I feel so safe and relaxed when I speak to Dr Smith. He has a calm way of sharing medical issues with a matter of factness that reflects his vast knowledge. This is very reassuring to me. His warmth and compassion are very real. I am fortunate to be a patient of his. read more

Everything! Wonderful, Kind,funny and extremely thorough Doctor. Fabulous staff also. read more

Dr Smith has saved my life, twice. A friend insisted I see him during breast cancer round 2, and I am so grateful that she did. He cared for me during that cancer and helped me come up with a treatment plan that worked for me, not just my insurance company and the convenience of my doctors. After round 2, he followed me every six months, and when it came back a third time, picked it up right away. After my PET scan at Sutter, I was referred to a Sutter oncologist who was very kind, but who suggested that since the cancer had now moved to my bones, my only option was an estrogen antagonist and with that treatment, I could expect to live an average of 5 more years. I politely thanked him and followed up with Dr. Smith, who told me about some newer medications with fewer side effects that work much better. On Dr Smith's protocol, I expect the cancer to be in remission within the year and to get to live to see my kids grow up. Thank you Dr Smith. I'm very, very fortunate to have met you, and very grateful for you. read more

Dr. Smith has been my oncologist since 2007, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. I have not at all experienced the negative experiences a few people have written about. The Intergrative, part of the practice involves nutrition, eastern medicine, therapy, and physical exercise. I used almost all of those practices during my treatment for aggressive breast cancer. One experience in particular, I would like to mention: about six months after finishing chemotherapy, I discovered what I thought was a lump in the treated breast. I got a visit with him right away. It turned out to be nothing, but he said to me, "I want to be the first person you call when you have a concern." read more

Completely agree with other reviews about Dr Smith's ego, his Jeckyl/Hyde personality change, overly touchy, and his condescending comments. As long as you go into his office believing he is your savior and doing everything he tells you to do, I don't recommend seeing him. Also, what is actually integrative about him? He's pushing all conventional protocols and knows nothing about alternative treatments. The one star is for the gorgeous view from the lobby area. read more

Cancer diagnosis is a very challenging diagnosis for us and our families. Speaking as someone who has been diagnosed numerous times, I now know that I was stuck within an industry that sometimes only concentrates on outcomes alone, and not individualized care. A nurse from a big name competitor slipped me Dr. Garrett's name, and it was one of the kindest gestures anyone in the health industry has done for me. He is the gentlest and most pragmatic doctors I have encountered within my multiple years within the system. There is not a caregiver around that is more suited for what this man and his team do to support a woman's wellbeing; from his integrative approach, to his pragmatic and practical solutions, to his kind and generous manner. It's strange to write a review on this platform for a breast cancer doctor, but I find I must, as a duty to fellow survivors. Good luck. read more

Based on community guideline: My following statement is factual and I personally experienced these set of, for legal purposes...the alleged incidents were non-consensual, unwanted, uninvited, and did not adhere to the Hippocratic Oath "cause no harm = (e.g. "Hippocratic Oath- Modern Version I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant: I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow). Per my 5th amendment rights, (e.g." Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedom. --U.S. Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo in Palko v. Connecticut"). Per my warning, and for legal purposes is an Alleged...experience with this doctor. Silence is Not an option. for legal purposes allegedly, the Hippocratic Oath is thrown out the door here. allegedly, Just got a warning email from Yelp. . I will not be intimidated by complaints about my review. I will not be harassed by complaints about my review and my consumer experience ,for legal purposes is an Alleged...personal consumer experience engaged in unwanted touching, holding way to long on my knee, and on my shoulder and the for legal purposes is an Alleged.. phone call informing me that I need to find another doctor. 1 Fact: for legal purposes allegedly the doctor called me last week and for legal purposes allegedly proceeded to tell me to find a female doctor because... he.. for legal purposes allegedly refuses to stop hugging, touching on my knees, shoulder...when he, allegedly, allegedly, for legal purposes allegedly pretends to tell you how allegedly, sorry he is that I have had such horrid experiences with breast cancer. Fact: for legal purposes allegedly, I told him front desk assistant that " I Do Not want to be touched in any many other than what is medically necessary, and that includes females et al. them they their...).' So, for legal purposes allegedly, she allegedly, informed the doctor, then he allegedly, had the nerve to allegedly call me last week and proceeded to tell me, allegedly, "You will be happier with a Female doctor" and "He can't not, not, for legal purposes allegedly, not stop touching me or any patient on any part of their/me body because it is his way and he has been doing this for so long...." He for legal purposes allegedly, said, "He hugs ALL of his patients after they leave his appointments." 2 Fact: for legal purposes allegedly, Then I told him "Are your having a "Vice President Joe-Biden-Moment?" (e.g. Joe Bieden always over hugging and touching on women w/o their consent). For legal purposes allegedly, doctor , alleged, are safe in all of this art, fish tanks, and blue chip gallery looking medical office. Very unique, and one can get caught up in that beauty.. However, this is how in my research on the matter, for legal purposes allegedly, f majority of alleged predictors set up their systems to catch their prey and do their passive aggressor and socially inappropriate touching. I for legal purposes allegedly, was refused vital breast cancer services, since I won't comply with this for legal purposes allegedly, unwanted touching. For legal purposes allegedly, justifies the need to touch people. for legal purposes allegedly, He is , allegedly "causing harm to a patient" and is placing his need to Touch over the comfort of my body. For legal purposes, allegedly him telling me he can't stop socially touching a patient (me) to for legal purposes allegedly, STOP touching me. Also, for legal purposes allegedly, "I can't change by behavior" & "A can't promise I can stop touching you... f for legal purposes allegedly, he stated, "I hug all of my pateints after their appointments" for legal purposes allegedly, I told him, "you should ask people first (re: hugging and touching boundaries), Hippocratic Oath is thrown out the door here. I stand by my factual experience. Silence is Not an option. #MeTOO is real for us women on a daily basis. read more

