Portrait of Samuel K. McGowan
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Samuel K. McGowan, MD

He | Him | HisChronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseMedical Director, OPTIMAL Clinic
Pulmonology Parnassus
415-353-2961
Portrait of Samuel K. McGowan
Portrait of Samuel K. McGowan
ucsf logo

Samuel K. McGowan, MD

He | Him | HisChronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseMedical Director, OPTIMAL Clinic
Pulmonology Parnassus
415-353-2961

On this page

About me

Dr. Samuel McGowan is a pulmonary and critical care specialist who cares for patients with a variety of lung conditions. He provides treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) as well as other settings. He is medical director of the UCSF OPTIMAL Clinic, which serves patients recovering from critical illness or experiencing persistent COVID-19-related pulmonary symptoms.

McGowan's research focuses on improving the quality of ICU care and examining how critical illness affects ICU survivorship. He believes that treating patients as individuals is the foundation of providing holistic, compassionate care for all.

McGowan earned his medical degree at Rush Medical College, where he also completed a residency in internal medicine and served as chief resident. He completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at UCSF.

When not working, McGowan enjoys spending time with his family, reading, playing basketball and being outdoors.

Education & training

Board certification

  • Critical Care Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Pulmonary Disease, American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

Fellowship

  • Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of CA San Francisco Pulmonary/Crit Care

Residency

  • Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center GME

Internship

  • Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center GME

Degree

  • MD, Rush Medical College

My expertise

  • Specialties
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Locations

    Reviews

    Average rating

    5
    5 out of 5 Stars
    71 ratings
    About provider reviews

    Showing 1-6 of 21 reviews

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    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      March 27, 2026

      My experience with UCSF-from the ER to pulmonology-has been a powerful reminder of what high-quality patient care looks like in practice.Prior to arriving at Dr McGowan's office at UCSF, my lung condition was deteriorating without a clear plan. The coordinated care I received not only stabilized my condition but put me back on track with a structured, physician-led diagnostic and treatment approach. For the first time, my imaging was reviewed with me in detail, and I was given clear explanations along with defined next steps.UCSF has always had a strong reputation, and I realize now that I had taken that level of excellence for granted. When I truly needed it, that standard of care was there-consistently and meaningfully.While my situation may not have been life-threatening, this experience showed me how much impact high-quality, everyday clinical care can have. The commitment to sound clinical principles, transparency, and professionalism made a significant difference in both my health trajectory and my overall outlook.I am grateful for the care I received from Dr McGowan and for the standard UCSF continues to uphold.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      March 23, 2026

      This was by far the best experience I have had upon meeting and speaking with a doctor. Dr. McGowan was familiar with my records and provided so much information regarding my situation. I feel optimistic and reassured that we will be able to better manage my Asthma.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      March 20, 2026

      Dr.McGowan is an absolutely excellent physician. Personable and nonjudgmental. He was patient In explaining some of remedies I might follow-up for going forward. I definitely trust his medical and environmental advice, which has proven effective In the past.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      March 18, 2026

      Doctor listens to me as I explains my situation with eye to eye contact.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      March 2, 2026

      Dr. McGowan was amazing!! Very happy with my consult.

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      February 24, 2026

      Dr McGowan was exceptional. He had read all my test results , asked pertinent questions and took a person interest in my condition. He made several recommendations that have been already scheduled. Great experience

    Please check with your health insurance plan regarding coverage for this type of care. Not all providers at UCSF Health are covered by every insurance plan.

    For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.