Reviews

Dr. Yu and his wonderful staff were exceptionally caring and professional.  Prior to, and after surgery, the doctor and his staff followed up with me to be sure I understood the entire procedure and was doing well.  I would highly recommend North Bay Urology on all accounts!

Thanks to Dr. Yu and “Buddy” (the robot) a very scary situation turned out to be a lot easier than I had been imagining. Dr. Yu is an amazing doctor. I would recommend him to anyone. “If you have to do it, do it with Dr. Yu!” After I got home, his follow-up phone calls were very comforting. Also a great staff. “Thanks, Dr. Yu!

From day one, North Bay Urology has had my back. My doctors have been with me every step of the way – from the time Dr. Patrick Bennett discovered the tumor in my bladder, up to the decision to remove it with the life-saving da Vinci robotic surgery of Dr. James Yu. Both of them gave me their cell phone numbers and responded promptly when I called. During recovery in the months after surgery, no call went unanswered, no concern unaddressed. When I needed an office visit in between appointments, the Center staff found a way to get me in. On one occasion, after routinely examining swelling in my leg suspected of being a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a staffer decided it was serious enough to get me to Marin General right away. She pleaded my case with the hospital staff and got them to move up my previously scheduled ultrasound. The DVT was found and treatment began.

Both doctors were trained in the nation’s top medical schools, and are whip-smart, amazingly likable guys with upbeat personalities. Each has a great sense of humor. Dr. Yu, ordering me to eat, said if I didn’t, he would come to the house and hand feed me. I think he was joking. But I had the sense that he cared about his patients so much that he would do whatever it took to get a good outcome.

I am very grateful for the care I received from Dr. Yu and all of the team at North Bay Urology. The team of doctors gave clear and straight forward information to me and my family to assist us in making hard decisions and took all the time we needed in answering all of our many questions. My many family members who accompanied me, and asked many questions, were always treated with care and respect. All of the office staff were respectful and friendly and always responded quickly.

And Dr. Yu has my everlasting gratitude for my treatment, and his skill in robotic surgery, which was a success and has allowed me to quickly recover and return to normal living. Above all, I want to thank Dr. Yu for his caring kindness during decision making, surgery, and recovery. During that frightening time, it gave a lift to my spirit and courage, trusting that he cared about my well being, had my best interests at heart, and would give me the right advice and care.

Thank you, Dr. Yu, and thank you, staff, for your professionalism and caring spirits.

Top notch! I underwent a TURP procedure in November of 2015. It was entirely successful and a whole lot of trouble disappeared from my life in an instant. Dr. Yu’s staff is wonderful, I always felt comfortable and cared for through the ordeal and recommend them wholeheartedly.  

I was 90 years old when I started having serious urologic problems. My family doctor recommended Dr. Yu. At our first visit Dr. Yu clearly explained my alternatives and a few weeks later he performed painless prostate surgery at Marin General Hospital. Now, 3 months later my urination is virtually normal and catheters and diapers are gone. I would recommend Dr. Yu as a knowledgeable and caring professional.

I thought getting healed for Comm’s Syndrome would only be a dream for me. I didn’t give up. I studied about my problem on and on. I prayed on and on. I got insurance. A lady from my insurance helped me. And God answered my prayers and dreams with the dream team. Now it is my honor and privilege that I truly cherish. And that is Dr. James Yu and his team. I fully trusted them and received the best care possible. Thank you so much. I had no doubts that everything would turn out great.

Dr. Yu performed a UPJ obstruction surgery on me in August 2013. He was what you hope to find in a surgeon – professional, knowledgeable and caring. Dr. Yu called me twice after the surgery to check-in, which I find rare of doctors. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Yu for giving me my health back.

My life experience is now approaching seven decades, and I am honored to say that Dr. Yu is one of the best physicians I’ve encountered anywhere. His dedication, skill, and his enthusiastic approach to patient care are true touchstones and a solid reminder of what the practice of medicine is supposed to be.

Dr. Yu diagnosed and repaired my ureter issue very successfully. His staff was able to be flexible when arranging appointments around my busy schedule and I am forever grateful. My pain is gone and my anxieties forgotten, thanks to Dr. Yu’s expertise!