Dr. Smith has been my doctor for 16 years. After remission from cancer he has become my primary doctor. I could not have been in better hands. Not only is he an outstanding physician but an extraordinary human being who has established a true place of healing. Walking into the office immediately creates a sense of comfort, the space is aesthetically soothing, with the bay views, the plants, the art pieces and antiques. Every person in the staff is warm and welcoming and always helpful. Eben thought I am an author I could not express sufficiently my appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Smith and his team. Alma Flor Ada, PhD University of San Francisco Professor Emerita read more

Garrett literally saved my life. I cannot adequately express how magical or kind he is. Like most folks diagnosed with cancer, I was bullied and mistreated by the western medical system, which makes a nightmarish experience even more heartbreaking. After 21 days in the clutches of a failed system, I found Garrett... ...and it was like coming back to life. His office is lovely - you'll find oriental rugs and gorgeous art from all over the world. Dogs are welcome, and I've spent more time than I can say sitting in the infusion lounge with Garrett's other patients, and as we look out over the pacific and golden gate park while we get our chemo, we chat about how profoundly grateful we are to be under Garrett's care. He puts the chemo into my arm, and sits with me until he's sure I'm doing okay. There isn't another doc in the bay area that I've heard of who does that. When I met Garrett, I felt like I was a human again, instead of a medical number. He hugs me and jokes with me, understands how raw and outrageously painful all of the aspects of cancer are, and his heart is big enough to carry us all through and to the other side. When you're fighting for your life, and you're exhausted and sick and miserable, having an ally who really cares, who uses words like 'relish' and 'spirit' and 'love,' you have a chance of surviving. I trust Garrett with my life, literally. Of all the strange and unexpected gifts cancer can bring, Garrett is the brightest and most cherished for me. He is rare and wondrous, and will take sublime care of you. Best doctor on the planet. Hands down. Thank you, Garrett! read more

Dr. Garrett Smith is a wonderful doctor. A beacon of light in the dark murky world of cancer. If you have to go through cancer treatment, he is the person to have on your team. And I say person, because unlike so many doctors, Garrett is a real person. I consider him a friend. He greets me with a hug. He asks about my family. We talk about how I am feeling--even when its not related to my cancer. I had ovarian cancer eight years ago. Now healed, cancer-fee and living in L.A., I still come up to the Bay Area to see Garrett at least twice a year--mostly because I like him. And I feel good when I see him. I had originally been assigned a doctor in the East Bay where I lived at the time. I was going to get my chemo from a staff of nurses at a hospital in a large long hallway like room with a seemingly endless row of chairs... I couldn't see myself getting well there. I found Garrett through Michael Broffman at the Pine Street Clinic and am so glad I did. Garrett actually gave me my chemo himself. The treatment room was a beautiful and cozy space where friends or family could sit with us and we all got to know each other. Though I can't say I looked forward to chemo, I did look forward to seeing Garrett and his since-retired assistant Carol. I highly recommend Dr. Garrett Smith. read more

