Cindy Chai, MD

I’m a neurologist specializing in pain medicine. Clinically, I provide both interventional and non-interventional treatment for the full scope of chronic pain conditions. I also have a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of facial pain and neuropathic pain conditions. Having worked with and learned from so many wonderful pain colleagues with various primary disciplines, experiences, and expertise, I am a true believer in the power of collaborative and multidisciplinary care.

I am currently the Director of the Pain Medicine Fellowship at UCSF. In my educator role, my mission is to foster an environment and develop innovative educational strategies that encourage collaborative learning among trainees. I believe pain education that can truly leverage the strength of multidisciplinary knowledge sharing will serve as the foundation to cultivate a generation of pain physicians that will have the abilities and attitudes to be lifelong learners and teachers, to think both critically and creatively, and ultimately serve our complex patient population more effectively.

Pain is a universal experience and is often central to a patient's sense of wellbeing and health. At the same time, each individual patient's pain experience is nuanced and require personalized pain plans. I am dedicated to working with each of my patients to construct individual pain treatments by placing my utmost attention to not just their anatomy and physiology, but also who they are as human beings.