About
D. D. with Research Honors at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1983. She completed her internship and residency in medicine at Stanford, then pursued three postdoctoral fellowships: one in preventive cardiology at Stanford's Center for Research in Disease Prevention, one in endocrinology, gerontology and metabolism at Stanford, and one in geriatric medicine at Stanford and the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital. The American Board of Internal Medicine has certified her in internal medicine (1986), diabetes and endocrinology (1992, recertified 2002), and geriatric medicine (1994).
Dr. Laws has served as Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford since 1993, teaching courses on physicians and social responsibility, physicians and human rights, and introductory clinical skills to pre-clinical students. Her research spans diabetes prevention, gender differences in cholesterol metabolism, and the roles of exercise and weight loss in cardiovascular health. She has published more than 50 scientific articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and co-edited a book on insulin resistance. Dr. Laws also brings deep expertise in forensic evaluations for immigration, having served as Medical Director of Survivors International and evaluated hundreds of survivors of abuse and persecution for Immigration Court proceedings. Outside medicine, she is an avid cyclist, musician, and Scrabble player, and is the mother of two daughters adopted from China.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
A.B. Music (Piano), Oberlin College
Medical School
M.D. with Honors for Research, Stanford University School of Medicine (1983)
Residency
Internship and Residency in Medicine, Stanford University
Fellowship
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford Prevention Research Center (preventive cardiology); Postdoctoral Fellowship, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Stanford; Postdoctoral Fellowship, Geriatric Medicine, Stanford and Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital
Additional Training
Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine (1993-present)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Laws right for?
Dr. Laws is a strong fit for adults seeking a physician with rare breadth across internal medicine, endocrinology, and geriatric care. Patients managing type 2 diabetes, thyroid conditions, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular risk factors benefit from her specialized depth. Older adults with complex, multi-system conditions receive particular attention, including house calls when needed. Executives seeking thorough preventive assessments and proactive health management also align well with her practice. Patients who need coordinated specialist referrals across major Bay Area health systems find her independent status especially valuable.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. N. Lance DowningM.D.
cardiovascular disease, cancer risk, neurodegenerative conditions +3 more
Dr. Benny GaviM.D.
cardiovascular disease, cancer risk, neurodegenerative disease +3 more
Dr. Yumi AndoMD
digestive disorders, nutrient absorption problems, thyroid disorders +8 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Laws specializes in type 2 diabetes, endocrine disorders, geriatric conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and hormone health. She integrates this specialized expertise directly into primary care visits. Patients with complex, multi-system conditions benefit from her triple board certification across internal medicine, endocrinology, and geriatric medicine.
Yes. The American Board of Internal Medicine has certified Dr. Laws in three areas: internal medicine (1986), diabetes and endocrinology (1992, recertified 2002), and geriatric medicine (1994). This breadth of certification is uncommon in a single primary care physician.
D. with Honors for Research at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1983. She completed her internship, residency, and three postdoctoral fellowships at Stanford and the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital. Her fellowships covered preventive cardiology, endocrinology and metabolism, and geriatric medicine.
Yes, Dr. Laws makes house calls, particularly for elderly patients with complex conditions. House call services carry an additional fee beyond the standard monthly membership.
Dr. Laws has served as Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine since 1993. She teaches courses on physicians and social responsibility, human rights, and introductory clinical skills. She has published more than 50 scientific articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and co-edited a book on insulin resistance.
Yes. Dr. Laws brings specialized expertise in forensic evaluations for immigration proceedings. She has served as Medical Director of Survivors International and has evaluated hundreds of survivors of abuse and persecution. Her services include expert affidavits and testimony in Immigration Court.
Dr. Laws sees adult patients across a wide range. Her patient panel includes executives seeking preventive and performance health, older adults managing chronic or complex conditions, and patients with diabetes, endocrine disorders, or cardiovascular risk factors. She also serves patients who need coordination across major Bay Area specialist networks.
Dr. Laws has practiced medicine for over three decades. She completed her residency at Stanford in the early 1980s and has built a career combining clinical care, academic medicine, and research.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026