Christopher R. Abrecht

MD

Pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist
Chief, Division of Pain Medicine
Medical Director, Pain Management Center
Sustainability enthusiast

Dr. Christopher R. Abrecht is a physician specializing in pain medicine. He focuses on improving the quality of life and physical function of patients with all kinds of pain, including chronic pain. Recognizing that every patient is unique, he individualizes care plans that may include medication management; injections; and integration with physical therapy, pain psychology and complementary therapies. He also offers advanced procedural interventions for lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the lower back's spinal canal that compresses nerves) and a variety of other conditions.

In the UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, Abrecht is chief of the Division of Pain Medicine. He is also medical director of the UCSF Pain Management Center.

Abrecht's research focuses on improving the practice of pain medicine. This includes tracking outcomes that matter to patients and ensuring that patient safety remains a priority. His work also centers on transitional pain care, which involves preparing patients for painful procedures and ensuring a smooth transition between outpatient and inpatient settings.

Abrecht earned his medical degree from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He completed a residency in anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. He completed a fellowship in pain medicine at UCSF.

  • Education

    New York University School of Medicine, 2012

  • Residencies

    Brigham and Women's Hospital, Anesthesiology, 2016

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Pain Medicine, 2017

  • Board Certifications

    Pain Medicine, American Board of Anesthesiology

    Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology

Improving quality of life is why I went into medicine. I am grateful to be a pain physician, dedicated to this goal.

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    184 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 03, 2023
    Dr. Albrecht was very patient very good at listening and very good at explaining things.
    Feb 02, 2023
    Dr. Abrecht is one of the most curious and compassionate physicians. He cares about my complex chronic health condition and how he and his team can support my health and reduce pain.
    Jan 28, 2023
    I adore Dr Abrecht and would like to work with him and his team as much as possible.
    Dec 17, 2022
    Excellent experience
    Dec 14, 2022
    Excellent doctor. Very thorough. Explained well. Partnership oriented
    Dec 12, 2022
    He's very very nice caring to his patient
    Dec 08, 2022
    I have recommended Dr. A to others
    Dec 04, 2022
    Very positive
    Nov 10, 2022
    Love this doctor. So kind and competent
    Oct 28, 2022
    Excellent
    Oct 18, 2022
    Dr Abrecht did an excellent injection right to the target of my nerve time was very quick. No pains at all after the nerve injections
    Oct 05, 2022
    The entire staff including Dr. Abrecht were compassionate concerned informative and truly empathetic of my condition and the outcome. I choose UCSF for my care and this is why! Thank You!
    Oct 04, 2022
    I have recommended my Dr to others. He is the reason I don't mind traveling to see him.
    Oct 02, 2022
    Dr Abrecht is transparent and most gentle in his demeanor
    Sep 15, 2022
    I was amazed how much he went into detail and answered all my questions. I felt like he was in no rush which was awesome.
    Sep 04, 2022
    All my questions and concerns were answered in detail.
    Aug 31, 2022
    Excellent physician. Great communication. My frustration is with the long waits between appointments not the doctor.
    Aug 06, 2022
    Thank you
    Jul 29, 2022
    Fabulous doctor! And great mentor
    Jul 08, 2022
    Excellent
    Jun 04, 2022
    Excellent experience. I felt heard. The provider was very knowledgeable
    Jun 02, 2022
    Always great!
    May 03, 2022
    I have consistently found Dr. Abrecht to be caring professional and approachable. Questions are welcome explanations are clear. He is also curious as to why a patient would be hesitant about a procedure without being judgmental which allows me to feel that my concerns are taken seriously and my decisions are well informed by him. It's more than reassuring to be under that care of a doctor who in action and words demonstrates he cares about my well-being. Indeed I am fortunate.
    Apr 08, 2022
    Outstanding Staff!
    Apr 06, 2022
    Respectful and courteous and concern for my health
    Apr 04, 2022
    Excellent
    Mar 12, 2022
    Good
    Feb 13, 2022
    Sensitive to patient needs
    Jan 25, 2022
    Excellent listener
    Dec 23, 2021
    Dr Abrecht is amazing. Very considerate and caring. He is genuinely trying to help me
    Nov 10, 2021
    Doctor took the time to predict what I would experience after the procedure day by day. Those predictions proved to be true and allayed any concerns I had afterward.
    Sep 18, 2021
    I wouldn't recommend simply because too difficult to be seen and followed up in a timely manner
    Sep 15, 2021
    Excellent
    Sep 13, 2021
    My provider did not do the injections but another a doctor in training did it under my doctor's guidance
    Aug 20, 2021
    Good
    Jun 30, 2021
    good
    Jun 10, 2021
    Dr Abrecht is always on timely meeting my appointment very well versed with my history and understanding the depth of my medical problems.
    May 17, 2021
    Dr. Abrecht is excellent
    May 10, 2021
    good

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