Dr. Elizabeth M. Palkovacs, MD, FRCSC

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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Elizabeth M. Palkovacs, who serves patients in San Francisco, California.

An American and Canadian board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Palkovacs is affiliated with The Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. Her areas of clinical expertise include Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Comprehensive Ophthalmology.

Her dedication to patient care is evident in her practice philosophy which puts patients first. Dr. Palkovacs values community engagement and professional stewardship, and actively participates in international and domestic ophthalmology conferences. She is a published author of numerous papers and book chapters pertaining to ophthalmology clinical research. 

Dr. Palkovacs earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Saint Louis University graduating magna cum laude before obtaining her Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine in 2005.

Following medical school, she completed her internship at Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Subsequently, she returned to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for residency training in ophthalmology, followed by fellowship training in Neuro-Ophthalmology. She then completed a second fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at McMaster University School of Medicine in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Upon completing her fellowship training, Dr. Palkovacs joined a small private group practice in southern California before eventually joining The Permanente Medical Group in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2016. 

Dr. Palkovacs is a board certified ophthalmologist in both the United States of America and in Canada. Uniquely, she is the only female physician currently practicing in the United States that has fellowship training in both Neuro-Ophthalmology and Oculoplastics and Reconstructive Surgery and who is board certified throughout all of North America. Dr. Palkovacs is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), an independent, non-profit organization responsible for board certification of ophthalmologists. Additionally, she is recognized as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), the Canadian board certification equivalent.

Actively involved in professional organizations and initiatives, Dr. Palkovacs serves on the Board of Directors for the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology and has participated in clinical audit at the esteemed Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. She has also presented research internationally at the World Ophthalmology Congress. She is a proud member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and the California Medical Association.

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. Neuro-Ophthalmology is a branch of Ophthalmology that diagnoses and treats ophthalmic manifestations of neurological disorders including optic neuritis, double vision, and visual field defects from pituitary tumors and strokes. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a surgical speciality that addresses eyelid malpositions, orbital trauma, and lacrimal disorders.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Palkovacs enjoys a diverse range of interests, including traveling, experiencing different cultures, live music, and film. Yoga and meditation are integral parts of her lifestyle, which contribute to her overall well-being. Additionally, she is a certified yoga instructor. She cherishes spending time with her loving family and close friends, recognizing the importance of personal connections and support in both personal and professional endeavors.

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