Sara Ackerman, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor
Social Behavioral Sciences
School of Nursing

sara.ackerman@ucsf.edu 415-502-1760

Sara Ackerman, PhD, MPH, is a medical anthropologist, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Director of Bioethics and Regulatory Support at UCSF’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Dr. Ackerman conducts empirical ethics research using qualitative methods and public engagement to advance our understanding of how genomics, artificial intelligence and other emerging medical technologies shape the lived experience of patients, caregivers and communities.

Awards

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  • Diana Forsythe Award, American Medical Informatics Association, 2013

Education & Training

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  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training University of California 2022
  • BA Psychology Smith College
  • PhD Anthropology University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • MPH Health Behavior & Education University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Interests

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  • science and technology studies
  • genetics and genomics
  • social and cultural implications of new medical technologies
  • community-engaged research
  • medical anthropology
  • social determinants of health
  • mixed methods
  • health equity
  • qualitative methods
  • ethnography
  • implementation science

Publications (90)

Top publication keywords:
Rare DiseasesReferral and ConsultationGenetic ResearchMedicineSocial ValuesGenetic TestingPatient PreferenceCommunity Health ServicesRemote ConsultationPrimary Health CareLaboratoriesGenomicsCommunity Health CentersInappropriate PrescribingPatient Transfer

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