Great expertise, warmth, friendliness, sense of humor, caring, very articulate and personal style, good listener, also very prompt, wonderful office and staff read more

We just visited Dr. Nichols for the first time. He is a smart, kind, articulate, friendly, caring and practical physician. We are grateful that his practice was open to new patients. read more

Full disclosure: I am a retired health care provider and I'm not easy to please when it comes to health matters and such. Stepping into Dr. Benjamin Nichol's office is like entering a modern oasis of calm amidst the hustle of the traffic. The spacious waiting area, flooded with natural light, immediately put me at ease. The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile instead of hiding behind bulletproof glass like she was protecting the nuclear codes. At that moment, I realized that I've stumbled into a parallel universe where healthcare is actually pleasant. Most of my apprehension quickly melted away when I was ushered into his exam room. It did not feel 'examy-scary' type room at all. No impossibly high hard gurney to try and hop up to with exam paper sticking, shredding and making a racket. Instead, a sleek looking, comfortable exam chair. Despite having avoided Dr. Benjamin Nichol's kindly manner for years (I spent a fitful guilty night before the appointment), he didn't make me feel an ounce of guilt (ooh, and I have plenty of that to go around). Instead, he immediately put me at ease with his warm manner and a lovely sense of dry humor. Quite masterful. I didn't let the comfort bit fool me - he's really, really smart. He was so focused on my list of concerns and his clinical knowledge of each and every issue was impressive. Diagnoses and treatment plans were explained with clarity (derm was never my favorite subject) and I never once felt rushed. In an era where healthcare has become increasingly mechanized and soulless, Dr. Benjamin Nichol's is a gem - a reminder that genuine human connection can still exist between a doctor and their patient. read more

Dr. Nichols is professional and dedicated. He is experienced and knowledgeable! His office is efficient!

Super nice super kind super efficient and very intuitive. So great that I have been looking for him because he left his former practice. Happy to have located him! read more

Dr. Nichols is the best dermatologist I've ever had. He takes time with his patients, he has a great manner about him, he talks to you (and listens for cues that better his understanding of your condition) and always addresses your issues and concerns. He is extremely careful in doing any procedure that is necessary, and follows up with care. I always enjoys my visits with him, and the conversations we have. Of course, the care he provides is top notch. He is the best! read more

Seemed like a cool and nice doctor but after biopsy, few days later get a phone call from some office worker saying the lab came back with Melanoma and doctor wants you to come in next month. No other details. So I wait all weekend wondering if I'm going to die since there is no real cure if it has spread. I call the following week to get the pathology report which shows it has not spread. So, what kind of low budget dr's office is this where the doctor does not call you to say what grade the Melanoma is, since #3 or #4, your dead? He's that busy for a 3 minute call, so he has some office worker call with no details? This is not like I have an ingrown hair or a rash. Totally unacceptable and unprofessional even by 3rd world standards. Their credibility ended right then. Two weeks later I went to UCSF Melanoma clinic where they are going to cut it out in a week. BTW, the standard at UCSF is that ONLY the doctor calls you with such a serious diagnosis, if not request to see you in person. He knows this is not the professional way to handle this, but obviously he doesn't care. So much for all the 5 star ratings. read more

I just went to Dr. Nichols for the second time since Oct for yet another condition I feel confident he has taken care of... just as he did on my first appointment with that problem. He took the time to explain to me what was going on and what to do. This time the same, I went in there feeling totally confident in his expertise and walked out feeling grateful and relieved I am his patient and under his care. read more

So disappointed... He knew nothing about black skin and basically referred me to a black woman dermatologist in Los Angeles. Seriously? He didn't even tell me about basic skin firming products and the one he recommended - he sold - and didn't have in stock for over a month. Research says he got his degree from USC...figures. read more

Dr. Nichols is awesome & so relaxed but yet so professional and cares. I highly recommend him!

I am a local esthetician who works with skin care problems for over 20 years-number of my clients are patients of Dr.Nichols- They speak in high regards of the doctor so am I ... to see what treatments he prescribes also how effective they are in conjunction with my clinical facial treatments. Patients get great resuls. Terese B. Terese European Skin and Body Care read more

In need of a dermatologist specialist? check out dr's. Nichols and Maddox. The staff was super accommodating to get me in to emergency appointment. They take insurance so it made it a lot easier. Plenty of FREE parking , easy access off of Sir Francis Drake. Elevator if needed. I saw Dr Nichols first, didn't make you feel rushed, spent some quality time getting to know him and my problem. Gave solid advice and made sure I kept my follow up appt. Dr Maddox has a very cool background doing this job for a lot of years. Super nice doc. And funny too. Highly recommend seeing either of them! read more

First of all, Dr. Nichols is the most gifted intelligent. And most empathetic dermatologist I've ever seen. When I turned 40 I had these weird spots appearing on my shoulders and chest. Before seeing Dr. Nichols I literally saw five different doctors who miss diagnosed my condition. No one can tell me what it was or how to treat it in one incompetent dermatologist kept telling me it was a staph infection. During first meeting with Dr. Nichols, he took one look at me in five minutes and properly diagnosed my condition and give me a bunch of papers information and he's been the most amazing dermatologist I've ever seen. I respect him immensely. He has actually cleared up the spots that have been plaguing me for years. My spots on her first RTM was so bad that I was embarrassed to take out my shirt in public around anybody and now it's almost cleared up. read more

I had a wonderful visit and appreciate that I didn't feel rushed and was able to address my concerns with a competent provider.

