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Arcadia, CA

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GYN Oncology Institute

3.5 (16 reviews)
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Violet W.

GYN Oncology Institute saved my life. Literally. Last December of 2014, I had my routine pap smear and was notified by my gynecologist at the beginning of January 2015 that I had a large cyst and it needed to be removed by a specialist immediately as I was already feeling uncomfortable to even perform day to day activities. My gynecologist referred me to Dr. Alan Schlaerth, who is a well-known and respected GYN oncologist in the San Gabriel Valley. Consultation: I called GYN Oncology the day my gynecologist told me to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlaerth. The receptionist I had spoken to was able to squeeze me in the NEXT day at 8:00 a.m. to see Dr. Schlaerth, During the consultation, Dr. Schlaerth answered all the questions my mother and I had about my condition and the procedure. I felt safe and comforted knowing that he would help me. Facility: State of the art, pristine clean facility--my dad commented that all the machines are state of the art and it was one of the nicest rooms he's ever been in. They have two large procedure rooms, an exam room, a private family consultation room and a large, family-centered waiting room. They also have their own parking lot with plenty of parking spaces, the institute is located on the south side of the Methodist Hospital campus, if you drive down north of Huntington Drive, there is an entrance to their parking lot. Procedure: Since I was knocked out for the procedure, my parents told me that Dr. Schlaerth was professional and helpful when he delivered the news of the results. He was able to conduct the laparoscopic surgery procedure in less than an hour and I only had four small incisions on my stomach area. I was able to go home to be on bed rest the day of my surgery. He successfully removed the cyst (cancer-free yayyyy) and my recovery time was 1.5 months. Follow-up: Ms. Nancy Galustians is the physician assistant who did both my follow-ups. She answered my silly questions about recovery and was efficient in conducting the follow-ups. Service: I have no idea how the front desk lady was able to schedule me a consultation the next day I called but I am forever grateful to the front desk ladies at this institute. They always have a cheerful and pleasant demeanor while answering the phones and are able to assist me with my questions regarding doctor's notes, office visits, scheduling. The nurses are also very personable and friendly, I felt at ease. I owe my health and happiness this year to GYN Oncology and Dr. Schlaerth, their professionalism and services can be counted on. Thank you (:

Visiting Gynoncology after having my life saving surgery 3 years ago

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Review Highlights - GYN Oncology Institute

“Schlaerth answered all the questions my mother and I had about my condition and the procedure.”

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City of Hope

City of Hope

3.3(10 reviews)
0.1 mi

This City of Hope location is not a hospital, just for medical visits…read more This location is a medical building and shares the space with a bunch of different offices. They are located on the 4th floor. Parking lot is right in front of the building. The only way you can get here driving is by taking Huntington Dr south. Going north will not reach here. You can U Turn through the small street right by Methodist Hospital to go south. Moved here since it is closer to home and Dr. Chung sees patients here a few times a week. He has been my oncologist for a few years now. He is friendly and always answers my questions. The staff is great. I rarely wait longer then 10 minutes.

Just went here a week ago. Saw Dr. Chung who performed a procedure involving my bladder. When doing…read moremore research on the procedure a lot of other Dr's either put their pts to sleep or gave them pain meds. Dr.Chung did neither and said the procedure wasn't that bad. I've had a horrific "recovery" and have tried to contact him and the office several times. I've messaged through the patient portal, called the nurse triage line, left messages- no one has gotten back to me. I would NEVER trust this facility or its doctors to perform any medical procedures on you or your loved ones. I fear I have permanent damage and I will call every day until they finally give me the time of day. The fact I have to call every day and no one gets back to me is infuriating.