I felt complete confidence in his skills as a surgeon and in his ability to bring with him a high caliber team. My surgery was in late May (3 months ago as of this August writing), and I continue to recover very well, on track with the path he mapped out before my surgery. (Back on the tennis court, stand up paddle board, and lots of travel.)

I am grateful to have been under his care, would not hesitate to recommend him strongly to others considering surgical treatment, and would be happy to talk with his patients to share my experiences.

I don’t think that I could be more pleased and satisfied with the level of personal touch and professional care provided by Dr. James Yu. His level of clarity, responsiveness and overall commitment is beyond that of any experience I have ever had with any doctor. I also give high marks to Dr. Neuwirth for recommending Dr. Yu to perform the specific robotic procedure vs. other choices to treat my situation. The office visits were well organized and scheduled. The surgery was a total success and follow-up extraordinary. The hospital experience was generally good, with the attention given by the night staff superior to the daytime staff.

I have had very few experiences with surgery so this one caused high anxiety for me about what to expect before, during and following the surgical procedure. Dr. Yu’s people skills are exceptional, as are his medical knowledge and skill. I have never encountered someone in such a professional capacity so committed to his client/patient. He is a treasure for Marin General and North Bay Urology. I would be delighted to serve as a personal reference.

My robotic surgery went smoothly with no complications. Dr. Yu, my surgeon, was very professional and compassionate. He explained to me the surgical procedure he was to perform before surgery and discussed the recovery process after surgery. I am completely satisfied with the surgery. The staff at Marin General was excellent. From check-in to check-out everything went well with no problems.

Dr. Yu was very attentive and professional. He explained all options clearly. He was careful and responsive to all of my questions. He had confidence and a very positive attitude. He was accessible and caring. He returned phone calls. His staff managed the paperwork and scheduling perfectly. They were friendly and organized. We highly recommend North Bay Urology.

I was referred to Dr. Yu by Dr. Levine when I was told I needed a cancer operation. Dr. Yu was very thorough in explaining the procedure I would go through & I knew beforehand what I would go through with the cancer operation. He visited with me twice a day while I was in the hospital, and was very concerned about my well being and post-surgical pain. My surgery was very complicated and he was very successful in removing all the cancerous tissue. I am very pleased with the care I received from Dr. Yu. Great doctor.

Following an emergency surgical procedure, I was informed that I had a cancerous growth on my right kidney and needed immediate surgery. I was given choices as to where to go, and I chose Marin General. My choice would be a robotic surgery. Frightened, I met Dr. Yu. He was friendly and very precise. I also met Julie Illi. So we all started this adventure together. Julie was my informative, consoling, warm, friendly guardian angel through this path to health. The staff at Marin General were all warm, caring, thoughtful and concerned. I was made to feel like I was the only patient in the hospital that needed to be focused on. Quite a feat considering the circumstances. Dr. Yu removed my fear with his positive, self-confident, quiet, warm, knowledgeable spirit. He completed a most successful, complicated, life-saving robotic surgery. I cannot find the words to describe this magnificently kind, concerned, brilliant doctor. He is a blessing to all that are in need of his talented skills.

The Marin General staff was above and beyond. From surgery prep, transport to surgery and transport from surgery, the supportive doctors in surgery were beyond my expectations. Thank you for not only caring for me but for taking the time to focus on my husband as well, to make him as comfortable as possible. Thank you, Dr. Yu, for your gifted talent, for your wonderful staff, and my life. I am so appreciative of having met you and your wonderful staff. God bless all of you.

Dr. Yu removed a tumor from my kidneys a year ago. I was lucky because the tumor proved to be benign, not cancerous. I’ve also been fortunate because I’ve had no negative effects from the surgery.

My experience at Marin General was a breeze. Dr. Yu was so nice, explained the procedure & came to see me after recovery and the next day. It certainly solved my problem with the kidney repair he performed. Everyone at Marin General made my stay enjoyable. Thanks, Dr. Yu.

