Elizabeth Pendragon, MD
Family Medicine
Accepting new patients
“I want to help you find out what's going on.”
Language(s) - English
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Dr. Pendragon never went far from her West Coast roots. She attended Cal Poly Pomona for her undergraduate studies and then completed medical school and residency at the University of California, San Diego. Her educational focus was originally family medicine. In recent years she has completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine and is currently completing a fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry.
Along with her educational experience, her professional experience in family medicine with underserved populations and military service members speaks to her passion for patient care. She has also served as a clinical instructor for medical students and residents and has supervised clinical research trials.
Dr. Pendragon was fascinated by medicine even at a young age. Her mother always bought her doctor kits (not nurse kits- as was more customary for girls her age) and had her see female doctors whenever possible. “The idea of being a doctor and a woman was completely OK,” said Dr. Pendragon. “That may seem strange now, but women were just reaching 50% of medical student enrollment the year I started (1992). I love science. It’s interesting and ever-changing. I think that’s part of why I chose family medicine. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to have to know as much as possible. I thought, ‘This way, my job will never be boring.’ And I was right!”
Dr. Pendragon also has a special interest in Integrative Medicine and Integrative Psychiatry and has treated many patients for mental health issues. According to Dr. Pendragon, “There is a significant shortage of psychiatrists in the nation.” She had weekly training in Behavioral Health for three years during her residency and fellowship. She feels comfortable in this area of expertise and is skilled in diagnostics.
Dr. Pendragon describes her approach to patient care as ‘holistic,’ saying, “I think everything about you and your experience in life has some impact on your health. My patients can expect to be treated like a whole person. I never scold patients. I’ll take you as you are. I never want someone to worry about my part of the interaction. I would like my patients to describe me as warm, comforting, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable.”
Outside of her practice, Dr. Pendragon enjoys travel both nationally and internationally, where she likes to stay in short-term rentals. “That way, I feel closer to the people there.” She loves experiencing things with family and friends, creating memories that last. She also loves her “small circus” of animals, enjoys nature, and appreciates good bonding experiences.
Fellowship
Integrative Psychiatry, Integrative Psychiatry Institute, 2021-2022; Integrative Medicine, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, 2017-2020
Residency
Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Division of Family Medicine, 1996-1999
Education
Doctor of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 1996; Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 1992
Experience
Staff Physician, Naval Branch Health Clinic-Naval Training Center, Primary Care, 2009-2022; Clinical Research Physician, Profil Institute for Clinical Research, 2008-2009; Medical Director, Staff Family Physician, San Diego American Indian Health Center, 2005-2008; Acting Medical Director, Lead Physician, Southern Indian Health Council, Inc., 2003-2005; Associate Physician, Clinical Instructor, University of California, San Diego, Division of Family Medicine, 2000-2003; Staff Physician, Kaiser Permanente, Primary Care, San Diego, 1999-2000
Certification
American Board of Family Medicine
Circulating Amylin in Human Essential Hypertension: heritability and early increase in individuals at genetic risk; M.Kailasam, R. Parmer, E. Tyrell, R. Henry & D.T. O’Connor; Journal of Hypertension, Nov 2000 18:1611-1620
Early Alteration in Glomerular Response to Amino Acids in Humans at Genetic Risk of Hypertension; Abstract; L. Miller, E. Tyrell, M. Kailasam, R. Parmer, F. Gabbai & D.T. O’Connor; Hypertension, Sep 1998 32(3): 602
