To be honest I don't even know where to start with this review. It will be a year ago this st. Patricks day that my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child. I was 26 years old and scared out of my mind. I didn't know who to call to schedule an appointment with. I just moved from Escondido to golden hill and didn't know any doctors in my new neighborhood. Somehow by the grace of God I was connected to Dr. Petersen's office. My my first visit I felt so at ease and welcomed. The staff at this office is out of this world amazing. I remember on my first visit being so scared and crying and a Rachel and Carol were so compassionate and caring. I have never felt so special at a doctors office. Now onto Dr.Petersen... One word AMAZING!!! I will never want to have another child without her there. She actually delivered my son and get this... Checked on my every day I was in the hospital. Oh and I'm not done, she called me at home after she heard I went into the ER on thanksgiving for mastitis. I don't even know too many people that have their actual doctor delivery their children. She was so amazing and caring. She's not your ordinary doctor. She's in your face honest but it's only because she actually cares. I tell everyone to see her. She by far made my pregnancy a million times better for me and my husband. I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful doctor!! Thank you to everyone at Doctor Petersen's office. You are all angels!! read more

Dr. Sandra Petersen was my Ob/Gyn 6 years ago. She saw me for my prenatal appointments and delivered my 1st born. While the delivery didn't go exactly to plan, she was a very good doctor and even came to check on me after delivery. She's very kind, knowledgeable and just the person you want to trust when pregnant with a child. She obviously loves kids, you can tell. I was sad to not have her as my doctor anymore but I had to move. It's been 6 years and my husband and I still remember her and her sense of humor. Her staff is very welcoming, helpful and always smiling. read more

My wife and I chose Dr. Peterson because her staff was the first to congratulate us and calm us down upon finding out she was pregnant with our first child. The first few months were great at this office. Other doctors left us very scared, while the staff at this office was welcoming and reassuring. We were told that the doctor delivered almost all of her patients herself. It began to go downhill when my wife started actually meeting with Dr. Peterson. Each concern my wife had was answered with "yeah, you're pregnant." When the we had concerns, we weren't treated like this was our first time, we were treated like this was Dr. Peterson's one millionth time (granted, she did have lots of experience). At every visit, the doctor commented negatively on my wife's weight which is not what a pregnant woman wants to hear about. When my wife asked for counseling on what to eat, the doctor said, "you will find out about that later in another appointment." At about 28 weeks, we were scheduling another appointment when we were informed that the doctor would be out due to a hip replacement surgery - something that would likely keep her out beyond our due date. We felt that this is information we should have been told earlier so we could meet the person that would likely deliver for us. The final straw was starting around week 30 when my wife had been feeling itchy all over her body, all the time. She couldn't even sleep because of the itching. Again, she was told, "yeah, you're pregnant. You are going to feel that." My wife did some research because it seemed excessively itchy. It turns out, she had Cholestasis of pregnancy, which is a serious condition that required early induction at week 35. We finally chose another doctor who we absolutely loved, Dr. Biter and his partner, Dr. Cobb. They confirmed the diagnosis. Cholestasis after week 35 can lead to increased still birth and complications. Dr. Peterson's lack of concern for my wife could have put our baby at an even higher risk. Dr. Peterson made it pretty clear that there was a high chance we would have a C-section birth due to the complications. We came to understand that she was pretty set in her ways of western medicine and perfectly satisfied with popping out the baby in whatever way got her in and out fastest. But Dr. Cobb and Biter understood our desire to be as natural as possible. Aside from having to use Petosin to induce labor it was a natural birth. My wife delivered the most beautiful healthy baby boy five weeks early without any need to go to the NICU. Thanks to Dr. Cobb and Biter. I do not recommend Dr. Peterson to first time pregnancies or anyone who wants a friendly personality from their doctor. read more

For several years I bounced around to different OB/Gyns. I just couldn't find one with which I was comfortable. I asked around and one of my girlfriends recommended Rachel at Dr. Peterson's office. I've been seeing Rachel for 3 years now and couldn't be happier. She's kind, professional, and knowledgeable. She is patient and takes her time to make sure I understand what is going on with my body. She answers all of my questions thoroughly and honestly. Most importantly, she isn't the least bit judgey. (Ladies, you know what I'm talking about.) read more

My sister who is a doula warned me that other doulas who have worked with her do not recommend her as she has poor bedside manner and stripped another patient's membrane without informed consent. Against her advice, I still wanted to give Dr. Petersen a chance. I absolutely loved Rachel, her PA, along with her front office staff. I went in for two visits and my wait was always super short. =) They are all fabulous and wonderful. My poor review reflects Dr. Petersen as she certainly lacks compassion and bedside manner. I left in tears during my last visit. read more