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City of Hope
City of Hope
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Yee Sharon J, MD

Yee Sharon J, MD

1.6(12 reviews)
0.9 mi

Dr. Yee is a very busy woman. From what I've experienced, she takes the time necessary to…read morethoroughly explain her thought process and why she recommends a specific line/course of treatment based on the patients past history. One of the many things I like about her is that she is highly alert and her awareness is on point. Some may interpret her "proactionary" approach as insincere or lacking compassion and empathy but I can assure you that she's "there". She makes sure and will confirm with you verbally that you understand what she is talking about and that everyone's on the same page before moving on to the next topic. She explains the risks and what can be expected physically and mentally before moving on. Very professional. She is also quick to make any necessary adjustments if she discovers a particular line of treatment isn't as effective. I would recommend Sharon to anybody going through cancer. The most important thing about the process is that you need to speak up and be direct about any symptoms you're experiencing that have a major negative impact on your life. She needs to know so she can figure out a better suited option. FYI: With any treatment of cancer the treatment plan will not be fun. Your job is to find the most effective and aggressive approach while minimizing the least amount of stress and what you can physically/mentally handle. What you will discover in the process is that a lot of frustration has a lot more to do with low reputable insurance companies and not necessarily the Dr.'s themselves.

I am extremely concerned about the level of Care that is being provided at this Drs office…read more The office staffs refusal to provide any type of assistance needed for referrals, authorizations and orders that need to be put into the system , specifically a young lady by the name of "Maggie" she's extremely combative and her conduct is hindering Patient care and must improve Immediately to prevent serious harm to a patient that Is critically ill Her total disregard is alarming, with the need for assistance matters that only she could provide and help with , this is so disturbing. If she no longer wants to be involved with patient care she does need to find a different line of work It is such a disappointment that a person could work in a field that needs to be empathetic, compassionate, and highly needed MORALS which unfortunately she does not have and what is even more frightening is the retaliation she may give due to being angry with patient family, or the patient specifically all because they inquire assistance with their needs

Keck Medicine of USC - Arcadia

Keck Medicine of USC - Arcadia

2.3(31 reviews)
0.5 mi

GREAT LOCATION TO SEE PHYSICIAN…read more============================== Found out my husband's pain management physician practices out of this beautiful new location by Santa Anita Racetrack. Who wouldn't want to go there instead of the main hospital in L.A.? Free and nice parking is a bonus. Easy freeway access is a bonus. Lots of food options nearby is a bonus. Nice waiting rooms is a bonus! It's so new I didn't feel like I was in a germ factory. I had my coffee, ear pods and I watched my Britbox crime series while I waited for my husband. I wish I would have a taken a photo of the view from the 2nd floor waiting area. It was nice. I hate horse racing because I feel like it's abusive to the horses, but you could actually watch races from the waiting rooms in the west building.