Dr. Smith is a GODSEND! I had a horrible experience with my 1st oncologist @ UCSF. She cost me a LOT of time and 2 extra surgeries and had a horrible bedside manner. Dr. Smith is amazing, his staff is responsive and caring and I trust him with my life...literally. Cancer is scary. Dr. Smith makes it human & bearable. read more

I celebrated my 5 year anniversary of being cancer-free last August. My biggest regret - I thought! - was that I was not going to be seeing Dr. Garrett Smith any longer. To my pleasure, he advised me that I would still need check-ups 3 times a year. I have to say that the only doctor appointment that I look forward to is this one! When I was diagnosed, I was referred to Dr. Smith by 3 medical professionals. I wanted an expert in integrative oncology so that my mind, heart, and spirit were also tended during the cancer journey. I am healthier now in mind, heart, spirit and body than I was 5 years ago - and much I owe to Garrett and his staff. Last year he moved to beautiful new offices. Instead of overlooking Golden Gate Park, we now have an unobstructed view of the Bay Bridge and beyond. It is spacious, serene, full of art, with room for gatherings.The staff is professional, caring, and attentive. His staff was the only one of several specialists who never dropped a stitch. When I read the review of the person who had a bad experience my heart went out with compassion. The cancer experience is extremely complex and treatments are not a sure thing. My experience was so opposite of hers that I wonder if we are talking about the same doctor! And everyone is human (even doctors) and we all react differently to problems. If you are reading this, I expect you are looking for an oncologist for yourself or a loved one. Meet Garrett Smith and his staff and you will find a safe harbor for wherever your journey takes you. read more

Doctor Smith saved my life. I'm 7 years cancer free. I did lots of research before choosing him and actually chose him over UCSF's breast cancer center because of his personal service and one-on-one contact. Therefore, I feel bad for the person who wrote the unfavorable review. Dr. Smith's practice is built around communication and I feel if she had brought ANY of her concerns to the attention of his caring staff, they would have been addressed immediately. Dr. Smith is very smart, he listens, cares about his patients and is on the cutting edge of research. He would return my calls on his way home in his car sometimes! Where do you get that type of service? I will continue to recommend him with the highest of respect. read more

If you challenge his treatment plan he will be ready to move on to the next patient. Doesnt use gloves while mixing chemo and a lot of other HIPAA violations. read more

Having been diagnosed with breast cancer 5 yrs ago, I found many doctors who didn't answer questions, didn't look after my best interests, and didn't listen to my concerns. Garrett was NOT one of those. He was truly one of the bright spots in my cancer treatment. I have recommended him to many friends and even my mother! Garrett's integrative center treated the whole "me" not just my cancer. Everyone there was professional, caring and supportive. They truly were on my "team!" I must have interviewed 6 different oncologists before I found Garrett. Boy, am I glad I did find him!!! read more

Dr. Smith was fantastic in every way people write about -- at first. He was kind when my cancer recurred, too. But when the cancer wouldn't respond to the treatment he recommended and I started raising some questions about options and additional consultations, things got very difficult. Like another reviewer said, he became verbally abusive (in front of a witness) to a point where I was in shock and tears. I know doctors are human and everyone can have a hard day, but once things got rough, they just went downhill over a period of a couple of weeks. It was crushing to have him turn from "the most wonderful oncologist in the world" to someone I couldn't recognize. Obviously some people have super positive experiences with him. It's important to balance this out with some other experiences -- like mine. After I left Garrett's practice and moved to a new oncologist and I saw how that practice was run -- superbly! -- I started re-evaluating my experience with Garrett and got really worried about a number of his practices. When I was his patient, these things were going on -- I don't know where it's at now: * He didn't have a nurse on staff (nobody to get the extra help often needed, questions answered, etc.); * Patients were in the chemo room alone most of the time (someone I know from his practice had an allergic reaction and had to wait for someone to hear the bell ring!); * He didn't check blood tests before infusions some of the time (mine were usually done minutes before the infusion, with results arriving the next day -- a high risk if blood counts are too low for a treatment!); * He didn't keep detailed records (so when I had to go elsewhere for a special treatment, he gave them wrong information because it was never written down -- just in his head!). If you're not a cancer patient, you might not get how unsafe these practices are..... I'm amazed that he hasn't had malpractice suits with all these safety problems! On top of all these problems, my new oncologist turned out to be more compassionate, with better communication skills, and with much more humility. And the staff at the new center have been so much kinder and more helpful, too. Finally, at my last appointment a couple of years ago, when I told him I wanted to explore options suggested by someone else I consulted with, he informed me that there was nothing more Western medicine could do for me unless I did the one treatment he recommended to me, which I had told him I didn't want to pursue. He essentially gave me a death sentence -- none of his famous hugs at this point..... I'm still here, obviously, and I am immensely grateful to my current oncologist. As she said to me early on: "If someone else has a better idea than I do about what to do next, of course I'm going to go with it. I'm not here for my ego. I'm here to help you live!" It's hard for me to write negative things about anyone, but after some time away from Garrett's practice, I keep thinking that I must give this picture, at least to balance out all the positive ones. I feel protective of cancer patients. We are so vulnerable and so desperately need to trust our doctors. Unfortunately, while Garrett draws extreme trust and loyalty from many patients (including from me at first!), neither his practices nor his communication skills hold up over the long term -- at least not when treatment is unsuccessful. Heartbreaking. Not what anyone needs, ever, let alone when fighting for our lives. read more

