About UFirst Health Partners
Our Approach
At UFirst Health Partners, we are reshaping the landscape of healthcare through an innovative and integrated approach, emphasizing the comprehensive care across gastroenterology, rheumatology, cardiology, and urology.
Starting with a foundation in combating liver disease, our mission has grown to address a wider spectrum of medical disciplines, aiming to be at the forefront of curing diseases and enhancing patient outcomes.
Our journey now includes MacArthur GI Clinic among our expanding network, reflecting our commitment to offering world-class treatments, pioneering research, and patient-centered care.
Gastroenterology
We are focused on addressing digestive disorders that disproportionately affect underserved communities, by providing accessible screenings and treatments for conditions such as Hepatitis C, which has been our cornerstone.
Rheumatology
We tackle autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, offering cutting-edge therapies and support systems for chronic conditions prevalent in these populations.
Cardiology
Our efforts are centered on combating heart disease through preventive care, education, and treatment programs tailored to the specific needs of Oakland’s diverse residents.
Urology
We advance the treatment of urinary disorders, ensuring early detection and management of diseases like prostate cancer, which significantly impacts the male population in underserved areas.
Through this multidisciplinary approach, UFirst Health Partners is dedicated to not just treating diseases but also preventing them and enhancing the overall quality of life for the underserved communities in Oakland, California, and beyond. Our goal is to serve as a beacon of hope and a source of medical breakthroughs, providing the best possible care and fostering a healthier future for all.
Dr. Ralph L. Peterson, Founder
Dr. Ralph L Peterson is an established medical practitioner with 37 years of professional experience, and more than 22 years specializing in Gastroenterology(GI) and Internal Medicine (IM). Dr. Peterson’s passion is helping to address gastrointestinal diseases and the treatment of Hepatitis B & C on a worldwide basis.
Dr. Peterson is currently being recognized by the pharmaceutical industry as the top HCV Specialist in his geographical region, with a cure rate of over 90%. With a keen awareness of the overall worldwide demand to effectively treat and cure Hepatitis C (HCV), Dr. Peterson’s focus is to support worldwide activities that improve the surveillance, prevention, screening and treatment of HCV.
In 2007, Dr. Peterson’s medical clinic started initial testing for HCV to increase the awareness of individuals at risk and to provide appropriate education and referrals. The medical facility began HCV treatments in 2013, and Dr. Peterson was the first medical doctor in the California County of Alameda, to write RX and have patients approved for the first complete treatment for HCV which required taking only a once-a-day pill.
A medical leader in the community, Dr. Peterson has received awards and recognition from entities such as the American Cancer Society. Dr. Peterson is on the advisory boards of top pharmaceutical corporations and is a speaker for Gilead Pharmaceutical. Dr. Peterson is overall a sought-after speaker on gastroenterology, disease prevention, and patient health and wellness. He has held leadership positions at numerous entities in the United States such as Chief of Staff at Physicians Community Hospital; Interim Medical Director of Berkeley Health Center; Medical Director for the Aids Project of the East Bay; and Director for Office-based Surgery at MacArthur Gastroenterology.
Dr. Peterson’s focus has always been to provide high-quality healthcare to medically underserved individuals and families. As a leader in his field, Dr. Peterson has received numerous recognitions such as the Patients' Choice Award & Compassionate Doctor Recognition. These awards recognize top doctors that provide exemplary care. The awards are determined based on the reviews and ratings collected from millions of patients and are awarded to less than 5 percent of all doctors in the United States.
Dr. Ralph Peterson has always had an international healthcare focus. He worked as a Volunteer Physician in Bohol Philippines and was a Medical Team Leader in Sierra Leone, West Africa. In Sierra Leone, Dr. Peterson was responsible for evaluating the medical needs of the different provinces and determining what positive medical impacts could be implemented.
With the HCV infection being a major public health concern worldwide, Dr. Peterson’s passion is to aid in the eradication of this disease.