Molly Shields is an excellent doctor! The front desk staff is great as long as they speak in English when speaking to each other behind the desk. I always hand over my CDL, rather than saying my personal info out loud! The wait is long, but that's because of overbooking. They book 4-+ months out. I go over the hill to Los Gatos for any cosmetic procedure. I go here for yearly "cancer" skin check. Dr. Shields is thorough, and polite and looks at entire body. read more

Dr Shields is the best. My wife and I have been seing for over a decade. She is caring, thoughtful and positive. I highly recommend her...

Dr Shields has been my dermatologist for many years and is excellent!! Great chair side manner. She's friendly and explains everything. I highly recommend her. read more

I really like Dr. Shields but it is very hard to get into se her see is booked out 3 months.

Dr. Ann Marie is a treasure. She listens, she understands and remembers. At first I was bugged by the practice going Dignity Health, but it is well organized and professional. As long as she's there...it's good! A great doctor ‍ read more

Dr Shields is an excellent doctor. She is also caring and takes time to really listen and follow up when something serious may appear. She has cared for both my mother and myself for years. She probably saved my mom's life with her quick treatment of a melanoma on her arm. "Can we come in next week? No, I want you back TODAY.!" read more

Dr Shields and her assistant are excellent. Unfortunately, it is impossible to see them. I've been a patient for many years. My prescription had run out, and they would not renew without a visit, but told me that they couldn't schedule a visit until May, more than three months out. When I explained that it was vital to renew my prescription for daily medication, they said I could call everyday to ask for a cancelation. read more

Dr Shields is a smart, caring dermatologist' that really knows her stuff. I would highly recommend her.

NOT a clinic to call if you have the threat of serious skin cancer. The receptionist for Dr. Molly Shields was unbelievably snide when I asked for suggestions of where else I might go as a melanoma survivor after informing me the doctor is booked until May. "That's up to you," she snarled, clearly delighted with herself. It's disgusting that an office that supposedly deals with life-threatening conditions, because that is what melanomas is, could be so glib. Dermatology Surgical & Medical Group is a soullessS it's name. read more

Dr Shields was professional, efficient, and kind during my appointment. The staff was friendly. The four month wait for the appointment is disappointing but it is getting to be more the case these days; what is not as understandable is the method they use to fill cancellation appointments: I was told I could call everyday to see if any were available. read more

Ive been to this office about 4 times or so. I think Dr Molly Shields is a really decent physician. Im kinda more into alternative stuff, learning options and playing a bigger role in my healthcare; Dr Shields seems pretty conventional, which will be a matter of preference for folks. But I really respect how straightforward she is, and deeply appreciate her kindness and approach to personal space and it seems like she respects her patients. Having an anxiety disorder, this is really important to me and Im guessing to others similar. The front office team does all the normal things like make appointments and call me when its my turn and that all seems to work well. read more

I asked to see Dr. Magid as he was my dermatologist for many years. Instead I was given Dr. Molly Shields. She spent less than 5 minutes with me and prescribed a $45. cream that was totally worthless. My friends from aqua aerobics gave the correct cream which was aloe vera which can be bought over the counter. I hope Dr. Shields learns something from this. I will never go back to see her. read more

Misdiagnosed my daughter for nearly a year. Once a real doctor could see the obvious symptom of cancer in a girl this age, it was too late. She suffered from the age of 15 to almost 21. Left behind a motherless child. read more

Molly C Shields, MD - Chelsea and Eli. - Dermatologists Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Molly took my concern about a tiny pimple seriously. She took a sample and when it came back as a basal cell- I was able to have the mohs surgery quickly within her office with Dr Calciano who was amazing. I'm grateful to her. read more

I can't believe all these negative reviews about Dr. Shields! Here's my experience, which happened this morning (after receiving phone calls AND texts reminding me of my appointment): First, I arrived 20 minutes late for a 10am appointment because I'm new here and got Soquel Avenue and Soquel Drive mixed up. Once I got there, I apologized profusely, but the receptionist, being very kind, said it wasn't a big deal and even offered me a glass of water (I'd ridden my bike, so when I realized I had the wrong address, I double-timed it and was very sweaty when I walked in) which I gladly accepted. After filling out the new patient forms and explaining why I was there, my name was called within 10 minutes of my arrival, and I saw Dr. Shields less than 5 minutes later! She did everything I had mentioned to her nurse (which I won't get into) and never rushed me or made me feel stupid/ignorant. I've been to several dermatologists over the years, and I can say in all honesty that Dr. Shields is among the top 3. She's polite, friendly, informative, and best of all, patient. She even told me that the sunscreen she recommended could be purchased for less on amazon.com! All in all, the entire experience was as good as it gets when it comes to doctors. read more