Dr. Petersen delivered my twin girls in June 2009. Yes, she has a dry wit and sense of humor, but I appreciated that about her. It makes you feel comfortable when she doesn't act alarmed when, say, you are pregnant for the first time with TWINS and something starts to go wrong in the last trimester! She has been practicing a looong time and has a lot of pull with Mercy hospital, the perinatologists office there, etc. When it was discovered that one of my girls stopped growing in utero, she immediately called the hospital herself, and right in front of me demanded that I be seen by the specialists ASAP, even though they were clearly arguing that they were too busy to see me. I really felt like she was on my team and looking out for me! Her staff is warm, caring, and thoughtful. In regard to the review that had the bad experience with the receptionist... I know exactly who you were talking about, and guess what, she got fired. Her office is conveniently located right across the street from Mercy- which is awesome when you don't know when the baby is coming! There is parking underground. read more

I have to agree with previous posters - not sure how she has so many poor reviews; I have felt comfortable with Dr. Petersen from the start. I am a first time mom and had some complications arise in my pregnancy. I will agree that she isn't necessarily touchy-feely, but she's far from cold or lacking in positive bedside manner. Dr. Petersen is very pleasant, very knowledgable and experienced. I never once doubted her ability or plan of care for me. Dr. Petersen was diligent about monitoring my condition, myself and baby. She was cautious about controlling my issues and predicting possible future complications. I was always aware of what she was doing and why. Due to complications, Dr. Petersen cautiously recommended I have weekly non-stress tests and ultra-sounds and stop working at 36 weeks to ensure the health of myself and babe. When my employer denied my disability claim, Dr. Petersen herself called my employer and fought with the case worker until the claim was approved... How many doctors will actually do that for you? And most importantly, she helped me deliver a happy and healthy 9 lb baby girl. I will agree that sometimes the organizational aspects of her office are lacking. The staff is pleasant and helpful but getting something faxed or forwarded can be slow. However, as someone who sees patients myself I understand that faxing documents is not always the priority in a busy day of clinic. read more

Dr. Peterson and all her staff are awesome!!! BTW theres a new lady up front who is nice and returns all phone calls! I started seeing Dr. Peterson with my first child. I wasnt all happy because i didnt understand her personality and dreaded going to her on my appts. I told myself i would never come back and see this lady. However, when it came to my delivery, dr. peterson was amazingggg!!! She came in at 4 am with a smile and took her time with my newborn and me (stitching and etc). After that i decided to go to her again with my second. This time i got to know her a little bit and her bedside manners were much better. She smiles more now and i just love her. She has over 20 plus years of experience. Another good thing is that Scripps Mercy knows her really well and she has a lot of hook ups there. She also returns your phone calls and doesnt rush you in anything. Theres also an awesome PA that works there by the name of Rachel. She is just so lovely. Took over an hour with me on my first visit. Answers all your questions, takes her time. She is able to do alot as well. Shes been doing it for many years too!!! read more

The receptionist Chris purposely hang up the call after saying, "I don't want to deal with this", enough said, this behavior from her was completely unprofessional and lacking in customer service, in fact, it was plain disgusting... Dr. Peterson, difficult patients or prospect patients who are under stress is never an excuse to hang up a call, a TRUE professional knows how to remedy and smooth out the situation. YOUR poorly trained staff is a reflection of you. John Morales moralesjohnp@gmail.com read more

Worst experience i have ever had. The staff was great. She on the other hand was rude and snippy. I am in the worst pain right now because of her. She pushed so hard and i was clearly in pain considering the fact that i started to cry. She noticed i was crying but there was no concern at all. Now I'm home icing the pain and bleeding because of her violent check up. It was a traumatic experience and i wouldnt wish her on the worst person . Im completely unhappy and i feel violated. read more

I only made two visits to the office. The first one was with the Physician's Assistant, and the 2nd with Dr Petersen herself. The staff were rude each time, and Dr Petersen is very condescending. I'm expecting my first child, complete novice here, yet I was expected to know what testing was necessary. I asked for clarification on a few things and was told I could read about it in a pamphlet. Anytime Sandra asked me a question I didn't understand or know the answer to, she'd make comments like, "Well, you're pregnant, you need to know those things." My feelings are that she is the doctor and it is HER responsibility to inform and educate me during my first pregnancy. A pamphlet should be supplemental to info provided to me during exams, not the only source of info. Dr Petersen may be a qualified doctor and have tons of experience, but her bedside manor is rough and rude. Maybe someone who has given birth previously and understands more of the process would like her better, but I do not recommend her for any first-timer. I changed doctors after the 2nd visit and found someone who was very understanding, patient, had a warm demeanor, and showed genuine concern for my and my baby's well being by her willingness to answer any questions I had with kind and thorough responses. Again, I do not recommend Dr Sandra Petersen for first-time parents. read more

