Joseph Azzam, MD

Meet Dr. Joseph Azzam

A native of California, Dr. Joseph Azzam brings a deep commitment to patient well-being, influenced by his own life experiences. His journey into medicine was sparked by the unwavering dedication he witnessed in his father, a beloved family doctor known for his dedication to his patients.

Dr. Azzam received his medical degree with great distinction from St. George's University Medical School. He pursued internal medicine residency at San Francisco's oldest hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center, where he not only served as Chief Resident but also earned recognition with the Florence Howe and Outstanding Resident Award for his contributions to patient care and teaching excellence. After completing his residency, Dr. Azzam joined the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he worked as an academic hospitalist specializing in heart transplant and pulmonary hypertension services.

Driven by a desire for both patient continuity and curiosity of complex medical conditions, he pursued fellowship training in rheumatology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. During his fellowship, he was awarded funding to spearhead a research study observing the effects of hydroxychloroquine in patients living with autoimmune conditions. He also gained experience using musculoskeletal ultrasound for autoimmune diseases and procedures such as synovial biopsies. His commitment to the field extended to sharing his insights with fellow rheumatologists as an author for MedPage Today.

Dedicated to improving his patients' quality of life, Dr. Azzam prioritizes helping them regain their cherished activities. Outside of his work in rheumatology, Dr. Azzam leads an active lifestyle, finding joy in activities like swimming and expressing his creativity through writing music. These pursuits contribute to his holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of balance and personal fulfillment in overall well-being.