I have seen Dr. Benjamin Nichols since 2012. He is a compassionate and incredibly knowledgeable physician. He treats his patients with such kindness and respect. Dr. Nichols is up-to-date on the most recent research and is thorough in his exams and explanations. Unlike some dermatologists, he never pushes products or cosmetic procedures. I feel very lucky to have him as our family's dermatologist! read more

Thank you, Dr Nichols, for your empathy, your kind listening abilities and the way you cared for my feelings. Your advice included patience in explaining my problem to me. I couldn't recommend you more highly. Nancy Freedman read more

Dr. Nichols is wonderful. He listens and doesn't rush you. He is thorough and gives great care. He comes across as warm and genuine. And he's a good doctor! Highly recommend. read more

Dr. Nichols is fantastic! Not only did he essentially diagnose my husband's condition on the first visit, he got a biopsy immediately to confirm the diagnosis. We were able to get the care we needed promptly and efficiently. Also, Dr. Nichols is just a warm and caring person. We couldn't be happier. read more

Best Dermatologist in Marin! My husband and I had our first visit for an annual exam today. The staff is warm, friendly and efficient. I was able to get an appointment on the day and time that I wanted. We had minimal wait time. Dr. Nichols is thorough, thoughtful and professional. I highly recommend him! read more

Dr. Nichols was recommended by another physician I know and trust. I have just seen Dr. Nichols once so far but will definitely continue with him to follow up. He was professional, courteous and proactive. I found his staff pleasant, professional and helpful. read more

As a physician myself (for over 50 years), I know a good doc when I meet one. Dr. Ben Nichols did some good work on me: he is a real professional. Harris (Hank) Simmonds, MD. read more

I've gone to see Dr. Nichols twice for a series of unfortunate events. His staff worked to get me on his schedule in a timely manner. Every where else I called around the city said it'd be months before I got into see anyone. When I met Dr. Nichols he was quick and effective. He diagnosed both of my issues and gave me an easy-to-follow treatment methods for each. I am now on the mend for both of them and I'd recommend him to any of my friends and family. read more

Very impressed with Dr Nichols, first time visit. Well versed in his field , took his time and was very thorough and explained why and what he was doing through the examination. What more could you ask for. read more

This is for Dr. Gogia. I saw him on an emergency basis. He has a wonderful manner and i felt really reassured and comfortable in his presence. I would definitely go to him again and recommend him wholeheartedly - I already see his partner whom i really like and have great history with, but he also gets a WOW factor. What a great team they have. He is genuinely caring and patient. PS easy parking and you can take a nice walk in the Corte Madera river park afterwards! read more

I thought I'd try a dermatologist closer to where I live in Greenbrae. I saw Dr. Nichols once. No complaints. But try to get someone in his office to answer the phone. Three times I've had to leave a message. Tried calling the San Rafael office. No one answers the phone there either. I believe its most important to have a receptionist answer the phones and any questions a patient might have. I left a message an hour and a half ago. Ask yourself how much you enjoy calling a doctor's office and waiting for then to call you back. Those so called receptionists, I'm guessing, are medical assistants. As Donald Trump used to say " You're Fired." read more

Dr Nichols found a mole on me that he didn't like. The biopsy went to the lab and came back melanoma. Dr Nichols was calm, patient and treated me immediately - a big chunk of skin was removed. the scar has healed nicely, and i'm so glad i went to see him. i see him regularly for check ups and have found him to be very knowledgeable. He spends the time to answer your questions. Highly recommended. read more