kindest man, not just about the appointment but about "real" care. Care for you first and foremost. Not sure how to express his dedication for his patients ... it's like none I have seen in years!!!!!! Dr. Smith is a true gem ~ I'm so grateful to his staff they are in top of it and extremely kind!! To be treated this way .... has changed my entire opinion. . Thank you !!! read more

I've reserved giving five stars on Yelp reviews, until now. Why? Because Dr. Smith deserves 5, 10, a million stars. He's the first doctor who has ever hugged me. He asks me about my life. We chat about his family. And I love his approach of blending Eastern practices with traditional Western ones. I feel cared for, and cared about. In this modern world of doctors who want nothing more than to hurry you out the door, Dr. Smith is a true exception. read more

I was reviewing my reviews and saw an unjust posting here. The reviewer, d s, couldn't be more off base about a doctor or his office. I am sorry if you truly feel that your experience was that bad. HOWEVER, in my 9 years of care from Dr. Smith and his staff I have NEVER experienced anything even remotely close to what that person has to say. I have been doing this cancer business for a long time. I have seen many a doctor and practitioner. Smith Integrative Oncology is and has been ahead of the game for years. He had the brains and heart to include acupuncture, massage, nutrition and fitness in his practice way before anyone else in the bay area. Dr. Smith is one of the kindest people on the planet. He is in it to help people and make their journey a gentler one. His staff are genuine and more professional than most out there. They respond in a more than timely manner. They go above and beyond always. Dr. Smith shows no signs of ego, in fact, he will help you with questions to ask another doctor if you want to get another opinion. And he will check in to see what the other docs have to say. When I was first diagnosed, my team of drs was 6 or 7 deep and they all communicated regularly, Smith included! You deserve to be treated by this man if you value your health and if you are in tune with your body and mind. Smith Integrative Oncology ROCKS!!! Thanks for reading. read more

My experience with Garrett has been amazing so far. He has been kind, gracious, knowledgeable and a great teacher. His guidance through unfamiliar territory has been thorough and complete. He has top-notch "western medicine" credentials and is up-to-date on all the latest medical advances. And he incorporates eastern healing modalities in treating mind-body-spirit. His staff has been kind and compassionate. He is A+ read more

I am re-posting my original post for Dr. Smith here: It's true - Garrett Smith is the best oncologist out there, not to mention the best and most caring doctor ever of any specialty. For oncology though, he is well-suited because he has the genuine warmth and caring that so many of us cancer patients need to stay sane during a crazy and intensely stressful time. After I finished chemo with a different oncologist, I suffered three months of severe stomach pain whenever I ate. I lost 20 pounds in those three months. After my original oncologist "washed his hands of my problem" (yep, that's actually what he said to me), and after several digestive specialists were unable to help me ... Dr. Smith together with Natalie Ledesma (the in-house nutritionist) were able to gradually nurse my digestive system back to 100% health. I am forever grateful to them both. I see him now for regular check-ups. He is always so caring and reassuring that he breaks through the cancer-anxiety that remains for me, and when I leave his office I usually feel like crying happy-tears. Thank you, Dr. Smith. read more

