I never thought I would rave about my Obgyn but Doctor Drake is fantastic! She was recommended by my IVF doctor (full disclosure--they're actually married), but I also received several recommendations for Dr Drake from doctors, midwives and nurses. In fact, everyone I interacted with during my pregnancy couldn't say enough good things about her. As a first time mom I appreciated how responsive Dr Drake was. She was knowledgeable but also compassionate and it was easy to feel comfortable with her and ask all my questions. She took time at appointments to go over everything and managed my care well over the course of my pregnancy. When it came to my care she laid out options and presented the pros and cons while being supportive of my choices. I felt she had a good understanding of IVF, which some doctors didn't always understand (like when it came to calculating my due date). I also felt like most importantly my daughter was in good hands, which after the intense journey it took to get pregnant left me more nervous than most patients. My daughter was a complete breech and I credit Dr Drake with my super fast recovery. The nurses were shocked I was a c section and not a vaginal delivery given how quickly I was moving around and how little pain I had. She had me on a non narcotics protocol and I had very little pain and hit all my milestones ahead of schedule. I'm currently 11 week's post delivery and I'm already back to playing hockey! It's so hard to find good obgyns in town taking new patients. Santa Barbara is lucky to have Dr Drake! read more

Melissa Drake, MD - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me

Update 10/22: I *still have not received a call back from Dr. Drake's office, having left another message. I called the lab, signed releases, and the results indicate a time sensitive health issue that should have been followed up with ASAP. I'm very frustrated that Dr. Drake's negligence has potentially my health at risk. ___________ It is Oct. 15th and I am still waiting for a call back regarding the results of a September 4th test that came back from the lab a few days later. Over the past several weeks I have called numerous times, left two messages with a receptionist, messages on their answering machine, and emailed. When I have reached someone I have twice been told "the doctor called you with your results several weeks ago" (I have no record of a call or message, and no other missed calls- maybe that occurred, but that info doesn't help). I have also been told by two different receptionists that no one can say when someone will return my call because "someone can go into labor at any time and that takes precedent"- every day for over a month?! The receptionist was very dismissive when I expressed my concerns and asked when I might get the results of this time sensitive test that I have been quite anxious about. This is one of the most disorganized health care operations I have encountered. Dr. Drake is a personable young doctor and I really wanted to support a good female ob/gyn in our town. However, on the occasion each of the three visits I have made they have lost my medical information and had to re-enter it into the second system, one visit she had moved offices and I wasn't notified before my appointment so I went to the wrong place, and this year I waited over an hour for a very rushed 10 minutes. I was already a bit worried on the day of my visit when Dr. Drake said "no news is not good news- if you don't get a call back, call us, we could have forgotten"- I was pretty surprised that a health care provider would set the bar so low for her practice. read more

I tried to get an appointment because I was sexually assaulted and am having scary symptoms. They said they would only see pregnant patients. Wow! Way to be compassionate. This is wrong. These people have no heart. read more

I started seeing Dr. Drake when I found out I was pregnant. She is very busy and seems to have a large patient base so appointment wait times can be 20+ minutes, however I would rather wait and have top quality care than have mediocre care and no wait. Dr. Drake is very knowledgeable, supportive, and listens to concerns that my husband and I have as first time parents. Our baby has been breached and Dr. Drake has provided us alternative (western) medical resources that we have utilized and seeing great results with. We did hire a doula who has worked in the area for over 10 years and with Dr. Drake on many deliveries and she has said repeatedly to us that as our advocate she is not worried about Dr. Drake following our birth plan, that Dr. Drake is very mother and child oriented and does not try to rush deliveries which lead to high stress labors on the mother and child. We are very happy with Dr. Drake and consider ourselves fortunate to have her in our community. read more