I woke up w/my rt leg not able to move w/o excruciating pain, (15/10); I'm very good with pain, so…read moremy husband took me to the e.r., Sadly Keck USC is the closest one. I was on my old crutches when arriving because it helped to keep my weight off the leg & help with movement. The very kind security guard immediately got me a wheelchair. She also helped me gather my registration paperwork so I didn't have to wait in line. The nurse who took my vitals asked why I was there. This is not a common condition, but she said she had to check with her attending who determined it was not an emergency. A simple Google check would have told her that it was life threatening, but she was NOT a good doctor. More on her later. After a couple of hours, they took me back for a blood panel so they could do a CT scan w/contrast completely skipping an ultrasound then an MRI w/contrast. The phlebotomist was good. I told them I was freezing and could I please have a blanket, & I hadn't eaten all day; could I have a sandwich. The doctor, whom I already went over all of my health issues, asked, "What if I got you a full meal instead?" I again had to remind her that I was on the FOD map diet for my IBS and could I just please have the plain sandwich and the blanket. This is now the second or third time asking for these things. She said she'd check on these. She and her attending both examined me, pushed very hard on the painful area. If it had been a clot, it could have broken apart & killed me. I finally got my blanket about 6 hours later. Still no sandwich. The female doctor/attending sucked & said if I was nauseous, I would have to keep the oversalted crackers down, which I did, then I could have a sandwich. I ate one pack, stopped, & was so angry thinking, "Does she think she's my mom?" I know my body & have been through enough things that I know what I best respond to. My husband found someone & told him what the m.d. said and could he please bring me sandwich. He said he would check on it. That was all of their responses. You would have thought that their sandwiches were on lockdown. In the meantime, I was in the main waiting room w/10-15 people vomiting non-stop. Finally, it was my time to go to the CT scan room, which I didn't get because someone was stroking out. Understandable. So I asked if I could have my sandwich while I was waiting because they were giving me strong pain medicine, & I still had to take my own, so I needed something in my stomach to help with the acids. "I'll go check on it." They rolled me into the inner waiting room left me facing the wall because I was apparently their prisoner except for no bread or water. When it was finally time to take me to the CT room, I asked about the Zofran, AGAIN, because I know how nauseous the contrast makes me. OOPS! They forgot to order it, so I had to go back to my prison cell. At least this time, they left me facing my husband who again asked about my sandwich. "I'll go check on it." At least an hour later, they finally got the Zofran and were able to take me to the CT room. Brian, the assistant was very nice and patient. He even offered to replace my blanket with a warmer one. When my husband asked him about my sandwich, he said, "I'll go check on it." The actual technician in the white lab coat was a little too in my face and rushing me. I COULDN'T MOVE MY LEG; I WAS DOING THE BEST I COULD! They rolled me to the main waiting room w/all of the vomiting people. After an hour or two, they came to get me just to put me in back in my prison cell. My husband had to go let our dogs out and feed them & asked again before he left about my sandwich.. "I'll go check on it." I was in the little waiting room at 3:00a.m. by myself & didn't sleep because I didn't trust these people. Meanwhile, the new RN's or MA's, (I couldn't tell which from their lack of professionalism) just kept flirting with the married NP who's ego got bigger with their many questions he answered. They could have researched on their own. I waited until 5:00a.m. because everyone kept ignoring me. Since no M.D. or P.A. was present, just an N.P. who was basically in front of me but never checked on me nor made eye contact w/me in those two hours, I finally asked very loudly "Is anyone going to tell me what's going on with me?" No response. A few minutes later, the N.P. shouted back (HIPPA), "I just now got your test results," (right) "and I'll go over the results, discharge paperwork, and any notes for work," but he just handed them to me. Luckily, I'm have a pre-nursing AA along w/a bunch of certs since I had to read them on my own. He said he would remove my port I reminded them I had because I know they would have left it in. I was already taking it out when he said he could do that. The CT scan was clear. I said, "doesn't explain my symptoms". Him, "Maybe we should run more tests. Which ones?" I asked to be rolled out. I'll go to the pro's to figure this out. Never got my damn sandwich!

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Keck Medicine of USC - Arcadia - This is the external bleeding caused by my new allergy medicine. I needed them to check about internal bleeding. They were useless.

This is the external bleeding caused by my new allergy medicine. I needed them to check about internal bleeding. They were useless.

Keck Medicine of USC - Arcadia - My fathers arm from iv leaking in to his arm swollen, not acceptable  your nurses need training

My fathers arm from iv leaking in to his arm swollen, not acceptable your nurses need training

Keck Medicine of USC - Arcadia - Waiting area on 2nd floor to see doctors

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Waiting area on 2nd floor to see doctors

Monty B Polonsky, MD

Monty B Polonsky, MD

2.0(12 reviews)
0.9 mi

I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in late April. I called this office per the…read morerecommendation from the office of a highly qualified breast cancer surgeon in the same parking lot. WENDY at the front desk was able to get me in within 2 days while most other offices were taking appointments 2-3 weeks out. From the start, I felt cared for and the first impression Wendy delivered, has only gotten better. Unlike most folks leaving reviews, I truly appreciated doctor Polonsky's "tell it like it is" approach. Being told you have cancer is overwhelming, and I preferred his methods of giving me the info up front, being realistic and finding an aggressive treatment plan. Not to mention pushing for as many tests as possible which shows his experience. I have not had any problems getting in touch with the office or making appointments, but the doctor does address that and his schedule up front. Last but certainly not least, the biggest reason I would recommend this office to anyone is due to the service from ALEX, doctor Polonskys Medical Assitant AND ALL OF THE CHEMO NURSES! I feel cared for, and they know my name, they are providing quality treatment and the positivity in the office is something I strongly believe will help me make it through my cancer journey.