I called to make an initial appointment and the receptionist was extremely rude to me. I felt immediately that I was not wanted as a patient. I decided from this first encounter that this place was not for me. Unfortunately I never met the doctor. A friend of mine highly recommended Dr. Petersen, but the front office staff is an important part of one's healthcare because you will interact more with them then the doctor at times and they will be handling important tests, etc., when it comes to your care. So with all the great doctors in San Diego why settle for anything less than excellent when it comes to your personal well-being and health. read more

I have been with Dr. Petersen for over 10 years. She completed my tubal (no pregnancies) and otherhandled health issues with humor and competency. Never judged my decisions - provided options. She cares about one's well-being - physically and emotionally. I can't imagine who I would go to - if she ever retires. She has your back. If you are entering peri-menopause or menopause - go see her. Laughter helps with the mood swings - LOL read more

I didn't believe in writing bad Yelp reviews until I went to Dr. Peterson's office , and I didn't even consider making a Yelp account until I had the "Pleasure" of meeting the lovely Doctor. I went to Dr. Peterson's office three times ; once for a consultation for the Nexplanon implant, one for the actual procedure to put it in my arm, and one FINAL time to have it taken out . 2/3 times I got to experience the infamous, the one , the only , the mediocre DR SANDRA PETERSON !!!! My first interaction with dr cranky pants was the 2nd time I had visited the office and consisted of her yelling " you've gained 10lbs what are you doing !" Do you really think I hadn't noticed that BUT it had nothing to do with my birth control ( because I wasn't on any until she put he implant in my arm THAT DAY also even gaining 10lbs I was still at a healthy weight) , and you're a DOCTOR lady how did you go to Medical school , residency , but some how didn't learn manners when it comes to talking to people in a social setting ? Yelling does not accomplish anything . That's not all folks !! You have to get a shot to numb your arm in order to make an incision to insert the Nexplanon and what did the awesome Dr cranky diva do ??! If you guessed that she made a passive aggressive comment about me being squeamish you are correct ( I am fine with needles I regularly donate blood , the part where she had to cut my arm with a little knife was intimidating can you really blame a girl ) The Last and final time I ever went to Dr. cranky face was the get my birth control removed from my arm was probably my favorite time going and what happened I asked a simple question about woman screaming while they give birth ? She was rude but I'm sure by now after reading this far you're not surprised !!! " You're the only woman screaming on this floor " Why Did she say this to me ? Because she numbed my arm with the needle and immediately cut into my arm and it HURT so yes I made a noise ! Mind you I don't know a lot about medical procedures but I believe you're supposed to wait a little to make sure the numbing works and it didn't numb the entire area and it hurt when she cut into my arm . Good job lady ! BONUS ROUND : My mother also unfortunately had to interact with Dr peterson and got her birth control taken out and what does this woman say to her " Well I hope I don't see you a year from now when you're pregnant with a baby " Mind your own damn business woman it doesn't impact you in any way if my mom is on or off birth control 0/10 would go again 0/10 would ever interact or be in the same office with her 10/10 would review other things she does like eat a meal she's cooked and then write a review about how horrible it is " she's unlike any dr I've had " - my mom " I would not go back here and the parking garage sucks " - me Moral of the review is don't go here and that Dr. Peterson is the worst gyno San Diego has to offer read more

For the record, I joined Yelp specifically because of a bad experience with this doctor's office. I am a reasonable person and am well-aware of the human hiccups that can happen in the process of scheduling appointments, etc. However, when I called to follow up on an appointment I had discussed with a receptionist the day before as a first time visitor, I was shocked. This receptionist cut me off as I was explaining who I spoke to, and in an irate tone (which served more to say that I was wrong than to provide a solution) told me that first time patients aren't being taken for another 1-2 months. When I apologized and said that my understanding was based on a conversation I'd had the day before with someone there, I was cut off and as I began to request a new time, hung up on. She was clearly done with the conversation. Even upon calling back, she said her notes were wrong and told me that I could come. I politely declined and was hung up on again. I feel bad for the doctor in this case. Sandra may be nice. Because the other review had something good to say, I decided on her. But it is unfortunate that I was treated this way. Now I will not go there. If someone can hire such a disrespectful person to provide customer service, I'm not willing to take the chance. Hope this helps someone. read more