I've already posted on Google reviews but being thorough in my review process as that is how strong i feel! I'm VERY disappointed with Dr. Drake office and her practice. I'm pretty sure all her 5 star reviews were when she was not practicing on her own because the disorganization is appalling. 1. Made appt. online, per directions after calling. I received an automated email stating my appt. had been made. When I show up, I'm told they were "overwhelmed" with new system and never saw it. No apologies were made. Also, if you call today, the automated voice still says to make appt online, which they STILL don't have up and running. I should have left after this initial red flag, but gave her the benefit of the doubt given her great reviews. - After making an appt. I waited 1.5 hours to be seen for 10 min. (no acknowledgement or apologies). I would have waited longer had people in front of me not left! - On TWO separate occasions, I had an emergency and needed to get a hold of Dr. Drake. First time, I called, left a message, later spoke with a the secretary that told me Dr. Drake would call back ASAP. Never got a call or anything. This perhaps in the biggest red flag as an expecting mother, things can happen and you depend on your Dr. to help. - Switching doctors (of course) I've called three days in a row and spoke with someone. They have yet to transfer over my documents. I wouldn't mind as much except my new doctors office needs these before scheduling an appt. and I have a time sensitive appointment that needs to be made. Overall, I'm sure Dr. Drake is a good knowledgeable doctor BUT when you can't get a hold of your doc in an emergency and have entirely too long wait times, and they can't seem to handle the paperwork side of things well, this is NOT a doctor i would ever recommend to anyone! read more

I love Dr. Drake and I love Roxanne and the two of them make such an awesome team. I've seen her since I was 7 weeks along. I was with Dr. Ramos originally but her office tried to put me on two weeks' worth of bed rest without even seeing me. It was ridiculous! I switched over to Dr. Drake who at the time didn't have much of a presence on review sites, but then I fell in love with her. She's super chill and makes me laugh. She definitely would soothe me in the throes of pain and labor hell. She also tells it like it is, which I like. More than that, I really like how I get to see her every time I go whereas at other doctors' offices I just saw this revolving door of midwives and maybe the doctors themselves. Also, I love Roxanne and her choice of music. Can't wait to have this baby out next month! read more

Dr. Drake is a star doctor. She is incredibly confidence inspiring and empathetic. I had complications with my birth but under her care I was able to achieve the birth plan I hoped for, and it was a smooth and wonderful experience. I can't thank her enough, and anyone who has the chance to work with her is incredibly fortunate. I look forward to having her deliver all my future babies. Dr. Drake provides holistic, patient centric care in a system that over indexes on risk mitigation given perverse incentives. Thank you Dr. Drake for your courage to show your patients and the medical industry what being a doctor is all about. read more

Dr. Drake was my primary care for my 3rd child at age 41. She was incredible. The office wait was short. She spent as much time with me as I wanted. She is a wonderful listener and carefully considered my concerns and offered many options for me to achieve the birth I wanted. She was open to me delivering in a variety of positions. If I had any questions for her, her office usually called me back between 10 and 30 minutes with an answer. She tracked the babies growth and had all the latest information. She worked well with other professionals that needed to be consulted because of some complications I was facing. She helped me keep track of all the care I needed, she even scheduled appointments for me during our time together to help me stay on track with growth scans etc. At the birth Dr Drake was like a ray of sunshine walking into the delivery room. She didn't just show up to catch the baby. She checked on me several times during the process making sure the nursing staff was managing the birth in the way that Dr Drake and I had discussed. She created a totally peaceful birth environment. I could be be happier and I will refer everyone pregnant mom I know to her. Cheers! Here's to your dream birth!! read more

Melissa Drake delivered our son on February 21, 2019. We could not have been more thrilled with her skills, her personality, her warmth and her compassion. As another physician, I have (unreasonably?) high expectations for my healthcare providers. Melissa far exceeded all of my expectations. My wife told me that she felt so at ease with Melissa and that Melissa was so attentive and caring, she felt like she was with a midwife more than a doctor. If you are planning on having children, you can't do better than Melissa Drake as your obstetrician. read more

