Last Thursday, one week ago today, I had my third neck surgery. My primary treating orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Capen, instructed me to check in to 6000 San Vicente Blvd., in Los Angeles. Dr. Capen has been treating me for thirty years. He enabled me to stay on the job, help me with pain management, and represented my medical condition to Worker's Comp. Insurance (Worker's Comp. Insurance arbitrarily denies any/all medical recommendations). Dr. Capen never denied service, regardless of lack of authorization. I'm pretty sure he lost money in my case. Dr. Daniel Capen, is an honorable and compassionate individual. I had injured myself on the job many years ago. Being young and in good physical health prior to my injury, I always believed I would make a full recovery. My occupation at the time of injury required hard physical labor on a daily basis. Dr. Capen tried to encourage me to take it easier, but some days this wasn't possible. Although I was in physical pain, I rarely missed work. In fact over the years I advanced myself to upper management. This eliminated the need to work hard physically, but unfortunately the years of strenuous labor had taken it's toll on my body. Having had two previous surgeries on my neck seemed to offer a somewhat measured amount of relief, but having to return to my type of work was the real problem. Thanks to Dr. Capen, I was able to retire last September with forty-three years of service. Anyway, on to Dr. Gil Tepper. So on the morning of my scheduled surgery, this guy pops into my room. The guy dressed very casually, I'm thinking, he just got out of the ocean from an early morning surf. I had already spoken with Dr. Capen, so I ask Dr. Tepper, "are you the anesthesiologist ?". Dr. Tepper, not being offended in the least, responds, "no I'm a spinal surgeon". He then proceeds to very enthusiastically explain, that he is looking forward to fixing my neck. His confidence filled the room. This guys stays and talks to my wife and I for at least twenty minutes. He actually gives me a little background information on himself. Mostly talk about stuff completely unrelated to my surgery. Very impressive credentials , I might add, (I know this because my wife went home and Goggled him). I can see why Dr, Capen teamed up with Dr. Gil Tepper. So, I'm told that the surgery took approximately two and one half hours. My wife said I was in recovery, for about the same amount of time. When I came to, I could immediately feel a difference in my neck. After living in constant pain, to becoming virtually pain free. I would like to express my gratitude and I could go on and on about these two men. I do have a tendency to ramble sometimes. I did read some of the other reviews; that complained about long waits to see Dr. Tepper. From a personal perspective, I know that doctors tend to over schedule sometimes. I have spent many hours waiting for medical appointments or related procedures. I think part of the problem, is that we, the patients grossly outnumber, the doctors. I think that most doctors are honestly trying to treat as many people as they can in a day. Just like anyone else's day, there is never enough time in a day. All I can say, is, Dr. Gil Tepper and Dr. Daniel Capen are worth the wait. Did I mention, that I don't think either one of them made a bunch of money treating me? Also would like to mention Dr. Capen/Dr. Tepper's staff & surgical crew; Ginneh, Melissa, Yuli, Veronica, Dr. Young, Mary, Jeanette, David, Cynthia, Juan, Freddy, Alex, Tisha, Daniel, and Daniel(cafeteria). Thank You and God bless You All. Respectfully. Patrick Porteus. I must apologize for not acknowledging my night shift nurse, Mr. Luke Lucus. Just like his co-workers, he is a gem of a person. He was so attentive, and competent that he would check my vital signs in the middle of the night with very little disturbance. Don't know how I forgot Luke while writing previously. read more