Unfortunately, this office has major management issues. Their patients are kept waiting unacceptably long periods of time. My own experiences with this office have involved extremely long wait times nine out of ten times, followed up with apathetic responses from staff, no matter what day or time of day my appointment was scheduled for. The most recent time this happened, I was told (afterwards) my file was put in the wrong location, prolonging my waiting room time by half an hour. Betsy was rather flippant about why I was kept waiting so long. She tried to convince me (and maybe herself) that it was due to differences in patient's procedures. Sometimes, I'm sure that applies. This time, I was later told my folder was put in the wrong location, which caused the back up, and nobody wanted to take responsibility, nor offer a sincere apology. We have some integrity and professionalism lacking here. We all make mistakes, but let's be honest about it, and learn from them. The reception staff seems to need some extensive training, and perhaps the office manager can determine other ways to facilitate smooth transitions for patients. They need to take into consideration the great lengths patients go through to arrive punctually to their appointments, just to be met with a massive waste of time in the waiting room and exam room. I don't appreciate waiting forty five minutes (or more) to see the doctor for ten minutes (or less). There are other dermatologists in town that would appreciate our business. read more

I hate to give out a one star review - I really want to make that clear. That being the case, if I could give a negative star review for this place - I would. tick, tock, tick, tock That's what you're going to be focusing on at this place - watching the clock. I arrived with my daughter for her appointment about ten minutes early to check in and ensure there was no additional paperwork to fill out (there wasn't). The ONLY thing they did efficiently was to collect my copay - they did that swimmingly well and even provided a detailed receipt for insurance purposes. We were then instructed to take a seat. Sit we did - for the next 40 minutes. Not once during this 40 minute time period did the receptionist offer an apology, an explanation or anything to explain why we were waiting - so, I asked: "Our appointment was for 3:00, correct?" This was answered with a surprised look and reply of, "oh, let me check where the doctor is". Fifteen minutes later we were called in (55 minutes waiting if you're keeping score) and some general questions were asked by an intern or someone and then she left. Dr. Shields rolled in about 10 minutes after the intern left and by this time I was fuming. The kind of fuming where your legs are shaking and toes are tapping. I was practically screaming for an explanation, an apology - to have her give me something to make me want to think this time I would never get back would be redeemed. NOTHING! So, I asked her - "are you usually this late for your appointments?" She replied with a flip response of some kind of computer issue, a pause and as an afterthought a half-a$$ed apology. She spent all of maybe 5 minutes examining my daughter. Then (as other reviewer's have mentioned) she gave me a condescending answer to a question I had about my daughter's treatment and then told us to come back in two months for follow up. We will not be coming back for a follow up, a check in or anything of the sort. If this was a relationship, it would be of the bad kind - the lose my number kind. I would have rather gone over the hill and invested the hour + in actually doing SOMETHING - even if it was sitting in traffic on 17. read more

If you value your time do not see this medical practice. The dr's are always running behind, 20-40 minutes late is not acceptable, maybe they should not book appointments that are so close together and double booked. You are completely not valued as a patient at this office. read more

Haven't had an appointment yet but am apprehensive after talking to staff who clearly don't care about patients. Wait times are impossibly long even if the issue is urgent. If it's a good experience I'll update but I may start looking elsewhere if the service is already this bad. read more

So awesome and thorough. Obviously I'm not using my real name (not interested in al my fb friends knowing my business) but I came in not expecting much and she totally listened to my concerns, I mentioned one mole in particular had been changing and even though she was clearly very busy with other incoming patients, she decided we should cut it off right then and there. Also I went for acne and was expecting the same old same old, but instead she explained why accutane is not the right choice for me and instead gave me something I've never even heard of...I thought I had tried everything! Dr Shields is awesome, anyone saying otherwise must've been having a bad day read more

THIS Rating is simply to give a GOOD send-off: I left some feedback earlier about my difficulty scheduling AND when the call-back came today it was the new Administrator - who started work TODAY. I also referenced the reviews here AND that no one had responded from SCDerm... She pledges to fix these issues! Update 9/4/17 (neglected to provide timely follow-up) I can't speak to the appointment/wait issues... Had my 1st appointment, no delays or other issues. Found Dr Shields to be warm, professional, attentive and thorough. She's my Dermatologist now, and WILL update at my next visit! read more

