MEET THE DOCTOR

DR. LEAH TESSLER

Leah Tessler, MD

Concierge Doctor in San Francisco

About Dr. Leah Tessler

Dr. Leah Tessler is a board-certified internal medicine physician offering personalized concierge primary care at Golden Gate Concierge Medicine in San Francisco. With nearly 30 years of experience caring for patients in the Bay Area, her guiding principle has always been to place the patient at the center of every medical decision. Her clinical interests include preventive care and supporting women’s health throughout all stages of life.

Dr. Tessler earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA and her medical degree from McGill University in Montreal, where she was born. After moving to San Francisco in 1992, she completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at UCSF–Mt. Zion Hospital. She has been continuously board certified in Internal Medicine since 1995.

Dr. Tessler cared for many of the same patients and worked alongside a consistent core group of clinicians for nearly three decades, even as her medical group evolved across different models. Throughout her career, Dr. Tessler has prioritized long-term relationships with her patients—delivering high-quality medical care grounded in clear communication, clinical excellence, and mutual trust. What distinguishes her most is her long-standing presence in the Bay Area medical community and her deep commitment to continuity of care. Her focus has always been on building strong doctor-patient relationships. She prioritizes preventative care  and evidence-based medicine. Although she enjoys the intellectual challenge of medicine it was the connection with patients she missed most, and what ultimately drew her back to practice after retiring in 2023.

Personal Background

Dr. Tessler lives in San Francisco with her husband and has two adult sons. In her free time, she enjoys watercolor painting, cooking, exercise, snorkeling, skiing, and traveling. These interests enrich her compassionate approach to internal medicine in San Francisco.

Care Philosophy

Dr. Coopersmith’s 20-year medical journey is defined by trust, clear communication, and genuine patient partnerships. His dedication to preventive medicine in San Francisco and chronic disease management has fostered relationships spanning decades. At Golden Gate Concierge Medicine, he combines scientific expertise with the art of medicine to provide unhurried, personalized concierge primary care in San Francisco.

Education & Training

  • UCSF-Mt. Zion Hospital, San Francisco, CA Internal Medicine Internship & Residency (1992–1995)

  • McGill University, Montreal, Canada MDCM Faculty Scholar (1988–1992)

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA BS in Biology, Latin and Departmental Honors (1983–1987)

Professional Experience

  • Member, Clinical Advisory Group, Altais, Oakland, CA, November 2020 – July 2023

  • Internal Medicine Physician, BTHealth, San Francisco Bay Area, December 2019 – April 2023

  • Director, Board of Directors, Brown & Toland Physicians, Oakland, CA, January 2013 – October 2020

  • Medical Director and Internal Medicine Physician, Bayspring Medical Group, San Francisco Bay Area, December 1996 – November 2019

  • Physician, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, July 1995 – June 1997

  • Internal Medicine Resident, UCSF/Mt. Zion Hospital, San Francisco, CA, June 1992 – June 1995

Clinical Interests & Specialties

Dr. Coopersmith excels in concierge primary care, with expertise in:

●        Preventive medicine in San Francisco – Proactive plans for optimal health.

●        Chronic disease management in San Francisco – Comprehensive care for complex conditions.

●        Patient-centered care coordination – Seamless collaboration with Bay Area specialists.

His tailored approach ensures high-quality, individualized outcomes.

Affiliations

Community Involvement & Volunteer Work

  • Board Certified in Internal Medicine (ABIM), since 1995

  • Active California Medical License, since 1993

  • Member, American College of Physicians

●        Former volunteer physician, Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic and San Francisco Free Medical Clinic

●        Founding member, Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic, Sacramento

“Being a doctor has always been a large part of who I am, and I will bring that same quality of caring and concern, as well as a desire to forge strong patient doctor bonds to my new concierge practice.

— Dr. Tessler