He really is the most amazing doctor ever. I wish he could treat me for everything that goes wrong with me. I was actually under his care for a short time before being referred to someone else who specializes in what I had, but Garrett continued to check in on me. He cares. Which is really profound. If you've spent enough time with health care professionals you'll know what I mean. read more

I can't stress enough how much I love this doctor. When my mom was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of breast cancer, my family was terrified. Many oncologists go their entire careers without seeing a case of this type of cancer, so this was not the time to take a, "let's try this" type of approach, which is what we were getting from other oncologists. We needed someone who knows their stuff and we got that with Dr. Smith. Not only is he knowledgable in his field, but he has a way about him that comforted us and calmed our fears from the very first appointment. We arrived at that first appointment so nervous and uncertain at what the future would hold for my mom, but after we met with him, we walked out the door that day with a fresh feeling of hope. At each appointment he's there with a warm hug, a smile, and ready to help in any way he can. Kelly, his nurse was also a godsend. No one wants to have chemo, but with a doctor like Garrett, it goes by so much easier. The office is beautiful, with views of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, lots of colorful fish in the tank that is forever being updated/cared for by Dr. Smith, relaxing music playing, and a happy, peaceful environment. You feel more like you are in someone's living room than in a cold, clinical environment. We live 30 miles away (which can take well over an hour in traffic), and there were countless oncologists within mere miles of our home, but we chose to make the weekly trek into the city because Garrett is THAT good. There were some mornings we would step into the elevator heading up to his office feeling a bit defeated and overwhelmed by all that goes along with cancer, and within minutes of meeting with Dr. Smith, our spirits would be better and we would know that everything was going to be okay. When you are dealing with cancer, that feeling is priceless. I wish I could give him 10 stars. read more

I've been seeing Garrett Smith for almost four years, and there is absolutely no one else I trust more and would want taking care of me. When I was first diagnosed and meeting with oncologists, it was a hands-down, no question decision to go with GS. He was the only oncologist that sat down with me face-to-face, unrushed, and was straightforward and compassionate. He took the time to explain things about cancer that were new and confusing to me at the time, he explained my options to me and the pros and cons of each, and he listened to my concerns. Diagnosed with breast cancer, and needing surgery, chemo and radiation, GS discussed fertility issues with me before my first chemo treatment. Other oncologists did not even bring this up or pretty much brushed off the issue of chemo and fertility, which if ignored would have put me into menopause. The focus of the other oncologists was the cancer only - and while that is not necessarily a bad thing - I have always felt strongly that I'm more than just cancer. I'm a person - a vibrant young woman who would already be sacrificing a lot in my life to go through treatment. And Garrett was the only one who looked at me as a whole person with a future ahead of me. In addition to Garrett's attentive care, his office Smith Integrative Oncology truly stands above the rest. Everyone in his office is wonderful! From the receptionist, to his nurse, nutritionist, massage therapist, acupuncturist - they are like family to me. The chemo room is spa-like comfortable, which is nice when your treatment lasts several hours sometimes. I feel carefully watched over as Garrett is by my side at the start of every treatment and his nurse kindly offers water, tea, or a blanket on top of always being ready to change my chemo before it finishes. I have benefited greatly from having a nutritionist to talk with, and having a massage or acupuncture during or after chemo as well. I feel incredibly cared for on every level at this office. Cancer is an awful and complicated disease. It's difficult, plain and simple. Regardless of your particular diagnosis, everyone experiences different side effects or problems. Some side effects may be simple and short-lived and some may be more difficult and longer lasting. Even with the best treatment, how you react to treatment is very individual and everyone fares differently both physically and emotionally. I had one and a half years of chemo with my primary breast cancer diagnosis, and received all chemo treatments through an IV in my arm. My arm and veins are fine. As background in response to a previous post, ports are not a perfect solution either. Infection can be a reoccurring problem for some. While chemo can work wonders on cancer cells, it can result in a host of side effects depending on the chemo you are taking - and that can sometimes be the unfair compromise we make with the goal of beating this disease into remission. Not that you ever hope to have to see an oncologist, but if you do, you cannot find one better professionally than Garrett and one more kind and compassionate than him as well. The benefits of his integrative office and amazing staff are such a gift, too. Garrett Smith is providing the type of cancer treatment and holistic cancer care that should be the industry standard. read more

