Christopher Vlasses

Dr. Christopher Vlasses is a hospitalist who coordinates and manages care for hospitalized children. He specializes in pediatric illness and has a particular focus on promoting quality improvement measures that benefit his patients.

Vlasses' interests include overseeing quality improvement projects. For UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland (BCHO), he participated in a national project of the American Academy of Pediatrics focused on infant sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection); the initiative sought to promote best practices in evaluating infants under 60 days old with fever. He also works with a software designer to create virtual reality environments for children that may minimize pain and anxiety during medical procedures. One environment helps children prepare for having an MRI.

Vlasses earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago. He completed a residency in pediatrics at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, serving as chief resident.

Vlasses loves music, particularly rock and roll. He is a singer-songwriter and drummer for the band Tiny Rock, which plays upbeat songs for kids and families on small instruments such as the electric ukulele. He also enjoys baking with his two sons; their favorite dish is Philadelphia-style soft pretzels.