Dr. Phil Polakoff, Democratic Candidate for the 14th Assembly District, has spent his life improving our health, protecting our environment, and championing our civil and human rights. As the next step in a lifetime of service and accomplishment, Phil will put his unique life experiences to work for the people of his district, and for all Californians.

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NEWS & EVENTS

In his own words. Hear Dr. Polakoff talk about why he's running for State Assembly.

11/18/07 - Welcome to the site!

About Dr. Phil Polakoff

A Passion for Service

As the son of immigrants, Phil inherited his passion for community service and his strong work ethic from his father, a physician, and his mother, a teacher.

After working his way through college, Phil was elected President of his medical school class at Wayne State University in Detroit. But he has never rested on his laurels. After the devastating race riots of 1967 Phil became actively involved in New Detroit, the community-based organization tasked with re-building the city.

Upon graduating from medical school, Polakoff went to work for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. He investigated worksites throughout the country for potential health hazards. The desire to earn a Masters’ Degree in Public Health drew him to U.C. Berkeley, where his activism also found a home. Active in the anti-war movement, he also worked for equal opportunity in education, health and employment. He has been invited on numerous occasions to testify and advise local, state and national legislative bodies.

A Lifetime of Accomplishment

Combining his medical and public health training, in 1977 Phil formed a non-profit health and environmental organization which screened and treated thousands of East Bay shipyard and longshore workers who were exposed to deadly asbestos and other toxics.

He went on to start his own family practice, which he maintained for over 20 years, providing care for thousands of East Bay families.

In 1995, Phil left the practice of clinical medicine to serve as President and CEO of his own successful consulting firm, dedicated to improving health care by expanding patient access to nurses and other health specialists. He has also developed computer technologies that improve treatment while controlling costs.

Dr. Polakoff has written a nationally syndicated column for consumers, authored several health-related books, lectured at U.C. Berkeley and Stanford and hosted a weekly radio show.

Community Service

Over thirty years of service on East Bay non-profit boards and community organizations.

These have included:

Group Inc, a local drug abuse prevention program, Member, Board of Directors
Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood Association, President
Sierra Club, Lifelong Member
League to Save Lake Tahoe, Member, Board of Directors
Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Alameda County, Member
Peace & Common Security Institute, Founder and Board Member
Physicians for Social Responsibility, Member
Friends of the United Nations, Member, Board of Directors

(Partial list)

East Bay Experience

Phil Polakoff has lived in the East Bay for over 30 years. His wife, Nancy Pfund, helps direct socially responsible investing in California in sectors including clean tech, health care and digital media Their son, Elliott, is a college freshman and their daughter, Camilla, is a high school sophomore.

In his spare time Phil enjoys volunteering for progressive community causes, hiking, climbing and youth sports.