Dr. Yu is exactly what I want in a doctor. He is very straight forward, giving me the information I need to make decisions on my healthcare. Dr. Yu told me what he determined to be the best course of action to treat my cancer. I agreed, and he performed a complete nephrectomy. As promised I awoke still alive after surgery. Six months later I am still alive and cancer-free. You cannot ask more than that. The fact that Dr. Yu seemed a genuine “good guy” was just icing on the cake!

“You’ve got CANCER.” Those were the three powerful words I heard from Dr. James Yu in May of this year. With barely time to recover from the news, he was already discussing “a plan of action. His encouraging, but noncommittal words were comforting and easy to follow, even at that moment. Over the next several weeks, Dr. Yu and his staff guided me through the barrage of paperwork, blood tests, and scans. The robotic surgery was a success. There was never a deviation from their commitment and professionalism. I am happy to say my journey is complete and I am Cancer Free! Thank you, Dr. Yu and staff!

Dr. Yu and his staff were excellent to work with over the pre and post-op period. Dr. Yu gave off an air of such confidence in the procedure and his ability, I was positive everything would work out and it did! Thanks to all at North Bay Urology for the work and healing.

Dr. Yu is the best. He takes time to talk with you and explains what you will be going through. Therefore I went through my surgery with confidence and trust! Marin General Hospital is fortunate to have a good doctor like him!!! Thank you and God bless all of you.

I had a kidney removed by Dr. Yu on February 26th. The whole experience from the first office visit to checking out of the hospital was great. Setting up with Lisa before surgery was incredible. Checking into the hospital, pre-op, post-op, and care was outstanding. Dr. Yu did a fantastic job and had an excellent follow-up, as I had some complications after I got home. Thank you all for everything you did for me.

Dr. Yu was caring and compassionate at a very frightening time in my life. He went out of his way to be sure I was comfortable and well informed. I like and respect him as a fellow human being and think he is the best doctor I have ever had.

My experience with your office was very pleasant, along with the hospital stay & my follow up care. Keep up the good work!

All of my visits and surgeries have been nothing short of excellent. One of the best experiences with this office is the personal care, especially the phone calls for test follow-ups that always come from Dr. Yu himself & I can’t say enough how I appreciate that. The office staff is just as wonderful. Dr. Yu and his staff are the best!! Thank you!

From my first appointment to follow-up care, I felt very comfortable and cared for. All explanations were very thorough and understandable and I was able to make an informed decision for myself. All the staff were kind and helpful. Many thanks for making a stressful medical situation so much easier.

At first, I was shocked when given the diagnosis. I felt that it was said in such a blunt way that I thought, “I should get a second opinion.” After getting to know Dr. Yu after the two biopsies I felt confidence in him as my surgeon. I’m very pleased with my outcome and glad Doctor Yu is involved in my care.

Dr. Yu & office staff were the best! Dr. Yu explained everything, so we could understand… very patient with all questions. Luckily things went as we had hoped. Marin General’s care was top notch. Many thanks to them also. My only concern with Dr. Yu was, at the first meeting, the “Doogie Howser” effect!!!! He looks so young… but let’s not hold that against a wonderful Dr.!!!!

On our first meeting during my office visit, Dr. Yu had the unpleasant task of explaining to me that I had kidney cancer, which required immediate surgery, In plain layman’s terms, Dr. Yu explained the details of the operation, the requirements on my part, the possible side effects and follow-up exams. Dr. Yu performed the surgical operation at Marin General Hospital on a Thursday morning, he had me walk the hallways that evening and I was released from the hospital on Saturday. I experienced no side effects, no pain, required no pills and all incisions healed perfectly. Some three months later, I still can’t believe what type of miracle Dr. Yu performed, but it certainly worked for me.

When bank executive Hank turned 60, that milestone birthday motivated him to take his fitness routine to the next level and spend more time at the gym. Hank was already exceptionally active and spent his spare time golfing, hunting, surfing, fishing – and his favorite activity of all, paddle boarding in Richardson Bay with the family Yorkie on board! Hank was in such good shape that he almost skipped his yearly physical. Fortunately, good sense prevailed, because that annual checkup saved Hank’s life.