Very sad to share this. The only issue I ever had with the office was you never knew which office she was in until you walked into one and asked where she was that day (could never figure out why they would switch back-and-forth between the two offices and not just pick one for each doctor. It's kind of a pain when it's raining outside, and you have to go search for her.). But like so many other reviews, I called in to see her about an immediate, and possibly serious, issue and was told they're booking four months out. How is that possible?? And when I nicely asked the snippy receptionist where she might suggest I try going, she said she had no idea. What? Surely they would like to offer to refer you somewhere else if it was an emergency. I have to believe that this puts them in a serious legal liability. (It's illegal to abandon patients.) I'm very disappointed as I really like Dr. Shields. read more

I saw Dr. Shields twice in the last month. I saw her for a mole check, and she removed a suspicious mole virtually pain-free. She has wonderful bedside manner, is competent and I found her delightful. When my biopsy came back as a pre-melanoma, her surgical excision was also virtually pain-free during the procedure as well as afterwards. She and her staff are kind and informative and thoughtful. read more

Not only is this doctor completely condescending, but she doesn't like intelligent patients who ask questions and want to know details about procedures or medications before they happen. The office staff is terrible - rude, unhelpful, giving you the distinct impression that they are being "put out" by having you come in for treatment. The wait to get an actual appointment is around 3-4 months which is outrageous. The phone tree is the most brutal I've EVER been caught in, 30 minutes of recorded nonsense on botox and collagen BEFORE I even got to talk to a human being. As a previous reviewer stated, the staff/nurses are uncaring and unfeeling - you're a bother to them, why did you come in and ruin their day? Just terrible with children too, I can only imagine how they treat people in their "golden years". I won't be back, and neither will ANY of my family members. read more

I agree with Jason's review. It took me 3 months to get an appointment, but once I got in to see the Dr, I got little or no direction regarding my concerns. She didn't look me over even though I said I have a family history of skin cancer. I wont be going back. read more

I just came from this office this morning. Appointment at 10 a.m., only a couple minutes of wait time and out and home by 10:30 after a thorough exam by the P.A. Sharon... and a dozen or so freezes of my skin anomolies. Sharon was great and all my past experiences with Dr. Shields have never felt rushed or incomplete. I'm really surprised by the negative reviews here because I've been going to Dr. Shields for a decade, and have never experienced the negatives being presented in these reviews. No, I'm not a shill... and I'm not related to Dr. Shields... just a grateful patient. read more

I have to agree with everyone else about the total lack of respect for your time here. I finally saw the doctor at 10 AM after my 8:50 appointment, and I was perfectly on time. My skin check didn't seem as thorough as some in the past but she did take a long time to listen to my skin issues. She mentioned causes that no other doctor has before and sent me for blood work and additional testing. I appreciated her thinking out of the box for solutions and mentioning things to watch for. Just set your expectations properly - know you'll be here for two hours for an appointment and then when you're done after only 90 minutes you'll be pleased instead of upset! read more

This office is a scheduling nightmare. First, I could not get in to see Dr. Shields for three months. I was able to get an appointment within ten days with her physical assistant Brian. However, when I showed up for my appointment on time, I had to wait 65 minutes to see him ! On top of that, it was extremely frustrating that the office staff told me I was next upon arrival. When I checked back half an hour later, still waiting, they informed me that I had to wait an additional 20 minutes. This lack of communication and consideration for the client is simply unacceptable. I will need to find another dermatologist's office. Too bad, because I did like Dr. Shields the couple of times I actually got to see her. read more

It's hard to get in to see Molly Shields, and it's even harder to get through her staff, but it's always worth the wait. Molly Shields is a warm, caring person as well as a terrific doctor and diagnostician. She has seen me through some surgeries that could have been nightmares. read more

Dr. Shields is a competent physician and I trust her judgement. I recently had a few suspicious areas checked. She was very knowledgable and explained in detail what to expect. She even removed a mole that she felt was not suspicious but at my request she did. Turned out, it was fine. I had a wait, but nothing out of the ordinary for most doctor offices. She's efficient and to the point which is something I found to be of benefit. I would recommend her and her staff. read more

I have seen Dr Shields for many years and she is wonderful and professional.

