Biography
Allyson Spence MD, PhD is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Stanford University School of Medicine. She received her MD, PhD in the MSTP program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, studying basic mechanisms of transcription using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system in the laboratory of Dr. Tony Weil. She went on to an internship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania before returning to Stanford to complete her Oncology fellowship training. She did a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford in the department of Molecular Biology under the auspices of Dr. Margaret Fuller, where she was the recipient of a career award.
She has transitioned from basic science research to clinical medicine where she sees patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, she has an appointment at the Palo Alto VA as a staff oncologist where she focuses on women's cancers and women at high risk of developing breast and gynecologic cancers. She is involved in several translational research projects at the VA, as well as being involved in clinical trials.
She has transitioned from basic science research to clinical medicine where she sees patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, she has an appointment at the Palo Alto VA as a staff oncologist where she focuses on women's cancers and women at high risk of developing breast and gynecologic cancers. She is involved in several translational research projects at the VA, as well as being involved in clinical trials.
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Professional Summary
Education & Certifications
- Fellowship: Stanford University Division of Oncology (2005) CA
- Medical Education: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2000) TN
- Fellowship: Stanford University Bone Marrow Transplant Fellowship (2003) CA
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- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology (2014)
- Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Dept of Internal Medicine (2002) PA
- Internship: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Dept of Internal Medicine (2001) PA
Publications
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The actin-binding protein profilin is required for germline stem cell maintenance and germ cell enclosure by somatic cyst cells
Shields, A. R., Spence, A. C., Yamashita, Y. M., Davies, E. L., & Fuller, M. T. (2014). The actin-binding protein profilin is required for germline stem cell maintenance and germ cell enclosure by somatic cyst cells. DEVELOPMENT, 141(1), 73–82. -
DREF Genetically Counteracts Mi-2 and Caf1 to Regulate Adult Stem Cell Maintenance.
Angulo, B., Srinivasan, S., Bolival, B. J., Olivares, G. H., Spence, A. C., & Fuller, M. T. (2019). DREF Genetically Counteracts Mi-2 and Caf1 to Regulate Adult Stem Cell Maintenance. PLoS Genetics, 15(6), e1008187.
Practice Locations
Stanford Women's Cancer Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Stanford Women's Cancer Center
900 Blake Wilbur Dr, Fl 1
Palo Alto , CA 94304
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HereBreast Cancer Program in Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Breast Cancer Program in Palo Alto
900 Blake Wilbur Dr, Fl 1
Palo Alto , CA 94304
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Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are each independent nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with but separate from each other and from Stanford University. The physicians who provide care at facilities operated by Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are faculty, foundation, or community physicians who are not employees, representatives, or agents of Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri- Valley, or Stanford Medicine Partners. Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners do not exercise control over the care provided by such faculty, foundation, and community physicians and are not responsible for their actions.
Patient Reviews
(49 reviews)
She is very supportive and professional at the same time.
I love Dr. Spence. She is patient, realistic, and takes the time to connect with me in conversation, taking interest in my life and family and also sharing updates on hers.
I am so grateful for Dr. Smith. I feel really well taken care of always and leave so positive thank you.
Dr. Spence is an excellent Dr. She always listens and answers all of my questions. I am very happy with her.
Best doctor ever
Very pleasant and informed Dr.
Like I said before Very Happy with her
She is the best in every way!
A very caring physician
Dr. Spence is an excellent care provider. She is very competent and human. A wonderful combination
Very friendly and easy to communicate with.
Personable, informative and reassuring; aware of issues.
She's great. She's very patient and kind.
So informative and sensitive to your needs.
Dr. Spence spent a lot of time with me and showed me how knowledgeable, friendly, caring and an incredibly helpful.
Dr Spense is very good, she tske care of her patient
Dr. Spence is very thorough and thoughtful. She answered all my questions and expressed her concern and care for my well-being. Truly wonderful person and I am so grateful to her.
Dr. Spence has been my Oncologist for 5 years. I trust her with my life.
I appreciate the time she takes to explain treatment and the status of my cancer with me. I also greatly appreciate the Stanford staff that works with Dr. Spence in providing me excellent care.
She’s a very compassionate person.
She answers all questions
Dr. Spence is a wonderful doctor. She tells it like it is and I have great faith in her, so much so, that I have referred other people with breast cancer to her.
You and I are very lucky to have her.
Dr. Spence is great. Love how caring and helpful she is.
Once you can get in and get an appointment, the care is good
Dr. A. Spence always a good listened to any concerns never rushed. Breast Cancer Center.
I have seen many doctors in my 57 years. Without question, Dr. Spence is BY FAR THE BEST doctor I've ever had! If I could I would rank her 10 out of 5!
I thank God for counting with the support of doctor Spence, she is the best doctor that I have met in my life, kind, professional, the best!!
Dr. Spence is the best.
Best experience in my 14+ years at Stanford Clinics.
Friendly and knowledgeable.
I am so glad that I chose Stanford as my care provider. I hold the facility in the highest esteem.
Dr. Spence is super nice and patient.
Dr. Spence spent lots of time with me as I was a new patient.
Very happy with time she spent with us & questions she answered. Her compassion was greatly appreciated.
Very good experience. Very satisfied.
She was caring, knowledgeable & did a super job explaining.
First time I met Dr. Spence. I liked her very much.
I love my new oncologist, Dr. Spence, as well as my previous Dr. Sheth.
Dr. Spence was kind and caring she answered all my questions and we worked through a plan of action.
Dr. Spence and Terry are WONDERFUL people, very caring, knowledgeable, and compassionate.
The doctors and assistants are very professional and very helpful with my questions. They take the time to explain the questions. So I understand.
Dr. Spence treated me with the utmost care and respect. I was there for a second opinion, and I have since decided to transfer my care to her. Her overview of breast cancer treatment options was the best explanation I've ever heard. She's a very nurturing and healing practitioner.
Dr. Spence spent a lot of time with me and it was a wonderful experience. I'm very grateful!
Dr. Spence is an exceptional doctor - with GOOD personal abilities!! I have COMPLETE confidence in her.
Dr. Spence is amazing. She truly cares for my well being and her words are filled with hope.
Dr. Spence was amazing. With all her knowledge, compassion and clarity of words we finally felt great about our decision to continue on an aromatose inhibitor. She took her time and answered all our questions and more. I never wrote letters but I wrote one to her office manager about how great she is!
Outstanding doctor! I trust her with my life and will take her recommendations to Kaiser for my treatment. Thank you!
Dr. Spence is very thorough and prepared.
I made the decision to switch my primary care to Dr. Spence after this consultation.
Gave me the confidence I could "deal" with my health issue.
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