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About Christopher J. Friend, MD

Christopher Friend, MD, MBA, is a board-certified interventional radiologist who specializes in image-guided, minimally invasive surgeries to treat cancer as well as benign disorders.

He also specializes in percutaneous treatment of musculoskeletal tumors and vertebral augmentation (vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty). He is interested in men's health and treats benign prostatic hyperplasia using prostate artery embolization.

As an associate professor in the Department of Radiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, he instructs medical students, residents, and fellows. He serves as chair of the Clinical Competency Committee for the UCSD Interventional Radiology residency.

Dr. Friend completed fellowship training in interventional radiology at Emory University School of Medicine and in musculoskeletal imaging at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He completed residency training in diagnostic radiology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and also holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh Joseph Katz School of Business.

He is a member of the Society of Interventional Radiology as well as the Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe.

Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, yoga, travel, economics, and photography.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Radiology.

Insurance Information
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans, but you should verify that your plan covers this provider and all services and locations. The information in the link below does not apply to affiliate providers, who are not employed by UC San Diego Health.
Health Insurance Plans Accepted

Medical Degree

  • University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

Fellowship

  • Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA

Fellowship

  • University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ

Residency

  • Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

Master's Degree

  • University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, Pittsburgh PA

Gender

  • Male

Date Joined Staff

  • 2018-04-01

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Radiology
  • Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology

Conditions and Treatments

  • Image-Guided Procedures
  • Venous Disease
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization
  • Minimally Invasive Approach
  • Bone Tumors
  • Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Insurance Information
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans, but you should verify that your plan covers this provider and all services and locations. The information in the link below does not apply to affiliate providers, who are not employed by UC San Diego Health.
Health Insurance Plans Accepted