Tamara Rubenzik, MD

Tamara Rubenzik, MD, is a board-certified nephrologist and palliative care physician. She works in both the Departments of Nephrology and Palliative Care at UC San Diego Health.

As a nephrologist, Dr. Rubenzik treats individuals with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and end stage renal disease in the clinic and inpatient settings. She enjoys caring for patients along the spectrum of kidney disease, and aims to use her palliative care background to also ensure the best possible quality of life in her patients with kidney disease.

As a palliative care physician, Dr. Rubenzik also cares for patients with life-limiting and chronic conditions. Palliative medicine focuses on symptom management in addition to psychological, social, and spiritual support in order to improve the quality of life for patients.

Dr. Rubenzik completed fellowships in nephrology and hospice and palliative medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, where she also completed a residency in internal medicine. She earned her medical degree from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia. She is board certified in internal medicine, nephrology and hospice and palliative medicine.

She is a member of the American Society of Nephrology, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients.

When not at work, Dr. Rubenzik enjoys reading, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and three sons.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Kidney Care (Nephrology) and Palliative Care.