Although Hank’s PSA numbers were low, Dr. J. David Andrew, his primary care physician, found a suspicious lump while examining Hank’s prostate. He referred Hank to Marin Specialty Care. There, Hank was examined by urologist, Dr. Harry Neuwirth, who ordered a biopsy. The news was not good. Hank had a prostate tumor so rare, it’s only seen once every three or four years. The tumor type is exceptionally aggressive and doubles in size every 90 days.

Hank underwent a battery of tests to determine whether the cancer had metastasized. After this type of tumor breaks free of its surgical margins, it’s considered inoperable. (The margins refer to the amount of normal tissue between the tumor and the area to be removed). To Hank’s great relief, the cancer had not yet spread. Once they knew what they were dealing with, Dr. Neuwirth introduced Hank to urologist and robotic surgery specialist Dr. R. James Yu of North Bay Urology. Hank gratefully refers to Dr. Yu as “the Edward Scissorhands of the da Vinci Robot.” Dr. Yu explained that the robot is the ideal tool for delicate, precise surgeries like prostatectomies. The technology allows the surgeon to operate through five tiny incisions, resulting in less scarring and bleeding, reduced pain, and a swifter recovery.

Five weeks after receiving his biopsy results, Hank had his surgery at Marin General Hospital. He knew exactly what to expect, as Dr. Yu had explained the procedure in detail. Dr. Yu removed the cancerous prostate and surrounding lymph nodes. He was able to leave a crucial layer of nerves intact: With an expert robotic surgeon like Dr. Yu at the controls, the robotic surgery system allows for enough precision to preserve continence and sexual function. The surgery took place just in time, as the tumor’s margins were less than a millimeter. Hank was amazed that he could return to work just two weeks later. His physical therapist helped him develop a gentler exercise routine that got Hank back in the gym just a month after surgery.

Next, Hank’s treatment plan called for hormone therapy, to reduce testosterone production, followed by full external radiation with Marin General Hospital radiation oncologist Dr. Lloyd Miyawaki. The radiation treatment was especially delicate because even the most minor error could result in damage to Hank’s bowels or bladder. Dr. Neuwirth implanted a marker in the surgical area before the radiotherapy treatment, to help Dr. Miyawaki target the tumor as accurately as possible.

After he finished radiation, Hank was in remission. He was able to go on a summer vacation. He has since resumed his high-intensity workouts and still plays all of in his favorite outdoor sports. For now, Hank has to come in every three months for a blood test. If he remains cancer-free, the frequency of blood tests will be gradually reduced. He is deeply grateful to the collaborative team at Marin General Hospital for saving his life. “Everyone,” Hank declares, “worked so well together. It was fantastic. The doctors, the nurses, the navigator, the technicians. It was first class treatment all the way.”

If you ask Brittany why she runs, hikes, paddle boards, and more, she’ll tell you it’s for sanity, not vanity. Exercise helps her stay centered and serene – not always easy for a mother of four! Brittany and her family love to take advantage of all that Marin has to offer for outdoor activities. That’s why it was particularly troubling when Brittany got sick, and couldn’t shake an illness that went on month after month.

In August of 2013, Brittany began experiencing symptoms of a possible urinary tract infection. She felt draggy and tired and had a low-grade fever that wouldn’t subside. Her urine was cloudy and she had dull pain in her low back. Brittany started by seeing her primary care physician, who gave her antibiotics. When the symptoms didn’t go away, she went to her gynecologist, who gave her another prescription for antibiotics. Again, there was no improvement. Now, Brittany could feel a soft lump, which her friends described as “squishy”, on her lower back. Taking a different tack, she consulted a naturopathic doctor who tried to help, and also recommended that she see an expert urologist.

At this point, Brittany couldn’t exercise or enjoy the great outdoors the way she liked. She had no energy and was in constant discomfort. She did some research and scheduled a consultation with Dr. R. James Yu, Medical Director of Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology at Marin General Hospital. Dr. Yu ran tests and which revealed a large cyst on Brittany’s right kidney. Since it was highly unusual for a cyst to cause symptoms like Brittany’s, the doctor tried a few different non-invasive treatments before deciding on surgery. It became clear that the cyst had to go.

