Dr. Gelfand is a Professor of Neurology at UCSF. He specializes in the care of patients with a wide range of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Gelfand conducts clinical research, including clinical trials, to advance new treatments and restore neurological function. Dr. Gelfand is also an award-winning clinician and medical educator.
Dr. Gelfand received an A.B. in history from Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He completed an internship in internal medicine, a residency in neurology, and a subspecialty fellowship in MS / Neuroimmunology, all at UCSF. Dr. Gelfand went on to earn a Master's degree in clinical research at UCSF. He is board-certified in Neurology.
Dr. Gelfand serves as Vice-Chief for Clinical of the Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology and as Medical Director of the UCSF MS and Neuroinflammation Clinic. He is also the clinical director of the UCSF Center for Encephalitis and Meningitis (CEM). In 2026, Dr. Gelfand received the UCSF Department of Neurology Cheryl Jay Master Clinician Award for Clinical Excellence in Neurology.
Dr. Gelfand co-directs the Specialty Practice Ambulatory Sub-Internship (SPAN) clerkship, a course that all UCSF Medical School students must complete as a graduation requirement. Dr. Gelfand was honored to receive the Robert B. Layzer teaching award, which is voted on annually by UCSF Neurology Department residents; an Excellence in Teaching Award from the UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators; and induction into the UCSF Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators. For over a decade (through 2023), Dr. Gelfand served as the Program Director of the UCSF MS Center Clinical Fellowship Training Program, helping to train a new generation of specialists in the field.
Dr. Gelfand is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN), including having served as the elected Chair of the American Academy of Neurology Autoimmune Neurology section.