University School of Medicine, 1983

  • Languages

    English

Conditions I specialize in

  • Abnormal mammogram

  • Breast cancer

  • Breast lump

  • Cancer

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

  • Nipple discharge

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    90 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 14, 2025
    Dr Esserman listens to me and she answers all my questions. It feels like she really cares. She even talked to the radiologist before my procedure so I would feel more comfortable and safe. Even though it was hard and scary, I didn't feel traumatized by it.
    Feb 22, 2025
    Superior treatment as ever from Dr. Esserman
    Feb 13, 2025
    Awesome experience- couldn't have asked for more.
    Jan 27, 2025
    She's a really great doctor but it's almost impossible to get appointments so I don't think I would really recommend for that reason.
    Jan 09, 2025
    Dr. Esserman is fantastic
    Dec 21, 2024
    I love Dr Esserman she has saved my life.
    Dec 01, 2024
    I have been under the care of dr esserman for many years. It's hard to wait that long to see her. I was more stressed by the time she came in and it made the visit harder than it would have been had she been more on time. However, when I did get to see her I feel I am in good hands and seeing the top of the top in terms of her finding the best treatment path for me and understanding me as a patient.
    Nov 06, 2024
    I LOVE Dr Esserman. She is wonderful!
    Sep 06, 2024
    Esserman is in a league of her own!!! Amazing , experienced dr.
    Aug 13, 2024
    Dr. Esserman is the best doctor I have ever had. She is very knowledgeable and trustworthy and I am very fortunate to get care by Dr. Esserman
    Jul 06, 2024
    Without hesitation, I would recommend Dr. Esserman. Gold standard
    Jun 15, 2024
    Always excellent
    Jun 03, 2024
    Excellent explanations and real concern
    May 18, 2024
    Outstanding care!
    Dec 22, 2023
    Dr. Esserman is an excellent provider
    Dec 08, 2023
    Dr. Esserman is able put me at easy with her treatment plan. She is a very warm, caring and capable doctor. I feel I am in good hands of Dr. Esserman
    Nov 22, 2023
    Excellent
    Nov 03, 2023
    Dr. Esserman is a compassionate doctor and always spends as much time as needed with me. I wish more doctors could be like her. She is AMAZING.
    Oct 12, 2023
    She is very very busy, Hard to schedule, runs late- due to high demand for her.
    Oct 03, 2023
    Dr esserman is a treasure

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    MammaPrint, BluePrint, and Full-genome Data Linked With Clinical Data to Evaluate New Gene EXpr...

    Create a large scale registry of full genome expression data with clinical data to investigate possible new gene associations with prognostic or predictive value.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    DCIS: RECAST Trial Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Re-Evaluating Conditions for Active Surveillance S...

    Fraction of patients remaining on active surveillance at 7 months compared to control

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    I-SPY COVID-19 TRIAL: An Adaptive Platform Trial for Critically Ill Patients

    Time to reach a durable COVID-19 level 4 or less or discharge at COVID-level 4 or lower (except for discharge to another hospital), and time to death (mortality). Data will be analyzed for 3 groups: - All - COVID-19 level...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Phase IIB Trial of Bazedoxifene Plus Conjugated Estrogens

    Change in fibroglandular volume assessed on 3-D digital mammogram by Volpara software.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk (Wisdom Study)

    Proportion of cancers diagnosed at Stage IIB or higher

    Recruiting

    My work

    Cutting-edge breast cancer care

    Learn about the latest findings on breast cancer risk, screening and treatment from Dr. Esserman.

    Read the story on ucsf.edu

    Should low-risk tumors still be called cancer?

    Dr. Esserman explains how using a different term could reduce unnecessary worry over cancers that are unlikely to be life-threatening.

    Read the story in Reuters

    Contact me

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