The Silicon Valley Business (SVB) Journal has named Tivic Health Systems’ Chief Scientific Officer, Blake Gurfein, PhD to their annual 40 Under 40 Awards. This distinction is given to 40 business executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit and community leaders who have made outstanding professional and humanitarian contributions, before the age of 40.
Dr. Gurfein was selected based on his vast accomplishments in the fields of bioelectronics and neuromodulation at age 35. He completed his doctorate in neuroscience at age 26, and at age 29, he ascended to the level of faculty at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), one of the preeminent research institutions in the world. Dr. Gurfein is now assistant adjunct professor of medicine at UCSF, and his research was supported by a prestigious multiyear award from the National Institutes of Health, a Mentored Research Scientist Development Award.
As a creative thinker, Dr. Gurfein was drawn to research demonstrating that devices employing electricity and magnetism could be used to generate new non-drug therapies to address inadequate treatment needs in neurology and psychiatry. Dr. Gurfein’s vision is that this class of device therapies represents a breakthrough in medicine that is already showing promise in addressing serious conditions including Parkinson’s disease, depression, chronic pain, allergic rhinitis and many others.
He has four patents pending and 12 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, one of which was featured on the cover of Molecular Medicine.
Dr. Gurfein has served as the Chief Scientific Officer of two neuromodulation companies, Rio Grande Neurosciences and Tivic Health.
Moved by the homelessness epidemic in the Bay Area, Dr. Gurfein has volunteered with Community Housing Partnership (CHP) to raise awareness of their work to help homeless individuals secure housing and become self-sufficient. He also serves on CHP’s Advancement Committee, a Board of Directors sub-committee, which focuses on community outreach.
Dr. Gurfein has prioritized humanitarian activities throughout his career and has volunteered at homeless shelters and organizations including the Ivy League Connection and Habitat for Humanity. He also mentors junior scientists and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I am honored to be among this exceptional group of executives that are making major contributions to their communities and businesses,” said Dr. Blake Gurfein. “Thank you to the SVB Journal for recognizing the important work we are doing to bring innovative, bioelectronic medical solutions to those with chronic diseases. It’s an especially exciting time because we are about to launch ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief after rigorous clinical work culminating in an FDA clearance. I’m also grateful to the Community Housing Partnership for bringing awareness to help homeless individuals secure housing and become self-sufficient.”
“Blake Gurfein has made tremendous scientific and cultural contributions at Tivic Health, in his prior work at UCSF and Rio Grande Neurosciences, and through his work with the community,” added Jennifer Ernst, CEO of Tivic Health. “The Tivic Health team is pleased to see him recognized by SVB Journal.”
