John Engstrom

MD

Neurologist

Dr. John Engstrom, a specialist in neuromuscular disorders, is director of neurology outpatient services and a neurologist at the UCSF Spine Center. In addition to treating patients, he studies new therapies for neurological complications of spine disease and peripheral nerve entrapment (a category of conditions involving compressed nerves).

Engstrom earned a bachelor's degree in genetics at the University of California, Davis, followed by a medical degree at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed a medical residency in neurology at UCSF, where he served as chief resident, before joining the UCSF in 1988.

Engstrom has received numerous awards, including the Betty Anker Fife Distinguished Chair in Neurology from UCSF, Visiting Professor of Neurologic Education at the Mayo Clinic and Outstanding Clinical Teacher for Neurology Residents from UCSF. He was also awarded the Distinguished Neurology Teacher of the Year Award by the American Neurological Association, and in 2021 he was honored with the B. Baker Lifetime Achievement in Neurologic Education, given by the American Academy of Neurology. He is an associate editor for Harrison's, an online resource for medical practice and research, and vice chair of the Department of Neurology at UCSF.

  • Education

    Stanford University School of Medicine, 1981

  • Residencies

    John Hopkins Hospital, Internal Medicine, 1984

    UCSF Medical Center, Neurology, 1984

  • Fellowships

    John Hopkins Hospital, Neuromuscular Disorders, 1989

  • Board Certifications

    Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

    Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Conditions I specialize in

  • Cervical radiculopathy

  • Lumbar radiculopathy

  • Myelopathy

  • Myopathy

  • Polyneuropathy

Treatments I specialize in

Everything from medications and physical therapy to access to expert spine neuro radiology and access to spine surgery

Where I see patients (6)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    139 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 20, 2024
    Dr Engstrom is the very best. He always listens, and asks about any questions or concerns.
    Aug 06, 2024
    Dr. Engstrom is a gem. I have found that younger doctors have not been well trained in diagnosing - especially issues that are not in the ordinary realm. Dr. Engstrom is an excellent diagnostician besides being someone whom I trust and regard highly for his knowledge.
    Jun 27, 2024
    Great doctor
    Jun 26, 2024
    I've seen about one dozen neurologists in 15 years. Dr Engstrom ranks near the bottom. His fellow was excellent
    Jun 12, 2024
    I already have recommended Dr. Engstrom to a friend. He seems knowledgeable and is a good listener.
    May 23, 2024
    Dr Engstrom always spend considerable time to make sure he evaluates your condition, listen and discusses all options with you.
    May 14, 2024
    Dr Engstrom is extraordinary. He pointed out the significant information in my MRI results on a screen. He's as skilled an educator as he is a diagnostician. I never felt hurried and felt I could ask every question that concerned me.
    Apr 23, 2024
    Dr. Engstrom shows courtesy and thoroughness in his practice.
    Apr 10, 2024
    Both resident & doctor extremely thorough. Knowledgeable & good at communicating. Felt I was in excellent hands & that my medical issue could be addressed & clarified.
    Mar 19, 2024
    Dr Engstrom is the absolute very best.
    Mar 12, 2024
    Very kind , knowledgeable and compassionate. One of the top docs consultant that sees you face to face .
    Dec 23, 2023
    Excellent session. All my questions were answered and the doctor Engeron was very responsive to my issues and clesrly said what was next.
    Dec 19, 2023
    Dr Engstrom is one of the best neurologist I've encountered. I'm very happy with my care under him.
    Dec 12, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom is excellent
    Nov 22, 2023
    Very experienced, informed, prepared and caring
    Nov 21, 2023
    Addressed one of my problems, have others still unaddressed
    Nov 15, 2023
    Dr Engstrom is one the top care givers I have had throughout bay entire life. He is intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate
    Nov 07, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom remains an outstanding, experienced clinician who actually utilizes a focused but detailed history and physical exam as foundation for diagnosis and treatmentand still retains his humanity and compassion.
    Oct 27, 2023
    I have inability to explain my symptoms and my medical history.I was diagnosed with Factious disorder. I have and am diagnosed with hEDS and several other rare genetic inherited connective tissue diesese.Unfortunately no is seeing my medical history.My records are in a separate medical portal called picnic health.
    Oct 19, 2023
    I have ultimate confidence in this provider, he covers the entire spectrum from initial diagnosis, to tests, conclusions, and treatment / management plan development and follow ups. He is very humble and open to my concerns and discussing and explaining all aspects of my condition. He is also a "big picture" professional, which I appreciate very much.
    Aug 23, 2023
    Dr Engstrom didn't hav the answers ( yet) but my spirit was lighter after my appt bcuz the dr & the student dr both made me feel like they would see it thru until I knew what I was going to have to deal with . Dr Engstrom has a positive energy that is healing in its own way. I hope he can help me I'm glad I was sent to him
    Aug 15, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom is the best
    Aug 08, 2023
    If I could give Dr Engstrom more than 5's I would. He's been great and helped address a problem where others failed
    Aug 06, 2023
    Incredible experience. This was the most thorough explanation of my issues from ANY Dr -. And I compare this to my executive program at Mayo Clinic, Stanford, etc. Dr Engstrom was very very articulate, compassionate, honest, well balanced in determining next steps, and used his MRI scans to verify his various explanations of the issues. And his application to me as an individual (working executive, Olympic athlete level, etc) was extremely helpful.
    Aug 02, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom included me AND my partner in all discussions about my treatment and care. In our opinion, medical professionals we have dealt with rarely include spouses or partners.
    Jun 27, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom and the whole neurology office are warm, froendly and proffessional
    Jun 21, 2023
    Very thorough and detailed throughout
    May 19, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom listened empathetically to my crazy scenario. He performed some tests, and prescribed more to be done.
    May 16, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom is the consummate professional and one of the best medical doctors on the planet!
    May 05, 2023
    Dr. Engstrom was amazing. He listened to me, was thorough in his questions about my health concern, and he took the time to allow me to discuss my concerns. I was so impressed with Dr. Engstrom and I think he is an excellent doctor.
    Apr 04, 2023
    Dr Engstrom always goes above, and beyond to help me with my health problem. He never hurries me, and always has an answer for me, or researches it , to get me an answer.
    Mar 08, 2023
    I was very pleased with my visit
    Feb 08, 2023
    Very personable
    Jan 26, 2023
    Outstanding physician in every way
    Jan 21, 2023
    Dr Engstrom is the best there is.
    Jan 19, 2023
    Very thorough,thoughtful, and professional. Creative analysis of conditions and possible treatment.
    Jan 11, 2023
    I felt like the provider did not care to be proactive about potential issues
    Dec 08, 2022
    I loved the entire experience. Kind, caring, and knowledgeable!!

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