Molly is an awesome doctor who takes time with her patients and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. It does take a while to get an appointment, but I think that's because everyone wants to see her! read more

Dr. Shields is a wonderful doctor, and I recommend her to unreservedly. She squeezed me in (the same day I called) on a very busy afternoon because I had a cyst that was infected on my back--yuck!!! She gave me a shot and said to call if it didn't clear up and she'd see me right away. It cleared up in 3 days!! (My other doctor had done nothing but cut holes in it--eww--for 3 months.) She's a genius! I only will go to her, and so will my son and husband. read more

I recently had to change my insurance and my doctor referred me Dr. Shields. I have contacted her office around 3 times, left messages to make an appointment and know one has ever returned my calls. Very disappointed as I need to see a dermatologist. I guess I will look for another doctor. read more

Not only is it very difficult to get in to see her (even when diagnosed with skin cancer - you may be asked to wait one to three months for an appointment to get it removed), but the front desk staff (minus Betsy, who is wonderfull) are completely cold and incompetent. There seems to be a revolving door of nurses (or assistants) and the doctor is seemingly uninterested in her patients - rushed and rude. If you make an appointment for a skin check, you have to actually ask her to follow through with a full body check - otherwise she will simply look at areas or spots that are concerning you. Eep! Go elsewhere. Never before had such a consistently terrible experience at a doctor's office!! I've never felt so talked down to, while in such an already vulnerable position. Trust me on this one. It's not about their patients, it's about making money. Abort. read more

It was hard to get in, yes, but once I did it felt rushed and very non-personal/caring. I liked that she wrote down names like Coppertone and BananaBoat for affordable skin care products that she thought was good but she failed to tell me which specific product to use for those labels. Do you know how many Coppertone products are in the store these days? A little more direction would have been helpful, especially since she has knowledge of my skin from my visit and she's an expert. Overall, not impressed and felt like a number to this clinic and her. I won't go back. read more

I can't believe all the negative reviews about Dr. Shields, but they mostly seem to revolve around the wait at the office, which she isn't responsible for. Yes, there is always a wait, but she is well worth the wait. She does a complete and thorough full body check. As my son said, she checks places that no one had ever seen before, and had never seen the light of day. She is knowledgeable, patient, and answers questions completely. It does take a couple months to get an appointment to see her, but if there is something that needs checking out immediately you can always get in right away for the physician's assistant to check it out, and if necessary, he/she will have Dr. Shield's check it. I recently moved to Southern California, and at Dr. Shield's suggestion I called to schedule an appointment with a local dermatologist as soon as I arrived, as it is common to have to wait for months to get an appointment. And it did here too - 4 months. I am also not related to anyone in this office. read more

On the referral of my primary doctor I set up an appointment with Dr Shields. It took forever to get an appointment and then once there, I waited for almost an hour even though I had an appointment time. I even noticed people that came in after me, were called back before I was. Once they did call me back and Dr Shields came in the room, I felt very rushed. She gave me a quick once over and rambled off the same rehearsed line about sunscreen and some options for affordable OTC brands I could purchase. She took a skin scrape from my chest and froze a spot on my cheek and was up and out of the room in less then 15 minutes. A couple of weeks later I received a bill in the mail for over $500 (and I have insurance)! I couldn't believe this. I used to live in Southern California in the La Jolla area and have been to many dermatologists there and have never had such a large bill for so little service. While I understand my insurance coverage is not Dr Shields problem, I just felt like after my bad experience in her office, it was a slap in the face. Will not go back! read more

I have been to see Dr. Shields twice now. First for my "birthday suit" check, which she performed efficiently and completely, including my scalp. She took a couple of biopsies and I heard back in 10 days that they were benign. I had a follow up visit 2 weeks later to remove a troublesome cyst on my back. The surgery was completely painless, and the stitches were practically invisible. Yes, I had to wait three months to get an initial appointment with Dr Shields for my "birthday suit" check but I'd rather wait for a competent doctor then be able to get in immediately for one who is not busy... meaning they don't have a lot of patients. She also talked to me about sunscreen products and gave me several samples as well as a printed summary explaining UVA vs UVB and what to look for in a good quality sunscreen. As an added bonus, I found Dr. Shields to be personable and friendly, answering all my questions fully. I can't understand the negative reviews posted by some people and suspect they say more about the poster than the doctor. read more