Dr. Yu performed Brittany’s minimally invasive surgery through four tiny incisions, using the da Vinci robot. The cyst had grown to the size of a grapefruit, and it was infected and packed with puss. It turned out to have been the culprit behind Brittany’s discomfort, and her symptoms vanished right after the surgery. She returned to the gym after two weeks, eager to start her new career as a CrossFit trainer.

Although it took her several months to get back to her original fitness level, Brittany is now back to all her favorite Marin activities, enjoying the outdoor life with her family.

A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. During the course of monitoring the severity of the cancer it became time to select a more aggressive treatment. In my case, I chose surgery. Of course, in cases like this, you want only the best. So I began the process of interviewing everyone in the medical field I knew, starting with my family doctor. Two names became apparent as the two top surgeons in this area of robotic surgery. Dr. R. James Yu’s name was at the top of that list. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to him. Dr. Yu is the Director of Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology. his peers refer to him as “a truly world class surgeon” when it comes to robotic surgery. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Yu for anyone who is faced with this difficult decision. As for me, so far I am cancer free!

I became aware of my prostate cancer condition in the early part of 2015. A few months later, during a discussion with my local urologist about various forms of prostate cancer treatment, I realized that removing the cancer made the most sense — at least on an intuitive level. During my initial visit with Dr. Yu, the surgeon who performed my Radical Robotic Prostatectomy (surgery), I was surprised when he encouraged me to consider forms of prostate cancer treatment other than surgery. After reading the comprehensive information in the “Patient Binder” provided by Dr. Yu, I was more certain than ever that having the surgery was the best choice for me (i.e. age 72, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in four of my six prostate zones).

I remember being wheeled into the surgery center, but given the level of anesthesia involved, I have no recollection of the actual surgery. What I do know is that from the very first time I met Dr. Yu, he exuded competence. When he spoke, I wanted to listen.

After the surgery and a brief hospital stay, I returned to my northern California home. Occasionally, when I had questions about self-care, “Patient Navigator” Julie Illi, RN, MS, OCN was only an email away. Julie’s support during the early stage of my recovery is a gift I will long remember.

Now, almost a year has passed since my surgery. All of the PSA testing to date shows less than 0.01. My energy level is the best it has been in decades. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel.

When was the last time your physician called your home to check on how you are doing? Well, that was my experience with Dr. R. James Yu. He phoned me at home a day after being released from Marin General Hospital. Dr. Yu performed a robotic, non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy on me and was following up – personally no less. I was blown away! Dr. Yu is an excellent surgeon w/an excellent staff and bedside manner to boot!

Everything was done well. I had 5 surgeries in 4 months. I was an “out-of-the-ordinary” patient with my recovery. Dr. Yu was great and I would continue to go to him at any time.

After receiving my diagnosis of prostate cancer, I researched what to do, the various treatment options and who are the best and most trusted surgeons. Dr. Yu’s name kept showing up, mostly by word of mouth. My experience with Dr. Yu and his office was and are outstanding in all respects. I highly recommend him as a surgeon and fellow human being.

I had prostatectomy surgery at Marin General Hospital for adenocarcinoma on March 20, 2014. My surgeon was Dr. James Yu. The surgery was laparoscopic using the “Da Vinci” method. I feel that Dr. Yu is extremely well qualified with the Da Vinci robotic system. I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Yu if you are facing prostate problems! I had very little post-op discomfort & my 30 days PSA was 0!

Dr. Yu’s rapid grasp of the complexities of my case was reassuring and his professional care in treating my condition was excellent. He used clear logic, skillful use of drawings and precise speech to describe my condition and what he planned to do about it. He’s on top of the leading technology to treat urologic disorders and conveys his confidence in today’s technology in a convincing manner.

He brings a buoyant personality, a delightful sense of humor and a caring attitude to every meeting and into the operating room. It’s a marvelous set of attributes to have and he has them in spades.

The robotic surgery was just as advertised: small scars and quick recovery. I appreciate Dr. Yu’s willingness to help with the post-operative issues of incontinence and impotence. The former clears up eventually, quicker with the Kagel (?) exercises. The latter is life-changing but being cancer-free is worth the cost. At the office, I’ve always felt welcome, and nobody is in a hurry.