While I can speak highly of my experience and my two-year old daughter's experience with Dr. Gogia and Dr. Howard at this practice, I could not advise more strongly to stay away from Dr. Nichols. Both my daughter and myself saw Dr. Nichols with bumps that had the possibility of being MRSA. From the moment Dr. Nichols entered the room with me holding my daughter in my arms to as I sit here now, my impression of Dr. Nichols began poorly and has continued to the deteriorate. When Dr. Nichols entered our patient room and saw me holding our daughter, he promptly walked to the opposite corner of the room, saying nothing, with his P.A. following him. In fact, I am not sure if Dr. Nichols even looked at us when he entered the room. After about 10 seconds of awkward silence, I carried my daughter to the middle of the room, stuck out my hand and said, "you must be Dr. Nichols?" He responded that he was and I initiated a handshake by saying, "nice to meet you." Dr Nichols finally commenced the exam of me and my daughter shortly thereafter. Both myself and my daughter had bumps on our torso, however, mine had visible puss and hers did not. Dr. Nichols looked at my daughter's bumps and since he did not see puss, discarded that they were not MRSA, instead saying they were bug bites. He said there was nothing to culture in her bumps due to the lack of visible puss, which astonished both our pediatrician and the head pediatrician. He then looked at my bumps and determined shortly after looking at the bumps that it was likely MRSA and did a culture. Here I was, holding my two-year old, with a doctor telling me I most likely had MRSA, a highly contagious and dangerous staph infection, and yet he is convinced that my daughter with very similar looking bumps just has bug bites. Dr. Nichols put me on antibiotics immediately and did not prescribe any oral medicine for my daughter's "bites." This was on a Thursday. By Monday, my daughter's bumps were still there and had become more red. We promptly went to our pediatrician as there was no way I trusted Dr. Nichols to properly care for my daughter. The pediatrician looked at the bumps, immediately knew they had to be drained, and could not believe the negligence Dr. Nichols displayed by my not culturing the bumps. This went on for three days of draining these bumps before my daughter was finally admitted to UCSF for surgery to drain the bumps. Dr. Nichols' behavior went from negligent to flat out getting in the way of our treatment. When we met with our surgeon two days before the surgery, his assistant said that Dr. Nichols had contacted them saying we were coming into the emergency room the night before. This came after my pediatrician had texted Dr. Nichols directly telling him our plan and that we did not need his assistance. I found it extremely unprofessional that Dr. Nichols' called another doctor with information about us and our daughter which was completely erroneous. The worst part about all of this was the pain and suffering our two-year old daughter had to endure because Dr. Nichols discarded my daughter's condition so quickly. If she had been evaluated possibly with MRSA as I had, she could have started antibiotics much sooner and it is a high likelihood based upon the medical opinion of the three other doctors are daughter saw that she would have healed faster, and most importantly, avoided surgery. For any parent reading this, I hope you never have to witness your daughter screaming to the high heavens for 70 minutes while nurses try and fail four times to get a vein for her IV in her hand and foot. That was pure hell for our daughter and pure misery for me as I held her close by her face telling her repeatedly "you are doing so well, hang in there." Again, an experience that was very likely avoidable if Dr. Nichols had gone beyond the "standard of care." I mention "standard of care" because after waiting two and a half months to find out from an independent consultant whether we could receive any financial compensation for our bills and pain and suffering for our daughter, the consultant concluded that Dr. Nichols met the "standard of care." What a world we live in where the bar is set so low for Dr. Nichols. After all of this, more than anything my wife and I would just like Dr. Nichols to reach out to us and say I am sorry for all of the agony your daughter endured along with you while you cared for her and your other daughter of 2 months. Forget admitting culpability, which apparently there was none because Dr. Nichols met the "standard of care," just some human empathy from Dr. Nichols would have prevented me from sitting here while my daughters nap to compose this review. We have heard nothing from Dr. Nichols. read more

after disappointment after disappointment with dermatologists in the area, i finally found a great one! i've been to dr. nichols for a number of different things over a number of yrs.. every time i am so grateful that i've found him. professional, pleasant, and was able to diagnose and successfully treat a skin condition that four (!) other dermatologist couldn't. i would, and already have, recommended him to others. those others have also been very satisfied with him and his care. read more

I visited Dr. Nichols last Wednesday. What an experience. His staff forgot (not kidding) about me and ,after I asked receptionist why I'm waiting for 35 min pass appointment time, Dr. Nichols saw me immediately. He apologized for the "new girl" in the office who forgot to put my chart in the proper folder and continue with exam. Doctor took biopsy and told me that he'll review the sample himself and will call me next day. I didn't receive any calls from him or his office and Monday I called to find out what is the results. I spoke with the "experienced" receptionist, put on hold for a few minutes, and then was told that Doctor's assistant will call me later. Today, Thursday, I called again asking what's going on and received very polite response: we are very busy. Again, I tried to explained the situation but was told: I remember you. If you want to complain go ahead. I completely agree with previous reviews regarding Dr. Nichols office. Shame read more

The worst office staff ever!! They are rude and it feels like they HATE THEIR JOBS! Never try and do their actual job, God forbid if they have to make a call back to you!! And really God forbid if they decide they DON'T LIKE YOU!! They make it crystal clear with their RUDE AND CLASSLESS behavior that you don't count!! They try to charge you for visits that are not suppose to be charged for...anything they can to make sure you are clear they HATE YOU! HOWEVER, the nurses and Dr. Nichols, Maddox and Tanasovich are AMAZING, KIND, thorough and very thoughtful. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND going here if you have other choices JUST because their staff is so AWFUL! read more

This review is for Dr. Gogia. He was absolutely wonderful and seemed genuinely concerned for my well being. Easy biopsy and always on time for appointments. Highly recommend him. read more