Dr. Daniel Y Yu, MD

About Me

I spent the early years of my life along the East Coast. My home was in New York City, and I earned a bachelor of arts degree at Harvard University. I was always fascinated by human physiology, and majored in biochemistry as an undergraduate. I later returned to New York for medical school, before venturing west to beautiful California for my internal medicine residency. I trained in gastroenterology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and then joined Kaiser Permanente.

I’ve always found digestive disorders to be the most interesting aspect of human physiology. It is also a field where technology has led to amazing advances in our ability to diagnose and treat diseases. Using minimally invasive instruments, we are now able to visualize portions of the gastrointestinal tract that were not accessible in years past. This has allowed us to diagnose and treat various disorders with greater effectiveness and safety. I have a special interest in capsule endoscopy, which …involves the use of miniature cameras that are imbedded inside of a capsule which can be swallowed. This provides images of the small intestine that even our longest endoscopes cannot obtain. This is reminiscent of the scientific expedition from the film, Fantastic Voyage, which intrigued me in my youth.

I have been practicing at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek for more than 10 years now. This is an exceptional setting in which to work with and help patients, because physicians are provided with control in decision making about patient care. Kaiser Permanente’s emphasis on preventive health allows me to keep my healthy patients healthy, in addition to treating those with problems. The integrated health system allows me to be involved in and aware of all other aspects of my patients’ comprehensive medical care. If a patient I’m seeing today was seen in any of our Emergency Rooms the night before, I’ll have full access to reports and test results from that visit. This efficiency allows me more time to spend talking with my patients, and working to improve their health.

I have a strong interest in information technology as applied to health care. I am currently working on the gastroenterology section of Kaiser Permanente’s electronic charting system for Northern California. I’m confident that this system will eventually allow me to provide even better service to my patients. I am currently also serving as Chief of the Gastroenterology Department for the Diablo Service Area.

I spend most of my spare time teaching and learning from my two wonderful sons. I also enjoy photography and digital media creation.

I look forward to seeing you in the office.

My Credentials

Medical school Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New York, NY
Internship Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Residency Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Fellowship UC Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Board certification Gastroenterology, American Board of Internal Medicine