About Us > Donald Abrams, MD

Donald Abrams, MD

Highlights

  • Cancer and integrative medicine specialist
  • Chief of hematology and oncology at San Francisco General Hospital
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Donald Abrams, MD, is a cancer and integrative medicine specialist at the University of California, San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Mount Zion, where he provides integrative medicine consultations for people with cancer.

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Dr. Abrams is chief of hematology and oncology at San Francisco General Hospital. His research focuses on complementary and alternative therapies including mind-body and botanical therapies. Prior to devoting his time to complementary therapies, he was involved in HIV/AIDS research and treatment.

Dr. Abrams is an executive committee member of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and is co-chair of the center's program in symptom management, palliative care and survivorship.

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Contributions

Complementary therapy

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

Post-treatment, managing side effects is key. Integrating complementary therapies alongside conventional treatment is increasingly common, offering holistic care.

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 | 8 Min. Read |

Types of complementary therapy

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

There are many different types of complementary therapy, including body-based and energy, expressive art, diet/nutrition/exercise, and mind-body therapies.

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 | 5 Min. Read

Acupuncture

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

Acupuncture is sometimes used as a way to manage symptoms and treatment side effects in those with breast cancer. Learn how acupuncture may benefit you.

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 | 6 Min. Read |

Art therapy

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

Art therapy involves the use of visual arts to express emotions, communicate with others, build self-esteem and learn what is important to you. It is a type of expressive art therapy.

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 | 5 Min. Read |

Expressive writing

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

Expressive writing, a tool for emotional release and understanding, is utilized in therapy, writing groups, or individually to process emotions and experiences.

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 | 6 Min. Read |

Guided imagery

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

The goal of guided imagery is to shift your mood. Using a series of cues on your own or with a guide who helps you, you imagine sensations or visualize images that remind you of good feelings, happiness or calm.

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 | 4 Min. Read |

Hypnosis

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

Hypnosis induces a trance-like state to alleviate stress, anxiety, pain, or hot flashes. It's often used pre-surgery or during medical procedures for anxious individuals.

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 | 4 Min. Read |

Massage therapy

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

Massage is known to help reduce stress, anxiety and pain, and relieve tension. Research shows a cancer diagnosis and treatment can make it harder to relax and be calm.

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 | 7 Min. Read |

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

08/31/15 | BY: Donald Abrams, Michael Baime, Sharon Bray, Lorenzo Cohen, Debra DeMille, Michael Richardson, Steven Rosenzweig

The most widely researched meditation program is called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or MBSR. It combines a variety of techniques, including body scan, sitting meditation, and gentle and mindful yoga.

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 | 4 Min. Read |