Fellow Spotlight: Farnaz Azarbal, MD

Dr. Farnaz Azarbal (pronounced FAR-naws OZ-are-ball) was born in Pennsylvania, and grew up in Sacramento. She earned bachelor’s degrees in molecular and cellular biology as well as political science from UC Berkeley. She completed her medical degree from UCSF and her internal medicine residency at Stanford University.

As an undergraduate and medical student, Dr. Azarbal conducted basic neuroscience research with UCSF neurologists. In her clinical clerkships and internship, she became intrigued by cardiovascular pathophysiology. "I was especially attracted to cardiology because of the mix of medical and procedural therapies," she said. As a Stanford resident, she conducted epidemiologic and health services outcomes research pertaining to the management of patients with arrhythmias.

"I chose UCSF for fellowship because it provides both a rigorous clinical education as well as a wealth of clinical research mentorship and training opportunities," said Dr. Azarbal. Highlights of her fellowship so far include the outstanding faculty and rich learning opportunities. "It has been a privilege to train with faculty members I have looked up to since medical school," she said. Dr. Azarbal plans to pursue a career as an academic cardiologist that combines clinical research and patient care.

Dr. Azarbal spends her free time with family and friends, and enjoys dining, traveling and the arts.