Brian S. Na, MD, PhD
Specialties: Pediatric and adult brain tumors, including neurofibromas and schwannomas
Dr. Brian S. Na is a neuro-oncologist who cares for both children and adults with brain or spinal cord tumors. He has a particular focus on patients with neurofibromatosis, a condition causing noncancerous tumors to develop in the nervous system, and those with schwannomatosis, a nervous system disorder characterized by painful and tingling noncancerous tumors. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive, lifelong care tailored to the unique needs of these patients. He also treats pediatric neuro-oncology patients who are part of an adolescent and young adult survivorship program.
Na's research career began in the laboratory with establishing and validating robust preclinical models – essential tools for assessing the potential benefits of treatments in humans. Leveraging his expertise in basic and translational research, he now collaborates with other scientists and health care providers to develop clinical trials – studies that use human volunteers to evaluate promising treatments – aimed at advancing care for neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis as well as brain and spinal cord tumors in both children and adults.
2005-2009: AB, History and Science and Health Policy, Harvard College
2011-2015: MD, Drexel University
2015-2016: Internship, Pediatrics, UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
2016-2018: Residency, Pediatrics, UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
2018-2021: Fellowship, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, UCLA
2020-2024: PhD, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA
2022-2024: Fellowship, Adult Neuro-Oncology, UCLA
2009-2011: Clinical Research Assistant, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2021-2022: Clinical Instructor, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA
2022-2024: Clinical Instructor, Department of Neurology, UCLA
2024-present: Assistant Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF
2021: Research Pioneer Award, Mendiburu Magic Foundation
2021: Young Investigator’s Forum Awardee, Children’s Tumor Foundation
2019: Scherr Student Loan Repayment Program Award, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA
2019: Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Award, UCLA
2019: Harry Winston Fellow, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute
2013: Outstanding Community Service Award, Drexel University College of Medicine
2013: Measey Foundation Scholarship, Drexel University College of Medicine
2012: Elias Abrutyn, M.D. Endowed Scholarship, Drexel University College of Medicine
2009: cum laude with High Honors in concentration, Harvard College