Dr. Lee is an outstanding Sports Medicine, Shoulder and Elbow Specialist.  He listens intently, is empathetic, extremely knowledgeable, and personalized. When visiting family and friends on the east coast, I was rear-ended by a truck, and rushed by ambulance to the E.R. After scans, an examination and resting several hours, I was foolishly discharged. From back and joint pain (especially, shoulder and neck) to neurological issues, I was hurting. When returning to Los Angeles, I made an appointment with Dr. Brian Lee of Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, regarding my shoulder pain. Dr. Lee was not only comprehensive, but also incredible at elucidating my issues. He subsequently discussed physical and alternative therapies, potential injections, and explained the different types of shoulder surgeries. Due to my pain level and scans, and being of a (relatively) young age, he advised me to get shoulder replacement surgery, but never tried to convince me into getting the procedure. Instead, he felt confident that I'd know when I was ready. Candidly, my hesitations were . . . 1) My only surgery to date was a tonsillectomy, as a child. 2) Only 1 friend (out of many) that had any type of shoulder surgery was happy with the results. Consistent with Dr. Lee's prognosis, my pain worsened over the year. When it had gotten to the point where every day was beyond excruciating, I finally scheduled surgery. When awaking after the procedure, Dr. Lee informed me that all went well, and allowed me to go home later that day. The 1st week was incredibly painful, but it was more of a recuperative discomfort than the familiar horrific pain. During my 1st post-op appointment, I learned, via x-ray, my new shoulder was exactly where it should be, and the Doc was pleased with the results. 6-weeks later, my range of movement was a bit better than anticipated and it has continued to improve. It's about 5-months after my operation, and my left shoulder is one of the few joints that doesn't hurt, 2-years post accident. Yes, I still have a ways to go, but between Dr. Lee, my Physical Therapist and my tenacity, I'll get there. Please don't allow my aforementioned words help convince you to get shoulder replacement surgery. But, if your mind is made up, and you want one of the brightest, most articulate, and gifted surgeons perform your operation, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Brian Lee. read more

Dr. Lee replaced both my shoulders in 2020. He did a phenomenal job, I have no restrictions, and I'm very impressed with the outcome. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Lee took care of me for my biceps tendonitis (and labrum tear). I was in a lot of pain after one session of weightlifting and the pain lasted almost 8 months. Rather than operate or injecting the shoulder, he treated me conservatively with physical therapy. The treatment worked, my pain resolved and I didn't need any invasive treatments. I was very happy with his care. I definitely recommend Dr. Lee for shoulder problems. And by the way, I'm a physician... read more

I had a nasty elbow dislocation, subsequent tears, instability, pain, range of motion gone. I kept getting sent to supposed elbow specialist after specialist, none could hold a candle to elbow knowledge like Dr. Lee. He called out poor imaging I had done, wrong treatment plan (why did I get a cortisone shot when the ligament was torn), and I was able to avoid the wrong surgery because I went to see him. My new MRI confirmed his suspicions based on stress tests he performed. I cannot emphasize his knowledge level when it comes to the elbow enough; it's like my other doctors didn't even know what they didn't know. If you're dealing with elbow pain you know how stiff it can be and getting the right treatment and movement early is crucial. My surgery was a complex one and to my understanding only a handful in the US would have been able to do it (ligament repair and capsule release at same time) so I am ever grateful I wasn't referred out again and Dr. Lee was capable. I thought his bedside manner was great, he never rushed me, was nice, answered all my questions. He's been great in post op and called after surgery as well. Cedars Sinai/Kerlan Jobe was the best facility, imaging done in house in LA office, my surgery experience was smooth and seamless as can be. Surgery was performed at Kerlan Jobe Surgery Center. They even did X-rays during surgery to confirm stability when he fully extended my arm. I opted to do the Xcelerated Recovery drinks before and after surgery and I have no idea if it's placebo but my recovery was so much better than anticipated. My range of motion is improving everyday and I could not be happier that Cedars Sinai lived up to its reputation and was top notch. read more

I waited a few months to review this doctor as I believe he may be a gifted surgeon. However he was very disappointing when I went to have a consult with him. After waiting over an hour he arrived with No bedside manner , rushed and condescending. He barely touched me and seemed Annoyed to answer any questions I had. He repeatedly commented that anything other than shoulder issues were not his scope and had no recommendations for treatments or ideas for what could be causing my intense pain. I would not Send anyone I loved to him. read more

Very, very poor bedside manner should have been my red flag from the start. If were to do surgery over again I would have chosen someone else. Beware!! read more