Zero stars for Dr. Polanski! He is by far the worst oncologist I've ever encountered…read more Unfortunately, Keck Arcadia assigned him to my dad, and the experience has been appalling. Dr. Polanski first saw my dad in the hospital and told him he would be his oncologist. He even called me on my dad's phone to confirm this. But when I brought my dad in for the initial appointment, it was a complete waste of time--he didn't even remember seeing my dad in the hospital! Then he asked me to track down prior cancer treatment records and hand-deliver them because his fax machine "sometimes works and sometimes doesn't." Seriously? In 2025, when records can be transferred electronically, this is unacceptable and unprofessional! The staff at this oncologist's office is disorganized and outdated. It's not anyone else's responsibility to compensate for the fact that their fax machine only works intermittently. In today's world, electronic record transfers are standard, and patients should not be burdened with these inefficiencies. But the worst part--the part I cannot forgive--is his complete lack of urgency and compassion. My dad has stage 4 cancer and was recently told by the hospital that he is terminal. Yet Dr. Polanski scheduled his appointment a month out, knowing full well my dad might not survive that long. My dad is now under hospice care. That level of disregard for a critically ill patient is beyond disappointing--it's cruel. This oncologist should be stopped from practicing medicine. If you care about your loved ones, do not trust this old kook with their life!

Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic - Dr. Jennifer Wicher

Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic

4.7(41 reviews)
2.0 mi

I have been under dr Wicher 's care for 10 years, each visit gave me comfort and care. Different…read moreailments, from an UTI, to healing my Gallblader, were treated with much knowledge and experience. Dr Wicher saved me from Gallblader surgery, for this and other, as important health issues, I am forever grateful. Along side me, we took on many issues, always steay, always knowledgeable, not judging or brushing me off. With a fine tooth comb she goes over blood tests and pushes for better results. She makes you want to do better at health. I, along side many patients, are super lucky to have this amazing lady treating us. She cares, really does! The call i made to became her patient, I can assure all of you, saved my life! Forever grateful, Simona Afkham

I went to Dr Wicher for prolotherapy on my right wrist and to obtain a prescription for Rapamycin…read more This office is run solely by Dr. Wicher and her receptionist--no assistant or nurse, which is rare for any medical office. The first two treatments of prolotherapy March 10 and Apr 14 went without incident, but on the third May 20, unlike the 20+ treatments over the years I received from another doctor who always used a thin-gauge needle with no local anesthetic, Dr Wicher used a thick gauge needle that looked like the type used for blood draws. I trusted her judgment, which was a mistake, as the injection caused intense pain, tingling, numbness in my fingers, and damage to the tendon. I found out later she used a local anesthetic which she did not in the first treatment. The pain and weakness in my wrist is WORSE than before the treatments began, and persists to this day, to the extent that I it affects my daily life (I have trouble driving and cannot open a jar lid with a jar opening tool.) In my previous visit Apr 14, I received a prescription for 12 capsules of 6mg compounded Rapamycin. Before the botched prolotherapy treatment I brought up studies that showed that the compounded form has a bioavailability of only 30%. Dr Wicher did not dispute and agreed to send a new prescription to my pharmacy for Sirolimus, the generic form of Rapamycin. When I got home my pinkie/ring fingers were numb and unusable so I called the office to report expecting a follow up call, but I never received one. Three days later after multiple calls the receptionist told me the doctor emailed me: 1. Lia said you were having some numbness in your wrist? Is this still present? It could have been from the anesthetic but should wear off 2. Rapamycin: I am not comfortable ordering the non-compounded drug for you unless you obtain additional labs(CMP, CBC and regular lipid testing). You gave me some labs from April. When I did your initial consult, I did a focused prolozone one based on what you were coming in for. I would need to obtain further information before proceeding with this drug. I responded by asking her why she needed new labs when she had already given me a prescription based on the lab work the month before, Her response: "Since the actual drug is a bit more potent than the compounded one is why I want these labs. " This was puzzling. She chose to prescribe the compounded version because the potency is low as to be ineffective? She had already prescribed compounded Rapamycin a month ago, and then agreed to the generic. So why did she change her mind? The only reason I can think of is that, after my report of numbness, she grew concerned about liability and reversed course--not because of clinical concerns, but professional ones. There were more issues. Attached is Customized Client Schedule I received after my exam. Notice that recommendation 2 Dihydroberberine does not contain exact doses, but only a recommendation for the product she sells in her office. Recommendation 1 is also for a product she sells in her office. Also notice the hand written recommendation for "Caster Oil Packs-see handout". I was not given the handout and had to ask the receptionist for help. She added "wool flannel" to the sheet. Also note the prescription for Rapacycin 6mg. Another issue occurred during my first appointment in which my blood pressure reading was high, over 150/90, indicating Stage 2 Hypertension. I was given absolutely no guidance on how to address this concern. I cannot recommend this practice: * Overworked: The doctor is spread thin, as she has no assistants. * Poor communication: She doesn't respond to emails or calls in a timely manner (5 days to respond to second email). * Neglected critical signs: Like failing to address my Stage 2 Hypertension * Vague instructions: Handout was missing, instructions unclear, product dosages unspecified. * Conflict of interest: She recommended supplements that she sells in her office, I assume at a profit. * Competence concerns: Offers a broad menu of therapies, but may lack depth in some. Based on my experience, if you are considering prolotherapy, only consider practices that specialize in orthopedics and have extensive experience with prolotherapy. I no longer trust Dr Wicher. I canceled my next appointment, and will no longer be seeing this ND.

