Michael A. Spinner

MD

Hematologist-oncologist
Lymphoma doctor and classical guitarist

Dr. Michael A. Spinner is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with blood cancers with a particular focus in Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He has extensive experience in treating lymphoma with immunotherapy (treatments that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer), targeted therapies (treatments that target specific cancer cells) and stem cell transplantation. He also has expertise in CAR T-cell therapy, in which the patient's T cells are altered to target and attack cancer cells.

Spinner's research focuses on clinical trials of promising new treatments for patients who have Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, especially treatment methods involving immunotherapy and personalized medicine (techniques that tailor treatment to individual patients). He is a co-investigator on several trials of immunotherapies for lymphoma, and he collaborates with leading lymphoma scientists on identifying biomarkers (measurable elements that may indicate disease) to understand which patients may benefit from certain treatments. He is part of multiple lymphoma research efforts within UCSF and works with other academic medical centers around the U.S. and abroad. While at Stanford, he developed a phase II trial of a new immunotherapy combination to treat relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma.

After earning his bachelor's degree at Emory University, Spinner earned his medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Stanford. He serves on the Hodgkin's lymphoma guidelines committee for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

In his free time, Spinner is an avid classical guitarist. On his YouTube channel, Michael Spinner Guitar, he posts videos in which he plays a variety of music, including Bach, Brazilian jazz and the Beatles.

  • Education

    Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, MD, 2014

  • Residencies

    Stanford University, Internal Medicine, 2016

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University, Hematology/Oncology, 2020

  • Academic Title

    Assistant Professor

My mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate and personalized care based on each patient's unique background, diagnosis and treatment goals.