I went to Dr Brian Lee, MD for a second opinion for total shoulder replacement surgery (TSA). I decided to see him for the reputation of Kerlan & Jobe & being part of Cedars-Sinai as this is where the other doctors who I choose to see hace their hospital privileges at. I was surprised to learn Dr Brian Lee rarely goes to Cedars when he performs his surgeries but instead chooses to operate out of Adventist Health, White Memorial. I didn't have any of the positive experiences other patients looking to hire him for his surgical expertise. He was very matter of fact, telling me I needed a total shoulder replacement. He was rather dismissive with the questions I asked in which he kept responding, "all of that information will be in the surgical information packet my coordinator will give you". He sympathized when I asked why he doesn't perform surgeries at Cedars by saying "I understand it's the entire package you're looking for". He maybe a great surgeon for some but not for this patient who was looking to retain a surgeon I was comfortable, trusted & have a meaningful conversation with, but not for me nor did I like his responses about the " packet" which was basically having an operation 101. The only thing missing were the illustrations one finds in a surgical booklet for kids having a tonsillectomy. read more

Dr. lee is a very compassionate doctor. He takes his time with working with you. To assure you get the best care possible. I went in with a terrible triad injury. And I honestly couldn't have asked with a better doctor to have my procedure with. read more

I got a Latarjet surgery with Dr. Lee. Six months later I am feeling great! Most of my Physical Therapists were impressed about my rate of recovery and I attribute this to Dr. Lee. Highly recommended and will go back if I ever need anything else. read more

As a result of being hit by a car on my bicycle 6 years earlier, I ended up with a partially torn rotator cuff injury that I had repaired last November 2017 by a different surgeon. Unfortunately for me, I fell on it 3 weeks later and ended up tearing my shoulder completely, which caused me to get the same surgery again 3 months later but this time by Dr. Brian Lee. As I had a chance to experience basically the same procedure by two different surgeons in a relatively short period of time, I feel I am in a position to truly rate "quality of service" from a patient perspective than someone else who had it done once. In short, I was very pleased by Dr Lee's attention to detail, quality of his work, patient-centric approach and professionalism; and after now 8 months and 3-4 months of continuous physical therapy, I am back to about 95% of my daily activities with about 90% workout training. As rotator surgery does take a while to heal, I do expect a full recovery by the end of Feb 2019, which would be a full year since my surgery. Compared to my first surgeon, who did this same procedure and had great credentials, I can tell you there is DEFINITELY a difference in quality of service between these doctors and ultimately your outcome. If I needed this care again, I would not hesitate to call Dr Brian Lee. FYI: I have also referred a couple of my friends to Dr Lee and they have also had great results. read more

I went to Dr Lee for my shoulder. I had pain for 2 years. At first he suggested PT. I had already done some PT so he suggested an injection. I ended up needing surgery.The recovery was as he said it would be. I am still strengthening my should but I am on the way to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Lee Dr. Lee is professional and conscious of his patient's needs. He spent ample time with me and I never felt as if he was rushed to his next appointment. His staff are amazing and well organized. If you are in need of medical treatment for your shoulder, he is your man. read more

I interviewed three surgeons before choosing Dr. Brian Lee to do my rotator cuff surgery. Why did I choose him? Great attitude with no God complex - refreshing in a doctor. Also, I really liked the fact that he patiently explained what was wrong with my shoulder and, when I chose to have the surgery, showed me in detail just what the surgery would entail. Before, I could barely raise my arm and was in pain 24/7. Now, four months later, I have full range of motion and am pain free. This is really big! I am 66 years old & very active. I consider Dr. Lee to be a brilliant surgeon who really listens to his patients. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Lee replaced my left shoulder 2 months ago and my experience has been excellent!. No pain meds after 5th DAY. True story. He's doing my right shoulder on July 30th and I look forward to being pain free. I strongly recommend Dr. Brian Lee. read more

Dr. Lee performed a successful surgery to repair my torn pectoral tendon. I saw one Orthopedist prior to seeing Dr. Lee about my injury. The first Dr. told me there was a 50% chance of successful surgery, had terrible bedside manner, looked sloppy, and explained, what seemed to me, a very archaic method of attempting to repair my injury. Dr. Lee on the other hand, explained several methods he could utilize, depending on his findings during surgery, to ensure a successful repair. He also presented himself very well and was very polite and put together. Everything that I feel is important when you are entrusting a doctor to repair a serious injury. Dr. Lee came highly recommended and I am grateful I chose him. It is clear he utilizes the latest cutting edge technology during his procedures, and has great bedside manner. Needless to say the surgery went as well as it could have and I am well in the way to recovery. His staff is also very helpful and responsive Highly recommended read more

I went to see Dr Lee after re-injuring my shoulder. After looking at my MRI he could see that there was a hole or tear in my rotator cuff. It was such a relief to know what exactly was wrong with me and to know that it wasn't a pain that I would have to live with for the rest of my life. After waking up the surgery, my initial thought was "what I'm the hell did I do this for?!?!?!" I was in so much pain! But in the end (nine months later) I have to say that my are feels great. I still have some pain every now and then while sleeping. But it's nothing like that pain that I had BEFORE the surgery. The only troubling comment from Dr Lee was that it's possible that the same thing would happen to my other shoulder. I'm not sure if I can handle that procedure again. Dr Lee was great. He explained the procedure and was always opens to answer my questions or address my concerns. read more

Dr. Lee was fast friendly. I was very worried about surgery. I had spoken to an doctor and he wanted to do excessive tests and surgery. Dr. Lee started at the first step and it worked. I would recommend him to anyone. read more