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Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic
Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic - Happy Hour Menu

Happy Hour Menu

Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic - Specialized Care

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Specialized Care

Starling Oncology

Starling Oncology

2.6(10 reviews)
4.4 mi
Available by appointment
Certified professionals

I've been going here for the past 2 1/2 months and the staff especially Peggy have made my time…read morethere as comfortable as possible. Thank you

ABSOLUTELY INCOMPETENT and HORRIBLE DOCTORS, OFFICE STAFF, AND MANAGER. Their malpractice and…read morenegligence had delayed my cancer treatment by more than a month. Dr. Howard Yeh told me to come in 6/16 to determine whether I would need additional chemotherapy. When I arrived for the appointment, he asked me for my PET scan results BUT I had no PET scan results because he FORGOT to authorize a PET scan for me. So I asked him if he could at least tell me the results of the two blood tests he had me take prior to my appointment. But when he looked at the tests, he realized he FORGOT to order cancer markers as part of the blood tests, and instead was only checking white blood cell count. He tried to blame it all on the office instead of taking accountability. I booked a blood test for the next day, but because of Yeh's malpractice, the soonest PET scan appointment I could get was a MONTH later. TOI couldn't do anything to help me so I had to call other places myself looking for a sooner appointment but I would first need to find an appointment, get a new authorization for the new facility, cancel the old authorization, call back the new facility and hope that the appointment didn't get booked in the meantime. The Oncology Institute manager Ana Barrilas said she would everything she could to help me ONLY AFTER I mentioned that taking legal action against Yeh may be necessary. She promised to call me back and told me that I could text her anytime and she would get back to me or have someone at the office get back to me. HOWEVER, most of it was lip service. She wasn't able to get me a sooner PET scan even though this was a result or Dr. Yeh's incompetence. FURTHER, I was the one who had to call her back anytime I wanted an update on anything. She would promise to call me and then leave me hanging for days. Luckily I was able to get a PET scan because another patient cancelled, NOT because Ana did anything to help. Then when I FINALLY got a PET scan, Yeh went on vacation BEFORE looking at the results!!! If you value your physical and mental health, go elsewhere for treatment. Dr. Howard Yeh is incompetent and negligent. Ana Barillas lies and pays lip service in order to try to placate you so that you don't rightfully sue the hell out of their doctors for malpractice and negligence. She does her best to deceive you and appear sincere, but she consistently breaks her word. She doesn't care about you.

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Starling Oncology
Starling Oncology
Starling Oncology

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GYN Oncology Institute - oncologist - Updated October 2026

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