It was great to have high-quality care, locally in Marin County, and to have all my follow up care here!

My care by Dr. Yu was exceptional. I knew what to expect during and after surgery. Dr. Yu is dedicated to his patients and this is obvious as you meet and talk with Dr. Yu.

My experience when learning I had prostate cancer was positive, professional & caring. From Dr. Rudnick making the diagnosis after my prostate biopsy – to then going to Dr. Yu to discuss the options that I had and telling him that I wanted surgery – to going to Marin General for the surgery – every step of the way – every dr., nurse, people in admitting at MGH – everyone was outstanding. I felt lucky and blessed to have Dr. Yu as my surgeon. All of the staff in his office were caring and professional. If I ever have a friend who is facing a similar medical situation as I was – I would highly recommend the team at North Bay Urology. Thank you all for treating me like family!

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 57, March 2013. My PSA score fluctuated from 2.7 to 3.4. I went in and had a biopsy performed. The result came back that I had cancer with a Gleason score of 3-4. I met with my urologist who explained to me the options available, such as active monitoring, radiation, and surgery. I met with the Radiation Oncologist and also a Urologist/Surgeon named Dr. Yu, who had just joined the medical group I was insured with.

I was very nervous and apprehensive about doing anything, but I did not want to actively monitor the situation, feeling it would only get worse, not better. Dr. Yu took the time and was extremely patient in answering all my questions and explaining the surgery called the Da Vinci System, which uses a robotic interface and which Dr. Yu is very knowledgeable and experienced with.

Being a happily married man and in reasonable good health for 57 years old, I was very concerned about the side effects of any treatment for my condition. I have heard about urinary incontinence and impotence as very possible side effects whether it is radiation or surgery that is used to treat prostate cancer. After meeting Dr. Yu, I walked away feeling my best chance for recovery was to have the surgery via the Da Vinci System.

I had the surgery in October of 2013 and I can only say that I am 100 percent happy with my decision and the outcome. Dr. Yu removed the prostate and some lymph nodes and I had my first PSA test 3 months after the surgery and no cancer was detected. I am also thrilled to say that I am not experiencing any urinary incontinence or impotence issues.

I will end this by saying I was and am truly blessed to have met Dr. Yu and for him to have been able to perform the surgery. While no one wants to receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer or any form of cancer, I truly feel that Dr. Yu is an outstanding person and surgeon and I would recommend anyone in a similar position as mine to meet with Dr. Yu because they will be in great hands going forward.

I am satisfied with the results of the operation. Dr. Yu and his staff were always friendly. Dr. Yu was very considerate and explained in understandable terms the operation proceedings. All previous and post-operation visits in the office were pleasantly professional.

Dr. Yu performed my robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in October 2013. Prior to the surgery he thoroughly explained the procedure and answered all my remaining questions. The surgery was in the morning, I was up walking that evening and was released from the hospital the following day. I am grateful for Dr. Yu’s skill and experience and would not hesitate to use his service again for any procedure appropriate for use with robotic-assisted surgery.

This is a great team of staff, nurses, and doctors. I thank all of you for the first class care I received from diagnosis; information; options; treatment and recovery. I feel most fortunate to have this level of professional care and capabilities available.

This patient was bedridden in a nursing home and unable to walk because of leg pain. He was on around the clock massive doses of narcotics. He was losing weight and felt weaker and weaker every day. He was being treated for back pain, but when he came to Sirona Vascular, we did an ultrasound in the office the same day and diagnosed a severe blood flow problem. He had a complete blockage in the aorta, the artery bringing blood to the legs. We performed surgery to restore the blood flow. The morning after surgery he said he’d had the first good night of sleep he’d had in a week. 10 days after surgery, he walked the length of the hallway for the first time in 5 months. He was in tears when he reached his family waiting at the end of the hall. He smiled, and said simply, “I’m back.” This video is taken of the patient 1 month after surgery, walking around his own home.

Dr. Laura Pak is an exceptional vascular surgeon who has put together the best team in northern California. I was scared and in need of surgery after falling off my bike and injuring my carotid artery. Dr. Pak explained my surgical procedure and helped me get through a difficult experience. In Dr. Pak, you get everything you could wish for in a doctor. Compassion, experience, skill and a great sense of humor. Thank you, Dr. Pak, for being so wonderful.