I feel so incredibly lucky to have found dr. Smith and his clinic. The contrast to my experience in "regular" hospitals couldn't be bigger. First, they get the basics right - the place is well-run, efficient, staffed by über-competent people, and nicely designed as well - if you're getting poison pumped into your body, might as well do it in a beautiful and welcoming environment. (Even the tea selection is great). Scheduling is easy, and the staff are easy to reach by phone or email. The intake form was a PDF (unlike the 10 page document that I've had to fill out by hand other places). Second, everybody at the clinic where helpful in ways that make "regular" healthcare seem medieval. Dr. Smith came in on a weekend to do an extra round of chemo, Kelly haggled with my insurance to get the best anti-nausea meds, Anita patiently calmed my nerves and got me an appointment on short notice whenever something was up. Third, and perhaps most importantly, I don't have cancer anymore. read more

Garrett has been my Oncologist for about three years now, and that's three more years than I would have lived without him. He has carefully chosen treatments for me, combining them with nutrition, massage, and other complementary practices. He was open to my seeing a Naturapath for a while, which meant someone else was being paid while I took a break from Western meds - he TRULY cares - he called me during that time and chedcks in on me after hours when he knows I'm feling lousy. He hugs me AND my 140lb dog whenever we come in for a visit. I'll be with Garrett for the rest of my hopefully long life, and I'll owe it to himl BTW, the doctor I saw before him told me I'd be lucky to see summer of 2005. How's that?! read more

I had a very unpleasant experience with Dr. Smith today. I am debating whether I am going to continue with his care or lack thereof. From my interaction with him today, I feel like he doesn't review my chart/file and understand what my concerns are or what I am really talking about. Possibly, if I was having a re-occurrence, he would be more attentive? I am posing a question there, because I am just speculating; I don't know if then he would be more attentive. He was very short and rude with me (on the side of arrogant) and was using medical terms I wouldn't know off the top of my head. On the flip side of the coin, he was saying a procedure was that "old fashioned kind". I didn't know what he meant by that. Also, he didn't know if he had ordered a procedure for me. He said some other things to me that were hard for me to really believe. At the end of my appointment, he actually said I didn't have to continue seeing him. He basically was ridding himself of me. Thanks, Dr. Smith! You are such a kind soul. :-( To expand upon what transpired before and during my appointment, he kept me waiting for approximately 10 minutes or more while he chatted up a storm with someone out in the waiting room. I am not sure if it was the patient before me, but their conversation was personal and not professional. I normally am not too concerned about time, but I had a commitment right after my appointment and didn't have too much time to spare. Dr. Smith also had a cold or some crud and he still examined me. Is that proper protocol? I had questioned Dr. Smith and his practice a couple of years ago. His acupuncturist is something else. She took me for a ride. I won't go into those details, because it is such a long story and what went down is another bad review in itself. Let's just sum up his acupuncturist's behavior this way - I don't care for people taking advantage of other people - especially when they are patients who are quite vulnerable and want to really trust their caregivers. I communicated the experience I had with the acupuncturist to Dr. Smith and he became very defensive. It is clear that he does not like any hint of confrontation - at all. I am not sure if he ever addressed the issues with his acupuncturist; I just didn't continue seeing her and that quickly put an end to my problems with her. I may give Dr. Smith one more try. I am not sure. Today, I walked away from his office feeling like he didn't give a crap about me or anything I was saying. Our interaction today was all about him; it wasn't about me at all. What greatly concerns me is that he should have known what procedures had been performed on me and for what reasons; he didn't. Maybe he should take some responsibility for what is going on and not place the blame entirely on me. I really couldn't believe when he said I had put him in a bad position with my surgeon. Really? I had asked my surgeon to collaborate with him about performing a procedure. Isn't that a reasonable request to make? In closing, Dr. Smith is nice enough if you are in a good mood and happy with everything. Otherwise, he can be defensive and not kind or compassionate. I also question his competency. I think he should review patients' charts/files more carefully prior to their visit. Possibly, he could have done that with me - instead of chatting about personal things with the person in the waiting room for quite some time - while I was patiently waiting to see him. ***NOTE: I see he had someone write a 5-star review the day after I wrote this review. Like I said, it is all about him; it isn't about the person who is on the receiving end of his bad behavior. read more

Garrett Smith is the best oncologist in San Francisco. He's caring, warm, holistic, smart, and he saved my life.