Dr. Drake seems like a very nice person, competent physician and does give the impression that she has her patient's best interests in mind when you have the rare encounter with her in person. However, the dysfunction and mismanagement of her practice negates these good qualities and patients end up receiving unacceptable care, no follow-up and frankly, a lack of compassion or empathy entirely. Her staff treat patients so poorly and with disdain, as if the patient is so lucky to be there at all and out of their mind to expect to actually see their OB in person. If you have an issue or complication, it is literally impossible to get in touch with the doctor. Messages left with the front desk are never addressed, calls are not returned, messages via her online system are eventually returned but usually by the NP and not addressing the underlying problem. Test results are not released in a timely manner. Do not expect to actually see Dr. Drake unless you happen to get extremely lucky with the timing of your appointment. One example, I developed an infection one week before my induction date that, if not addressed, could seriously affect a newborn. I called Dr. Drake's office twice and sent a message via the online system to ask about the infection and the medication that I was prescribed by the dermatologist. My call was never returned and days later (long after I needed to start the medicine to address the issue) the NP responded to my message along the lines of "glad it's getting taken care of!". Luckily, Dr. Soffici agreed to see me (unscheduled) after an NST and provided the guidance and advice I needed. When I went to my 38 week checkup, one week before my induction date, I called to ensure that I would see Dr. Drake (I had only seen her three times previously during the entire pregnancy) because I had not been induced previously and we had never discussed the induction. When I got to the appointment, I saw Dr. Drake in the office. The nurse roomed me, kept me there for thirty minutes and then a different doctor entered the room and told me that Dr. Drake was gone. I asked to see Dr. Drake and the nurse, Gloria, came in and ridiculed me for expecting to see Dr. Drake, told me I had seen Dr. Drake the week prior (I had not, they apparently are also mischarting in the office), told me they had already discussed my induction (it was never discussed) and, as I teared up, told me I could leave, see the other doctor or the NP and that Dr. Drake would not have time for me any other day that week prior to my induction. As a very pregnant person (also with the infection that the office never responded to), this was traumatizing and I ended up sobbing in the office. Horrible. read more

Dr. Drake is the most amazing doctor in the world! She is so compassionate and intelligent. She delivered our son Kaio and we couldn't have asked for a better experience both regarding the labor and all the visits during the whole pregnancy. Can't wait to see her again for our next baby read more

I was so excited to see all of the wonderful reviews on Dr. Drake. We were moving to the area from out of state and I needed to discuss major medical issues with a specialist. I made the appt. two months in advance and had a long "appointment" with her in her office. She seemed genuinely concerned about my issues and offered me two options to discuss with my spouse. She said to just call her after we decided on the course of action and we would get things moving quickly. I called her office 7 times in the two weeks following that appointment and NEVER HEARD from her. Luckily, there was a fantastic surgeon right next to her office who took amazing care of me. What a blessing in disguise that Dr Drake was so terrible. I would give a quarter star if I could. read more

My wife is a patient of Dr Drake. I am moved to leave a review bc Dr Drake was incredible in the months before the birth of our baby and during the delivery. My wife wanted an all natural birth, so we researched and found out that Dr Drake has the lowest C Section rate in Santa Barbara. We asked around, and Dr Drake was highly recommended by all of the midwives and doulas we spoke to despite being fairly new to town. So it felt like a fit on the surface. When we met with her, she was not daunted by our goal of an all natural birth despite some health complications that scared away other practitioners. She went out of her way to check in outside of appointment times and supported my wife's efforts to augment the effort with all natural and Chinese medicine techniques. Dr Drake is quite funny and relaxed, which we loved. It comes in handy during labor, which can be intense. She has an excellent bedside manner. In the end, our baby was born thru an all natural birth against the odds. It literally wouldn't have been possible without Dr Drake, we owe her a lot of thanks. I usually just leave food reviews but am leaving a review for her bc I was so impressed by her throughout the entire pregnancy process and labor. While we can only speak of her in the context of an a natural birth, I am confident she would be a fit whatever your goals are, even if you just need an ob for yearly checkups. read more

