Dr. Membreno: "Well, Arabs/Middle Easterners tend to have low Vitamin D levels so..." me: "that's interesting Dr. Membreno but I'm not Arab/Middle Eastern" Dr. Membreno made a lot of assumptions when attempting to address my concerns but that might have been okay if her bed side manner was compassionate and caring. Unfortunately, it was quite the contrary. Dr. Membreno talked to me in a condescending manner, including eye rolls and head shakes when I tried to give her my medical history. She scolded me for not having medical insurance during a time when my non-profit job did not offer health insurance and my non-profit wages did not allow me to purchase medical coverage on my own. When I called to change doctors, a nurse told me that Dr. Membreno not only treats patients with disdain but her staff as well. Unless you have a really tough shell and have an equally aggressive personality to match Dr. Membrenos, you might want to find another doctor. read more

Zero stars for this doctor. If I would've stuck with Dr. Membreno, I would've been dead by now. I'm a Hashi's patient, I was diagnosed last August when I came to see Dr. Membreno for the first time. I brought her my lab results from another clinic. To that point, I had not taken anything for my hypothyroidism, I just knew my TSH was through the roof and so were my antibodies. Dr. Membreno prescribed me Synthroid 75. A month later, my TSH had gone way down but still not around the range so she bumped the dose to 88. Six weeks or so later, I felt like a "paranoid walking vibrator" (that's the best I can describe this crazy condition), my heart was beating so fast and I had these crazy anxiety attacks, that I immediately told Dr., but she wouldn't budge! A couple of weeks later, I couldn't take it anymore so I called her back and this time she *reluctantly* lowered the dose back to 75. Fast forward six weeks later, here I am again, except now I now felt like a walking timebomb. I ended up in the ER. She wouldn't reduce my dose any more because my TSH was "fine" (yes, she's a by-the-numbers person), or even offer T3. And she still had the gall to say that my heart problems were not due to overdosing! AND she would always advise me to "double up" on pills whenever I skipped a day! Way to suggest suicide! I had to be out of work for six weeks, lay around doped up on lorazepam while I switched doctors, go on NDT and adjust to it. The symptoms were THAT bad! My life was on hold! If I could sue for malpractice, I would! Needless to say, I am seeing another doctor now who does PAY ATTENTION to my symptoms. Who wants a doctor with a cold, condescending bedside manner who wears cocktail dresses, deliberately ignores your symptoms, and literally tries to kill you? Crazy lady! read more

Again, wishing there were zero stars. Really other Yelper? fussing over you? Yeah I don't need that in a doctor. Just one who cares. She told me "I only deal with people who are REALLY sick". I guess my (found out later - no thanks to her) Hashimoto's autoimmune hypo thyorid condition isn't a 'real' problem. It's too bad you only have to be smart to become a doctor. There should be a test for caring. read more

Going to doctor Linda Membreno was a total waste of time. Imagine an endocrinologist who tells a pre-diabetic patient to look for a General Practitioner Doctor because she treats only sick people. "Why don't you take your exams to the person who prescribed them?", she asked. I don't even know what is a low UIBC, she also said. If she had googleled it, she would have known that UIBC is Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity. This was just one detail of the exams. To cut the story short: Three days before the consultation, I sent her my exams, which were prescribed by my Natural Doctor (I sent from my home fax to the number 650 934-7508, exactly the number which was informed in her webpage, and I have the fax proof). Nevertheless, when I arrived there, Membreno's assistant said that she didn't have the exams and asked me for a copy. Anyway, a waste of time, because the doctor couldn't care less for a pre-diabetic patient who is suspecting of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. After been extremely rude, she became a bit better because I started crying in her office. It's really frustrating to visit a doctor like this. Anyway, the best she did was giving a referral for nutrition classes, although I have told her that I'm very well informed about the nutrition needs of a diabetic person. So, do yourself a favor and look for another endocrinologist. read more

I should've listened to some of these Yelp reviews before making an appointment. I was trying to see Dr. Membreno to get a hormone test since an acupuncturist gave me some progesterone cream to use (but I only wanted to use it if I knew for sure that my estrogen levels were high). I'm obviously not going to use progesterone if I am not estrogen dominant. She just canceled my appointment on me and didn't even talk to me. She told the doctors that she cannot help me. Ummm? I just wanted a hormone test to see if my estrogen levels were too high or not? I went to the clinic and waited only to find out she canceled my appointment. What a waste of time. At least let me know beforehand so I don't show up to the appointment. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Membreno for the last 10 years and I have no complaints. She has correctly diagnosed my Hasimoto's and ensured that my thyroid levels remained stable throughout these years and couple of pregnancies. What I am grateful for is that she recently asked me to get an ultrasound and biopsy done which lets just say will save my life. She is matter of fact, knows her area of expertise and usually very to the point. Don't expect sympathy or small talk (though we have talked about our families). She will not fuss over you but she does care and that care sometimes comes across as reprimand. Its her way of telling you, better take care of this before it becomes worse. She is a busy doctor and I would rather she spent time talking to me about my problem than being 'nice'. If you need to see an expert, I would highly recommend Dr. Membrano. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Linda Membreno for over 15 years. Under her care I have been able to manage a benign lump that I have in my thyroid for 30 years by routine office visits, ultrasounds and biopsy. Her medical knowledge and expertise in the field of endocrinology is amazing. The level of her class and professionalism is as high as you would expect from a well respected physician. She is kind and compassionate but at the same time very direct in dealing with medical issues. If there is nothing that can be done about a certain problem she will say so. During my numerous office visits with Dr. Membreno in the last 15 years I never felt ignored or that my questions were not answered. I would give Dr. Membreno a hundred stars if I could. read more