My brother had dr. Smith as a doctor and enjoyed his relationship with him.

After moving to the East Bay we stopped seeing doctors in downtown San Francisco because it is so difficult getting in and out of San Francisco. However, there is one doctor we will not leave, and that is Dr. Smith. He treated my wife for cancer, and has spent years making sure that it does not return in any part of her body. As a medical doctor myself, I realize not only how thorough he is when he exams her and reviews her lab results, but how well he listens to her concerns and communicates with both of us. He is one of that wonderful brand of physicians who treats the whole patient. Tom & CZ read more

As good as it gets. If you want personalized care from a knowledgable doctor with the best bedside manner around....Garrett is the man! How many other doctors greet you with a hug? He balances my need to drive my healthcare with his expertise. read more

Smith is an Oncologist. I highly recommend him for anyone, especially someone who has had breast cancer. He is very caring. I was with another person who was cold and matter of fact. Smith will hug you upon seeing you. Hold your hand and talk with you. May suggest accupunture, message and promote exercise into your routine. He is the person you want in your life. read more

My husband Ben was a patient of Dr. Smith's for ~2.5 years. Being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer is beyond overwhelming. Dr. Smith and his entire staff made us both feel welcome and safe and in good hands each and every time we visited the office. Over time, Dr. Smith became like a family member to us. He would call Ben after hours to check-in on him, and he always treated both of us with respect and dignity. Dr. Smith worked tirelessly to try to find a cure for Ben. Even towards the end of Ben's life, he asked me to be sure to thank Dr. Smith for being the best oncologist, and to tell Dr. Smith how much he appreciated all that he had done for him. I would recommend Dr. Smith to every single person who has cancer. He deserves a million bright, shiny, sparkling stars. Thank you. read more

Dr. Garrett Smith is absolutely the best oncologist! Let's face it- no one ever wants to hear that they need to see an oncologist. But if you do, you will be in great hands. Dr. Smith is smart and caring and warm. He explains treatment options in detail. You won't find anyone else like him. I feel very fortunate that I was referred to him. read more

Garrett is the best Doctor in the world. I cannot say enough good about him-such a relief to find a kind, helpful doctor when you feel like the world is upset down...I can't believe I actually look forward to seeing him! read more

If you have to navigate your way through cancer treatment, there is no better doctor to manage your treatment. You are a person, not another cancer statistic, when you're under his care. He's a first-rate oncologist who provides the kindest care and attention, and takes the "scare" out of the process. He listens, is flexible, and really goes to bat for you with the other members of your treatment team. read more

If you or someone you know ever needs an oncologist, RUN don't walk to this man! He is among the top 5 docs I've ever seen and well, if you need an oncologist, you've probably seen too many by now. When I first saw him, I thought he must be a male nurse as he had such a relaxed manner ...and he was in the waiting room. His entire office is so different from the Cancer Factory at Alta Bates. He's much more knowledgable about breast cancer than my Alta Bates onc who seems to be one of the most stressed humans I've ever met. Dr. Smith respects choices people make, including that of a friend of mine who discontinued treatment as it impacted her quality of life. I think the medical world would be better if doctors took lessons from Dr. Smith. read more

Dr. Garrett, as he likes to be called, is an absolute saint on earth. Through years of cancer treatments, my friend shared her hopes and tears and strategies with him, and he was more than a caregiver. He was on her team. He listened to her concerns, suggested treatments and therapies at the level that SHE was comfortable with, and even seemed to change his vocabulary and body language to echo hers. He does everything he can to make the patient feel like she is the absolute most important person on earth to him. His office staff is equally amazing. Your oncologist will be with you through a lot of turmoil, so choose one that will work with you, not just work on you. read more

He can be very charming, but also has a brittle ego, and a temper if you do not do as he wants with regard to treatment options. He sometimes gets visible angry with you if you want to do something he does not like. He changes his mind which is fine. Go to him if you will not challenge his treatment preferences. If you keep him feeling that you admire him he is magnanimous and gives you hugs and kisses. Sometimes I felt the treatment was more about him than bout me. read more

If there were a 10 star rating, I would choose that. Garrett Smith and his entire staff manage to create an atmosphere of expertise and equanimity, healing and hope. Their skills are beyond compare, and their level of care is beyond measure. Integrative medicine of this caliber is not just rare, it is invaluable. read more