I seem to have a different outlook from many of the posters here. I can get moral support from my family, etc. I want skill from my doctor. Although she was not my OB/GYN, Dr. Petersen was on call when my water broke, complete with meconium. Over a fairly short time, it became apparent that I had developed pre-eclampsia and that my son's heart rate was falling. Dr. Petersen did a quick c-section (and found that in addition to all of this the cord had wrapped around his neck, I think a couple of times). He is now 15, happy, handsome and taking AP Calculus and AP Chemistry. A day that could have been a tragedy was one of the happiest days of my life. She is not the warm and fuzzy type, but I liked her very much (she moved to a different hospital after my second child was born). In addition - I could barely find my incisions a year after my second was born. Overall, I feel very fortunate to have my smart, handsome and thoroughly healthy son (and daughter, whose birth was more standard), and I am very grateful to her for her skillful treatment. . read more

Wow! I am surprised by the bad reviews on her! I have been going to her office for 12 years now (she delivered my son) & not once did I ever have a bad experience. When she was out on leave, I started seeing Rachel, her PA (who is AMAZING). Dr. Petersen is all about knowing her stuff and that's exactly what I want. A confident doctor, who tells me like it is and keeps it real. If I want warm & fuzzy I'll go home and hug my son or call my girlfriends! She is not mean at all & I appreciate her skill & knowledge. Rachel, like I mentioned, is awesome. Every time I see her it's like a therapy session-I leave refreshed, empowered and happy knowing that she REALLY cares about my health. She always gives me follow up calls to remind me to make my appointments, etc. Anyway, to each their own...but if you are like me, then Dr. P & Rachel will be a great fit :) read more

I have only been to see her once so far because I moved here recently. She has a great sense of humor and made me feel comfortable enough to ask even the most embarrassing questions! :-) The only thing that I didn't like however, was that she requires every patient to sign a form promising not to sue for malpractice. read more

I am pregnant for the second time in a new city and so far the prenatal care up here is very lacking, leaving me longing for the care and attention I received with Dr. Petersen's office 3 years ago. I saw her PA Rachel for the majority of my pregnancy due to Dr Petersen being on medical leave. Rachel is amazing, personable, and caring. Her office staff is beyond friendly, they remember your name, and the feeling is very welcoming. Her nurse Carol was spectacular and never made me feel crazy when I would call multiple times a week with he million first time pregnancy questions I had. When it came time to deliver my son Dr. Petersen had my total trust when he came out sunny side up with a tight nuchal cord. She was quick on her feet and her no B.s. additude was exactly what I needed at that moment. Wishing I was still in SD! read more

A friend of mine referred me to Dr. Petersen, and another one spoke highly of her so I decided to make an appointment for a regular check-up and was happy to have found a new OBGYN. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to meet the doctor. I waited for over 50 minutes and then walked up to ask how much longer I'd have to wait as it was a regular working day for me. I was told that they don't know since the doctor just started with a patient who needed some emergency procedure. And that they just found out. I mean I wasn't already waiting for quite a while without any acknowledgement. So I left. I understand that things happen that have priority.... Just some form of communication about the situation shouldn't be too much to expect. I have no idea if / when they would have told me hadn't I asked. You can only make one first impression, and this wasn't a good one. Reading some of the other reviews maybe I'm glad I didn't get in. read more

Best gyno ever! Cloth gowns, warm speculum,great staff that are always nice and welcoming. I will never go to anyone else!

I find many of these reviews shocking! Dr. Petersen was my doctor through back to back pregnancies and delivered both my son and daughter. I adored her and her PA. The office staff was delightful as well, and always greeted myself and my husband by first name. When my husband passed away, two months after my daughter was born, the office sent a letter of condolence, and Dr. Petersen sent a personal card. She and her office are fantastic! read more

Dr. Petersen delivered my daughter by c-section this past February. My insurance changed from Kaiser to Blue Shield in January and I started seeing Dr. Petersen about 6 weeks before giving birth. I had a high risk pregnancy with placenta previa and gestational diabetes. After my first visit with her I felt the care I was getting from my previous facility was not that good. Dr. Petersen immediately had me on weekly appointments and fetal stress tests twice a week. I started bleeding and was on bed rest (at the hospital) for the last couple weeks. I don't know if I would have had such a positive experience if I would have remained with my previous provider. Dr. Petersen is awesome! I could not be happier with the care I received both from her and the staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. I would highly recommend them both. read more