I think she is very unprofessional and yes condescending.Tried to pass me back to my internist for my issues which are her specialty.Just not a caring or on the ball Dr.My meeting with her gave me a very uncomfortable feeling. read more

Several Yelpers have called her condescending. I think that is the way I would term her attitude as well. I prefer straightforward, outspoken doctors however her insensitive nature along with demeaning smiles made me feel ashamed of my decision to see her. I am paying through my insurance for the time you spend with me. At least have the courtesy to inform the patient what they ought to know about their health. read more

Condescending. Treats patients with contempt - especially diabetics. Order your medical records, read her notes and you will find out for yourself. She is sweet and appears professional when you meet her.. but then.. read her notes.. read more

I went in to my PCP for a sore shoulder, and all I really wanted was a physical therapist referral. After finding a small lump on my neck I was referred for a CT, and then referred to Dr. Membreno for a Fine Needle Aspiration. I was BEYOND nervous after Googling about the procedure. I do not like needles anywhere close to my face. I have had severe dental anxiety for years, and this really made me nervous! After almost backing out quite a few times and trying to convince myself nothing was even there or wrong, I went in to have the FNA performed. The nurses in the front office were nice, and pleasant, and so was the nurse who saw me into the room. She told me that if she were to have this done, and if ANY one of them were going to have this done, they would want Dr. Membreno to do it. Still I was nervous beyond belief! The numbing cream was put on my neck and I waited for around 30 min - so be sure to bring a book etc. I didn't mind waiting. The procedure itself didn't hurt at all. I'm not just saying that. My neck was totally numb from the cream, and she was really fast. She let me know I would feel a prick, and I only really felt a little pressure, not a prick. She took 3 samples, and I think it took maybe 5 mins total? IF that. Overall I am really glad I got it done so it's not weighing over me anymore. The buildup was way worse that waiting for the results, or having the procedure done. Dr. Membreno was kind to me...but I can understand what other reviewers were saying...she does and says everything other kind doctors do, BUT it just doesn't seem natural...but when I looked through the reviews, no where did anyone say "It was so painful!!" or "I cried!!!" So I decided to stick with the appointment and I am really glad I did. I don't know if the procedure hurts usually, or if Dr. Membreno just knows her craft, but my experience getting the Fine Needle Aspiration was fine, stressful before hand due to my emotions, but a breeze after entering the office. Now lets hope the results come back clear!! read more

I had Dr. Membreno for about 4 years as my endocrinologist and she was awesome. I even drove 3.5 hrs to see her when I moved out of the area. (I don't any more just because CO is a bit far for a dr visit.) I have polyps on my thyroid and an unconfirmed cancer scare from another endocrinologist, who wanted to rip out my thyroid. Dr. Membreno was very thorough and made sure her test results were confirmed before doing something that drastic. She worked with me closely for a year to make sure my thyroid levels were stable and that I, as a person, felt like I should. She didn't rely on my test results alone and asked for input on how I felt, how I was doing nutritionwise, with exercise, etc. She wasn't the warmest person in the world but I felt she was very caring. I trust her expertise. She may seem a little cocky but she seems well justified. She has accomplished alot and doctors and highly intellectuals seem to be a little cocky or condescending sometimes. If I ever disagreed with something she said, she'd listen to why I thought one way and we'd discuss till we came to an agreement. I wished more doctors were like her. read more

Dr. Membreno was fine for me. In fact, my newborn son had a blowout (pooped all over my skirt and the floor) and she was very patient and helpful and watched my son while I cleaned up. I have been a diabetic for a long time and she treated me as such - as an intelligent human being who understood what I needed to do to stay in control. read more

