About
Dr. M. Grace Laurencin brings over two decades of clinical practice in Santa Cruz alongside three board certifications: Family Medicine, Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. A. D. and a Master of Public Health at Boston University School of Medicine. She then trained in residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), followed by a research fellowship in chronic disease with an emphasis on diabetes and depression.
Dr. Laurencin holds a faculty appointment as Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF. She serves as Co-Director of the Palliative Care Service at Dominican Hospital. Santa Cruz County has named her Best Physician seven times. Her clinical passions include diabetes, depression, integrative medicine, nutrition, geriatric care, and palliative medicine. She has lectured on Western and non-Western approaches to chronic illness, body image, and the role of nutrition in health and disease. Her practice reflects a philosophy of thoroughness: each visit draws on preventive science, integrative thinking, and a genuine ongoing relationship with every patient.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Brown University, B.A. Religious Studies
Medical School
Boston University (M.D. and M.P.H.)
Residency
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Fellowship
Research fellowship in chronic disease with emphasis on diabetes and depression
Additional Training
Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Laurencin right for?
Dr. Laurencin serves adults who want a thorough, relationship-centered approach to primary care. Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes or depression benefit from her fellowship training and integrative focus. Older adults and families navigating complex or multi-provider care find particular value in her geriatric and palliative expertise. Her College Student Program also makes her a strong fit for families with members living away from home who still need continuity of care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Laurencin focuses on diabetes, depression, and chronic disease management, drawing on her research fellowship in those areas. She also brings deep expertise in geriatric care, palliative medicine, and integrative health. Her preventive focus means she addresses risk factors and health patterns early, not just acute concerns.
Yes. Dr. Laurencin holds board certification in Family Medicine, Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. She received her Integrative and Holistic Medicine certification in 2014.
D. and Master of Public Health at Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), then finished a research fellowship focused on chronic disease, diabetes, and depression.
Yes. Dr. Laurencin holds board certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine and incorporates both Western and non-Western treatment perspectives. She has lectured on these approaches as they relate to chronic medical conditions, body image, and nutrition. She also provides referrals to alternative health care practitioners when appropriate.
Dr. Laurencin serves as Co-Director of the Palliative Care Service at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. That role reflects her board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine and her commitment to whole-person care at all stages of illness.
Yes. Dr. Laurencin conducts house calls and worksite visits when medically necessary. She also cares for patients in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospital settings, and communicates clearly with family members and caregivers throughout.
Dr. Laurencin has practiced clinical medicine in the Santa Cruz area for more than 20 years. During that time, she has earned the Best Physician in Santa Cruz County designation seven times.
Yes. For complex cases, Dr. Laurencin accompanies patients to specialist appointments. That level of involvement helps ensure continuity and clear communication across care settings.
Dr. Laurencin serves as Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). This appointment reflects her ongoing engagement with medical education and clinical research.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026