I am so glad we found Dr. Drake. She is amazing. Sometimes her appointments run a little behind, but when it's your turn you understand why. She really spends her time with each of her patients, makes sure to answer all of your questions no matter how silly you may feel, and goes above and beyond to put your mind at ease during a time you may feel overly worried about the slightest changes in your body....and in pregnancy, there are many. Excited to be on this journey with her. read more

I thought I had found a doctor I could count on but I was wrong. Dr. Drake abandoned me when I needed her. Even when I sent her a letter explaining to her how shabbily she and her staff treated me, she made no effort to make things right. I'm not even confident that her staff gave her my letter which was addressed to her Personal and Confidential. I had a time sensitive medical issue which her staff refused to address. read more

Dr. Drake is an amazing doctor. I feel weird being a man posting a review for an Ob doctor. But as a first time father she answered all my questions and made me feel at ease. She was great before, during, and after the delivery. If I could give her 100 stars I would!! My girlfriend loves her, and is happy with the experience she had with Dr. Drake. We love her positive energy and the way she treated us. I couldn't ask her better person to deliver baby Skylar. Thank you so much doctor D!!! read more

Dr. Drake is by far the best OB/GYN I have seen. I have seen several other OBs in town and she stands out from the rest. Her calming personality makes you feel so cared for as a patient. I highly recommended her to anyone and Santa Barbara is lucky to have her. read more

Dr.Drake is absolutely amazing ! Throughout my whole pregnancy she was always so caring and listened to everything I was worried about . During labor her calm and good vibes kept me calm throughout the process. Roxy the receptionist is also amazing, her customer service is always on point. She always greets all the patients by their name which is awesome . My pregnancy and labor experience was great thanks to Dr.Drake and Roxy! I am so glad I chose them. If I get pregnant again am going back to them. read more

Dr. Drake is truly the best! I had the privilege of getting to know her through my pregnancy and what a pleasure it was to have her as my obgyn. Her bedside manner is wonderful and makes u feel comfortable. She cares about your every need and concern and is so compassionate. I had the most amazing delivery with her, always felt safe and that I was in the best hands. Roxanne at the front desk is amazing and super helpful as well! read more

Finding an OB who takes her time and shows empathy is surprisingly hard to find. I moved to Santa Barbara county from the Bay Area. I was previously going to kaiser and it was my first time having to find an OB outside of Kaiser. Thankfully I got recommended to Dr Drake and my husband and i couldn't be happier. I have a history of multiple miscarriages and after trying for two years and 3 losses later this pregnancy is going very well. Dr Drake is very re assuring and not just for myself but for my husband as well, I've never had a doctor who sits with you as an equal and listens and does her best to give you the best answer she can to the questions ( list I had) I had. ( mind you I've had specialist for infertility, over 6 obgyns ) i cannot wait to have her be the one to deliver my baby. She is wonderful!!!!! read more

I first started being a patient with Dr. Drake get a prior medical office. Her bedside manner with patience and how she sits down to really learn about you and care about your health is why I followed her to her new private practice. Senior OB/GYN can sometimes be uncomfortable but Dr. Drake really makes you feel ease! Additionally she is super amazing With placing IUDs. A few years ago I had had one and it was a very uncomfortable process and then which a doctor used a long needle it made it seem like a surgery. With Dr. Drake I went in and was out in less than 10 minutes with no needle it was easy and fast like your pap! The front desk is Very friendly she had great customer service. If you are looking though we're gynecological services there is a little weight because of the long wait list but with that being said it really speaks to the care that is provided by the physician to have such a long wait list and it is worth the wait! read more

So grateful to be a patient of Dr. Drake! She is everything you hope for in an obgyn and more. In every interaction we've had, I've admired her medical knowledge and skill, dedication to her growing practice, and her assuring, caring, and fun personality. Just one of the best doctors and loveliest people I've ever met. Highly, highly recommend! read more

Dr. Melissa Drake was wonderful. She was very kind & caring and went above and beyond to give me the best care. She took the time to get to know everything going on with me and made it a comfortable & wonderful experience all the while explaining things & gave me all my options so I would be able to make the best choice. Highly recommend Dr. Drake. read more