I was referred by my PCP to an endocrinologist because of a thyroid nodule. I didn't know who to go to, so I just took the first availability. The first doctor available was Dr. Membreno. I did come on here and read through all of the reviews, and I was initially scared that I wouldn't be getting good care. I decided to keep my appointment rather than change doctors because I'm more concerned about what is going on with my thyroid than how well squeaky wheels like/dislike this particular doctor. She seemed very professional and courteous. Not bubbly and friendly, but I don't mind that. (One of the reviews compared her to House, and I can agree with that.) She was very methodical and asked direct pointed questions. She did have a moment here or there like she thought I was crazy to be worried about my thyroid. She explained to me the test that she was ordering, how it's performed, and some preliminary information. There was a lot of waiting for her to initially come into the exam room and then to meet up again in the treatment room where the biopsy samples were to be collected. (Side note: she told me that the biopsies would be collected with 25 gauge needles, but the blue hubs on the Mayo stand make me think she actually used 22 gauge needles.) She warned me somewhat gruffly that she *had* to have 3 samples to send to the lab, no matter how many attempts were taken. Luckily I was still and her aim was good, so we got the 3 samples right away. Not once did I ever get the impression from her that I needed to be worried at all about my thyroid. She was very straight-forward and honest about nodules and their behaviors. Until my condition escalates to a level where I feel that I need to see an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders, I will continue to see Dr. Membreno for my yearly thyroid check ups. I am in school for veterinary technology and I have some education in medicine, so I prefer a doctor who will talk to me albeit with a curt demeanor over a doctor who sugar coats and is overbearingly friendly. read more

I was an annual patient of Membreno for a few years. Can't recommend her. She has a pretty cold personality, and it's not from having a bad day -she just strikes me as oddly condescending and too important/busy for her patients. I switched doctors; even once a year is too much and I won't be back. Life's too short as it is. Not to say that she doesn't know what she's doing, she's just got a really weird attitude, and going to an appt. to see her just wasn't something I wanted to do anymore, so I found another endocrinologist at another office. Sure the drive is longer but it's just once a year and am happy to say that I like the newer one so much better. I DO love the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, though. I really don't wait long and overall their doctors are excellent and caring. read more

I will not recommend her. She got really annoyed when she came to know that , my gynecologist was taking care of my thyroid medication when I was pregnant . After that she told me that , I don't need to see her anymore and asked me to follow up with my physician . She was my Endocrinologist for past 8 yrs. I will not go back to her. read more

I have been going to Dr. Membreno for 20 years. She has been treating me for several fairly serious problems. I think she knows her stuff, pays attention to me and my symptoms, and puts effort into figuring out the best course of action. If you look over these reviews, it seems to me that different people have different ways of evaluating their doctor. That's fine, and maybe several of these reviewers would be better off with a different endocrinologist. I personally have no problem at all with Dr. Membreno's bedside manner, but, even if I did, I would much rather have a Dr. House type who was abrasive but kept me alive, rather then a Marcus Welby type who let me die in a caring and empathetic fashion. read more

I enjoyed my visit with Dr. Membreno and am really grateful that she takes on the challenge to tackle some medical issues that all of my other doctors (incl. professors from Stanford med school) have given up. And it wasn't even an issue that I was seeing her for - she just chatted with me to understand my problems and decide to go for an extra mile. Thank you, Dr. Membreno! read more

She asked me to tell a detailed story for the development of my convoluted symptoms over the past two weeks. I have never been ASKED to do that by any doctor before, even if they do not rush me. She cares and is willing to spend however long needed time with me. She didn't prescribe any medicine but ordered tests and her office called me up the next day, thanks giving eve, to informed the result . I feel her manner is good, not like others reviewed here. read more

Dr. Membreno has been my endocrinologist for over 10 years. She is extremely competent, and has never had a problem with giving me a full explanation for any question I have had. She has always been thoughtful and professional. read more

Dr. Membreno has been my Endocrinologist for over 20 years and because she is thorough she was able to diagnose a rare endocrine disease that I have. When I first saw her, I didn't have any specific symptoms, but I just didn't feel right. She ran some tests and figured out the diagnosis (even though it is extremely rare and she had to do some extra research). She has been taking care of me ever since and I have recommended her to friends and family. I appreciate her straightforward approach, I know that isn't what everyone likes, but she has gone the extra mile for me over the years and really does care about her patients. read more

Dr. Membreno is helping me fighting my thyroid cancer. She is an excellent doctor (endocrinologist) with professional knowledge and she is a very caring person as well although she might look like "cool" sometime. I think because she is so focused on my treatment. She precisely diagnosed my thyroid cancer by doing the biopsy and referred me to a great surgeon who is Dr. Carla Cassani. I just finished my radioactive iodine treatment following Dr. Membreno's guidance. Dr. Membreno always answers my question and/or responses my request promptly. I feel very confident that I can manage my thyroid cancer with Dr. Membreno's help. I will recommend Dr. Membreno to my family, friends and anyone who needs an endocrinologist's care. read more

I can't even give her a star - Dr. Membreno is the worse doctor i've ever met. She always has the last word, comes dressed like she's going to a cocktail party and is ready to get on with her day as if you're wasting her time. If anything, she totally wasted my time and my money. I should have checked Yelp before making that appointment. Don't trust a doctor's referral, trust a patient's referral. read more