Dr. Pak saved my life and my left leg. Earlier this year I had a DVT that resulted in major blood clots all the way up to my pelvis. The first physician tried to treat it with blood thinners. Two days later, my left leg was two and one-half times its normal size. Dr. Pak came to the rescue by performing life-saving surgery. The technique she used was cutting edge and first rate. Now, my left leg is completely back to normal and all clots are gone. In addition, Dr. Pak explained everything and her post-operative care was remarkable. She left no stone unturned in doing everything to maximize my chances of recovery. She also has a great bedside manner–unusual for a surgeon. She is caring and attentive. As an aside, I have spent my legal career (over 25 years) defending physicians in medical malpractice cases. I think I am uniquely qualified to review a physician. If you need a vascular surgeon, she is by far the best. She is to vascular surgery what Mozart was to music.

Dr. Laura Pak has been my wife’s vascular surgeon for the past 7 years. Twice, my wife was close to death and Dr. Pak performed a miracle on her.  I can not recommend her highly enough and she will always be our friend and surgeon.  I would recommend her to anyone.  From what I can find out she is probably the #1 vascular surgeon in California and in the Top Ten nationally. Thank you.

Dr. Pak is absolutely the best! She stepped in to treat a very painful clotting problem in my leg.  I had been following my primary’s advice and was getting nowhere, I was losing time off work etc. After two surgical procedures, I am back on my feet and working again! She made me feel comfortable, and it was a delight to work with her staff! Thank you, Dr. Pak! I am so glad I found you.

Dr. Laura Pak performed two operations to remove a blood clot in my right arm. The operations were completely successful. Dr. Pak explained the procedure to me in a clear and precise way with just the personable touch to make the ordeal less painful.  She also took great care in the follow-up, her staff is also very good, professional and caring. Thank you, Dr. Pak.

Dr. Laura Pak is a really great physician. She really cares about her patients. Dr. Pak has done two painless outpatient surgical procedures on my leg veins and am I ever grateful. Her work is excellent. She has been working on finer veins with sclerotherapy during follow up office visits. I would and have recommended her to others. She is clearly a top vascular surgeon, yet is a friendly, a rare find. I highly recommend Laura Pak, MD.

As a newly diagnosed diabetes patient, I had a 2:00 pm consultation with you yesterday at the Braden Center, and it was a lifesaver, maybe literally.

You gave us so much practical help, and thankfully that included info/directions on hypoglycemia plus a tube of glucose tablets, so we were shocked but prepared when George awakened at 1:00 am drenched in sweat, very cold, dizzy, and kind of stunned. Blood sugar = 57. We followed your directions, and my partner ate four glucose tablets. We tried to stay calm, and in about 20-30 minutes, he was out of danger at blood sugar = 101. If we had not had our consultation with you, we would have felt utterly panicked and just do not know with what result. So please add us to what must be a very long list of profoundly grateful patients.

We also want to thank you for everything else about our meeting with you. You really calmed us down and gave us so much to feel positive about, and for me, you really helped ease my fears. We have said to each other many times how lucky we feel to have been connected with you—along with all of your knowledge and experience, you have a truly exceptionally wonderful presence and we are so grateful to be beneficiaries of that.

The way the team at the Braden Diabetes Center explained diabetes—where you are currently at, and what you are trying to achieve with your diet. They provide excellent information! They are very knowledgeable, very calm and personable—during my time at the center, I never felt like I was going to a doctor’s appointment.

The Certified Diabetes Educators had a very dynamic understanding of what diabetics go through on a daily basis. I felt very comfortable at the Center, and I received good feedback from my care team. The Educator made some good suggestions about engaging in various exercises and athletic activities to help manage my condition.

The care I received at the Braden Diabetes Center left me with the feeling that I was more in control of my diabetes.

I was inquiring about a dietary plan to help manage my diabetes. I really appreciate that the Certified Diabetes Educators gave us an actual list of foods to choose from that you can buy at the store, including brand names, not just general food groups to try and pick from.