Related Conditions

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    256 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 26, 2024
    Dr Spinner has always been clear and considerate.
    Aug 09, 2024
    I was very nervous to go to this appointment and the doctor was very helpful
    Aug 07, 2024
    Dr. Kumar and Dr. Spinner both showed much interest and empathy.
    Jun 30, 2024
    Very knowledgeable. Excellent explanation. Connected well with us.
    Jun 25, 2024
    Always recommending UCSF!
    Jun 19, 2024
    It is hard to love the 'messengers' of bad news (almost always the story with hematology, no?) but Dr Spinner is kind, empathic, and professional at the same time. Sometimes I wish for more nurturing but that may be a need for a different provider
    Apr 30, 2024
    I'm fortunate to be this doctor's patient
    Apr 09, 2024
    Dr Spinner is spectacular in all ways that I would want from a doctor: totally knowledgeable, very very courteous, able to explain complex information in lay person language, very reassuring, very open to questions---amazing. Thank you for him.
    Mar 25, 2024
    Dr. Spinner, while focusing on what is important, blends both the technical and practical aspects of the topic at hand in a very understandable and meaningful manner. Blends what has happened, the current status, the prognosis, and considerations should there be any changes in conditions.
    Mar 15, 2024
    Dr. Spinner always takes the time to address all of my questions and concerns. He is willing to explain the reasoning behind his recommendations so that I am comfortable following his advice.
    Jan 09, 2024
    Dr Spinner is thorough and very good.
    Jan 05, 2024
    Dr. Spinner was extremely clear in conveying the scan results and appropriate follow up treatment. He listened carefully to my questions and provided easily understandable answers. He fully explained the rationale for recommended treatment and gave me an opportunity to ask further questions and express some concerns, and responded in a way that made me feel like he understood my concerns and we can continue discussing as need for decisions becomes more imminent.
    Dec 29, 2023
    Good
    Dec 08, 2023
    Dr. Spinner patiently answered my questions empathetically.
    Nov 24, 2023
    Dr Spinner is an excellent doctor.
    Nov 08, 2023
    He answered all my questions and had recommendations for future treatments.
    Nov 06, 2023
    Dr Spinner is the best of the best !
    Nov 02, 2023
    How fortunate I am that Dr Spinner my doctor.
    Oct 31, 2023
    Dr. Spinner is an excellent listener in addition to being very knowledgeable.
    Oct 21, 2023
    Dr Spinner explained everything clearly so I left the visit very well informed on what to expect.
    Oct 04, 2023
    The whole process was seamless. They were well prepared to meet with me and understood my health status.
    Oct 03, 2023
    Good
    Sep 27, 2023
    Dr Spinner is amazing. I was nervous about test results and he put me at ease from the very beginning. He showed me side by side scans, and explained everything. He was patient and kind, answering all of my questions with the most calming affect, which I needed. Amazing doctor.
    Sep 21, 2023
    Felt a little rushed, like there was a time limit and I didn't get all my questions answered. But generally a good experience.
    Sep 13, 2023
    Dr Spinner never rushes through a visit. Always so clear in his explanations and answers all my concerns.
    Sep 05, 2023
    Dr. Spinner focuses in advance on the key issues and questions that are likely to come up during the visit. He explains in an understandable and meaningful way the status, plans, and potential procedures, If needed. He Is extremely focused on the well being of the patient and wants to ensure they have all the meaningful Information to help make decisions.
    Sep 02, 2023
    Care provider's was so very professional and very caring and listened to all my concerns and health problems . Please call and inform him I'm thanking him from the bottom of my heart for saving my life by sending right away to UCSF Emergency Hospital that saves my life.
    Sep 01, 2023
    Dr Spinner is always willing to answer questions and explain things in a way that I can understand.
    Aug 03, 2023
    I'm most fortunate to be under the care of DrSpinner.
    Jul 15, 2023
    Dr. Spinner made everything crystal clear.
    Jun 06, 2023
    All questions and concerns were handled in an excellent manner. A very good plan was put in place
    Jun 05, 2023
    The care provider is nice and friendly.
    May 13, 2023
    We are 110% impressed with Dr. Spinner! He's thoughtful, informative, caring and an excellent listener.
    May 11, 2023
    Dr Skinner was very respectful, knowledgeable, and explained things very well. He was compassionate towards me and made me feel confident in a good outcome.
    May 07, 2023
    Explained everything in detail and in a very understandable manner. Concern for well-being of patient and effectively discussed plan and potential alternatives
    Apr 29, 2023
    I appreciate the time spent and willingness to address all questions
    Apr 22, 2023
    Excellent Doctor, very informative visit. He explained clearly the results from my biopsy, the procedure itself, and where we will/can/may go from here. He answered my questions and concerns, and left me with a strong feeling of confidence in him as a caring, pro-active, and extremely knowledgeable Physician.
    Apr 05, 2023
    I really appreciate being able to consult with dr. Spinner.
    Mar 19, 2023
    Dr Spinner explained to me about my illness. He answered all my questions and explained to me. His very good for communicating to me.
    Mar 18, 2023
    Visit was well organized (reflected good preparation), and communication was clear and positive. It felt like the questions and concerns I expressed were taken seriously.
    Feb 26, 2023
    Excellent
    Feb 07, 2023
    Can't think of anyway my physician could be better.
    Jan 29, 2023
    It's a privilege to be Dr Spinner's patient. I'm very lucky.
    Jan 27, 2023
    Dr. Spinner is amazing!
    Jan 27, 2023
    Hard to make an appointment
    Dec 17, 2022
    Dr. Spinner took the time to review my history in addition to my recent reports. He took the time to fully answer my questions and those of my spouse. He also expressed a great mix of compassion and empathy.
    Dec 07, 2022
    Excellent
    Nov 25, 2022
    Dr Spinner confirms once again, how fortunateI am to be his patient at UCSF
    Nov 22, 2022
    Truly was amazed and delighted with everyone I interacted with.

    Selected research

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    Decorative Caduceus

    A Safety Study of SGN-35C in Adults With Advanced Cancers

    An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention , whether or not considered related to the study intervention

    Recruiting

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