Jeff Belkora, PhD
Researcher and Consultant in San Francisco
Jeff Belkora, PhD is a faculty member, researcher and consultant based at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Belkora is the faculty director of the Patient Support Corps, a pre-health internship program where students serve as health coaches for patients. The Patient Support Corps focuses on recruiting students from under-represented populations. These students increase the diversity and capacity of the workforce at their placement sites. Thanks to their linguistic and cultural competence, they contribute to improving care for underserved patients.
Dr. Belkora's research improves outcomes for consumers and professionals in health care, education, and financial services. Studies show that Dr. Belkora's work is associated with increased success rates for doctors and patients; for educators and students; and for financial advisors and clients.
Dr. Belkora is the author of the book DEAL! Discovery, Engagement, and Leverage for Professionals. He has also published peer-reviewed articles in journals ranging from the Journal of Clinical Oncology to the Journal of Wealth Management.
Dr. Belkora has been hailed as a leading innovator by the Mayo Clinic, and by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Belkora shares his insights beyond UCSF through speaking, training, coaching, and consulting engagements.
HONORS AND AWARDS
In 2021, the UCSF Health system recognized the Patient Support Corps with the PRIDE Experience Award for work with the COVID-19 Hotline Team.
In 2020, the Dean of the UCSF School of Medicine issued to the Patient Support Corps a Commendation for Exceptional University Service for COVID-19 Pandemic Response.
In 2011, the Patient Support Corps received an award for Health Quality and Innovation from the University of California Office of the President.
Dr. Belkora was named 2010 Health Advocate of the Year by the Dorland Health People Awards.
The US Department of Health and Human Services also featured Dr. Belkora's program in its 2010 National Healthcare Quality Report.
In 2009, Dr. Belkora's program won an innovation contest sponsored by the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation.
In 2008, The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality selected the Patient Support Corps as one of the first 100 innovations profiled in its Innovations Exchange.