If you're a busy young woman looking for a doctor, this is not the place for you. My first visit I was in the office for 2 hours waiting for the doctor to examine me and follow up. I agree with the other reviewers that her bedside manner is rude. But she pales in comparison to the rest of her staff. Two times I asked them to call in prescriptions to my pharmacy. Both times the staff the staff was incredibly rude to me on the phone and LIED to me. They told me they had called in the prescriptions. Then when I got to the pharmacy, I had to wait up to 30 min because the prescriptions were not ready for pick up. The pharmacy staff told me that no one called them. How can you lie to a patient like that?? This made me conclude that the staff do not know how to call prescriptions into a pharmacy or was never trained on how to do it. This is a practice that is very common and regularly used by all my other doctors. Because of this Dr. Petersen has lost my trust and my business. read more

I am a new patient with Dr. Petersen. I was actually referred over by my current OB/GYN, who is on medical leave at the time. I have only been seeing Dr. Petersen since July but am very pleased with her and her staff so far. I'm not due until Jan 2015, but have already had about 3 appointments and have had nothing but positive experiences. I like that Dr. Petersen is very straight forward and also kind to her patients. She kindly answers your questions, offers suggestions and does not keep you waiting forever like some other doctors do. Her PA, Rachel is also very knowledgeable and sweet! I really appreciate how efficient the receptionist is (can't remember her name). Every time I call to request something for work or ask questions, it gets handled right away. Their nurse Carol (I think) is always so patient with all my questions and genuinely cares for her patients. I was a bit nervous at first about seeing a new doctor, especially since this is my first baby, but I have to admit, I feel pretty good now being in the hands of Dr. Petersen and her staff. I highly recommend Dr. Petersen for those looking for a new OB/GYN. read more

Even though Dr. Petersen is retiring soon, I wanted to let her know how much I appreciated my appointment today. She is so kind and knowledgable! I wish you a wonderful retirement of many years and many experiences! read more

Dr. Petersen is an amazing doctor. Throughout my entire pregnancy she made me feel comfortable and was very open a honest about any questions I had. read more

Very pleased with the staff at this office. They take the time to answer all of my questions and I feel like they ask me enough questions to have a good understanding of my health. Unlike most other doctor's offices, I never feel like I'm being rushed out of the door. read more

When first finding out I may be pregnant, I had my first appointment with Dr. Peterson. I took about 7 pregnancy tests that all were positive the night before my first appointment. When I arrived, I took a test in their office and the nurse said it was negative even though I saw a very faint second line. She said that was the control line and only showed up because it was sitting to long. The Dr came in and without introducing her self to me, just said, "well, your'e not pregnant" When I seemed confused and wanted her to explain how that is possible, she seemed annoyed and explained things in a frank and insensitive manner. She said I had a chemical pregnancy. When I asked if we can confirm by blood work, she seemed annoyed but ordered the blood work. Two weeks later and three blood draws, my HCG levels were continuing to rise. She then ordered an ultrasound for me to make sure and termed it "abnormal" ultrasound. The whole time, she did not seem at all hopeful that I was in fact pregnant. I had called the office to speak with her before I scheduled the ultrasound because I had a few questions naturally. I got on the phone with her and let her know I had a few questions and she said" well, I don't know if I can answer them." Then without me saying a thing, she said "You are going to ask me where this pregnancy is going, and then I am going to pull out my crystal ball and let you know I cannot see where this is going.." I was shocked and speechless. I told her that I was a little taken a back by her and that was not my question. She said "oh sorry, well go ahead and ask." As inviting as that sounded, I did end up asking her why the test in her office was negative and what level of HCG it measured. She did not even know and said she would have to go check the box! I then asked if there is anything I should be doing right now or avoiding and she said to continue whatever I am doing now but just don't do any drugs like cocaine. I was floored, really?! Needless to say, I called my insurance and switched doctors. My first appt with the new DR, I took a test and it was positive. She congratulated me and completed an exam. She did not see a need to be concerned and scheduled the first ultrasound at the standard time to see baby's progress. Naturally, I was still concerned because Dr. Peterson made me feel like this was not going to happen. Well, now I am 9 1/2 months pregnant with a healthy baby girl. I could never have continued with Dr. Peterson as my doctor. Her bedside manner was awful and she seemed to be very bitter and tired of her job. Unfortunately, I do not recommend. read more