I am so grateful to Dr. Lee for putting my elbow back together after I severed my bicep tendon. He was decisive, knowledgeable, efficient, caring and a true professional. He did a magnificent job with the surgery and helped me through the recovery. read more

Dr. Lee took great care of me when I ruptured my biceps tendon. From initial consultation to surgical repair and follow up care, Dr. Lee was great. Every step of the way he took the time and explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. I highly recommend Dr. Lee and his staff! read more

Dr. Lee was wonderful. My shoulder has bothered me with both restricted motion and pain for almost 30 years. Whenever I "overused" it, I was rewarded with pain. I believed that I had an injury that was just being exacerbated repeatedly. Dr. Lee gave me an MRI and told me that I did not have an injury, and that I was suffering from restricted range of motion. With my newfound knowledge that it was safe to stretch and strengthen my shoulder, I did physical therapy at home using Dr. Lee's recommended exercises for eight weeks. My shoulder is now pain-free with no restriction in my range of motion. I will be continuing on a toned-down version of Dr. Lee's exercises for the foreseeable future to assure that my shoulder remains in great shape. Thank you Dr. Lee! read more

I saw Dr. Lee for shoulder pain. I told him about having a history of tendinitis due to sports injuries. Nevertheless, he very quickly diagnosed me with a labral tear and prescribed physical therapy. I didn't feel like he had taken enough time to really figure out the problem, so I called in to get myself an MRI. The MRI results showed that he was wrong, my labrum was totally fine as I suspected, and instead there was a rotator cuff tear and some tendinosis. In other words he looked at me for five minutes, moved my arm around a bit, and gave me an incorrect diagnosis. So either he was sure it was a labral tear and was wrong, or he wasn't sure but didn't care enough to make sure with an MRI. Either way it felt like inadequate medical care. read more

It's been a year since my catastrophic motorcycle crash and I'm now 100% back. I severed my tricep, broke the tip off my elbow, broke my glenoid bone. I was severely damaged. Brian Lee was incredible. He operated on the shoulder first and didn't operate on the elbow because it was so severely damaged, he cleaned the elbow and put me on a 24 hour iv to make sure there wasn't an infection. Then a week later he operated. He could have operated on both, but he was so concerned and wanted to make sure that the elbow surgery held together, he wanted the tissue to look better before he re-attached to the bone. After six months of physical therapy I was in great shape, now, a year later, I can do 20 push ups in a row no problem. 10 pull-ups, no problem. It's incredible, he did such a fantastic job. He's my surgeon for life. read more

Dr. Lee saw my mother who had a fractured elbow a few months ago. He was focused, attentive, and patient with our questions. He went above and beyond when it came to discussing treatment options and recommendations. If I had any more orthopedic issues (which I hope I won't :-)), I'd definitely do back to Dr. Lee, no question! read more

Straightforward, honest doctor. I am seeing him for adhesive capsulitis in my shoulder, and Dr. Lee diagnosed my condition with an MRI (the radiology office in in the building - a huge plus), and suggested a shot of hydrocortisone and physical therapy. I'm feeling better, but if I wasn't, I wouldn't hesitate to call upon Dr. Lee for surgery if it became necessary. read more

I fell and fractured my right shoulder and tore the biceps tendon. Dr. Lee clearly explained my options, up to and including just before surgery, for me to be comfortable with my decision to proceed with the operation. He always provided clear and direct answers to my questions from just after surgery through weeks of physical therapy. I'm substantially recovered now. I would totally agree with other comments posted here about his polite, direct and highly professional manner, and of course, his surgical skills. I've undergone nine orthopedic surgeries, and I would say that Dr. Lee was the most skilled surgeon and exhibited the best patient skills. read more

Dr. Lee took care of my clavicle break from a mountain Bike accident. At the time of the injury I was 46 the bone was broke in places. He is a very personable guy and made me feel right at ease before the surgery. The surgery went really well and after physical therapy I was back snow boarding and biking after 7 weeks. read more

I dislocated my shoulder a few months ago and was luckily referred to Dr. Lee. He was very thorough in examining my shoulder and imaging, and he never rushed through anything, including my tons of questions. The best part is that his recommended course of treatment was on point. If you're looking for an excellent and honest shoulder doctor, go see Dr. Lee. read more

I would have to say the best experience I've ever had medically. Not only is Dr. Lee a very competent Doctor Who obviously is highly respected within the Orthopedic community, but also the professionalism and respect for your time that is very rare in the medical field I don't think I had to wait more than five minutes to be seen on every single post surgical visit... prior to the surgery I was made aware of everything from what exactly had occurred to my shoulder joint and the best course of action to fix it the length of time it would take for healing etc. etc...... and ultimately the most important thing is where I am at right now which is five months removed from the surgery and I am just reaching the range of motion that I had prior to the injury and the shoulder is completely 100% stable and now all I have to do is lift weights for a few months on my own and I will be better than I was prior to the injury read more