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Karen Rabin
Karen Rabin

Karen Rabin

MD, PhD

Pediatric hematologist-oncologist
Director, Pediatric Blood Cancer Program
Leukemia doctor and researcher, cyclist and nature lover

Dr. Karen Rabin is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist who cares for children with leukemia and other blood cancers.

Rabin's research focuses on improving outcomes for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her laboratory research investigates ALL in children with Down syndrome, who have a higher risk of developing leukemia and an increased risk of relapse and treatment complications compared with other children. Her lab seeks to learn why these patients are at increased risk, what genetic alterations are unique to their leukemia and how to use this information to cure more children. She also holds leadership roles in ALL-related clinical trials (studies of promising treatments) being carried out by the Children's Oncology Group and is involved in research collaborations looking at how to improve outcomes across all populations of children and adolescents with ALL.

Rabin earned her medical degree at UCSF, where she also completed a residency in pediatrics. She completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology at Stanford University, training at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. She has a master's degree in medical law and ethics from King's College London and a doctorate in clinical investigation from Baylor College of Medicine.

In her free time, Rabin likes to run, cycle, hike, cook and travel.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Pediatrics/Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

    American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatrics

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University Hematology Fellowship Program, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

  • Residencies

    UCSF Graduate Medical Education, Pediatrics

  • Internship

    UCSF Graduate Medical Education, Pediatrics

  • Degree

    MD, University of CA at San Francisco

My patients inspire me with their strength and resilience. It is an honor to care for them and their families.

Where I see patients (2)

    Selected research

    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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