Primary Care Physician · San Francisco
Chieh‑Yu “Joy” Chen, MD
Board-certified in internal medicine — but to her patients, she’s simply Dr. Joy.
About
Care that starts with listening
Dr. Chieh-Yu Chen — known to her patients as Dr. Joy — is a board-certified internal medicine physician practicing primary care at Sutter Health in San Francisco. She completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic and fellowship training at the University of Michigan, and is board-certified in obesity medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
She believes lasting health is built through partnership: understanding each patient’s life, values, and goals, then working together toward a plan that actually fits. Whether managing chronic conditions, navigating weight and metabolic health, or simply staying well, her focus is on care that is thorough, unhurried, and personal.
Dr. Chen is fluent in English and Mandarin and welcomes patients in either language.
“My care is grounded in evidence and clinical guidelines — and shaped around you. If an approach outside the conventional path matters to you, I’ll work with you to explore it, so long as it’s safe.”
中文服務：陳醫師能以中文（普通話）看診，歡迎中文母語的患者。
Dr. Chen offers care in Mandarin and warmly welcomes Chinese-speaking patients.
Specialties
What I focus on
Comprehensive primary care for adults, with particular depth in weight and metabolic health.
Obesity & Metabolic Health
Board-certified in obesity medicine (ABOM). Compassionate, judgment-free, evidence-based care for weight management — including lifestyle strategies, medications, and long-term metabolic health.
Adult Primary Care
Preventive care, annual wellness visits, and management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol — with continuity you can count on.
Whole-Person Partnership
Additional fellowship training in nephrology brings extra depth to kidney health, blood pressure, and complex internal medicine — all in service of seeing the whole picture.
Education & Training
Where I trained
Stevenson School
Pebble Beach, California
Graduated 2008
B.S., Biology
California Institute of Technology
Caltech, 2012
Doctor of Medicine
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
M.D., 2016
Residency, Internal Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Comprehensive training in adult medicine at one of the nation’s leading medical centers.
Fellowship, Nephrology
University of Michigan
Advanced subspecialty training in kidney disease, hypertension, and complex internal medicine.
Board Certifications
Internal Medicine · Obesity Medicine (ABOM)
Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Beyond the Clinic
When I’m not seeing patients
I believe in practicing what I preach — movement, balance, and the occasional great story.
Running
Miles around the city keep me grounded (and honest about cardio advice).
Weightlifting
Strength training is medicine — I lift because I prescribe it, too.
Yoga
Balance and flexibility, on the mat and off.
Korean Dramas
Ask me for recommendations — I have strong opinions.
Become a Patient
Let’s work on your health, together
Dr. Chen is accepting new patients at Sutter Health in San Francisco. Appointments, location details, and video visits are all available through her official Sutter Health page.
Book on Sutter Health