I'd use 3 phrases to describe Dr. Singh: "intense concern," "out-of-the-box" and "extremely intelligent." I'm from an extended family that includes 3 doctors (an oncologist, a cardiologist, and the former chief of heart surgery at the top heart hospital in Silicon Valley), a surgical nurse, a hospital administrator, an ER nurse, and a health dept administrator. Both my parents were in the medical field. As a result, all my life I've been extremely picky about my doctors. I generally do not use doctors in Santa Cruz County, preferring the higher level of expertise available near Stanford, Sequoia Hospital, and UCSF. And, of course, I always use my family contacts if I have
something new to address. After a month in the chemo ward at Stanford Univ Hospital, for treatment of Acute Myelotic Leukemia, I was discharged (to home with med aides rather than a nearby facility)... with severe cardiac complications that the cardiology team at Stanford had not successfully addressed. Since I was no longer able to travel to my regular cardiologist in Redwood City, I let my local Santa Cruz oncologist - selected for me by family & Stanford - pick who he considered to be the best locally. That was Dr. Singh. The oncologist even phoned and made the appointment for me.
I was too sick to really be able to judge much at the first appointment (he saw me within 24 hours), but it was severe enough that he felt he could not treat me at home but had me admitted to Dominican that day, where he could have 24-hour monitoring and constant testing in order to readjust the many medications I'd been taking for years. One week later, and 40 lbs of water-retention fluids later, I was able to go home - much clearer minded and able to walk on my own. He has continued to monitor and adjust for the past 6 months, until he and I (and my "medical mafia" family!) feel that I am back to the best of health, and with the best chances to continue my cancer remission. Dr. Singh was able to do this (1) because he is aware of the interactions of medications - both those used in his field, and those for other conditions -, (2) is a good enough "scientist" to know how to keep adjusting (or changing to a different med) until the optimum balance is achieved, and (3) cares enough that he doesn't easily give up. By the way, my long-time cardiologist (as well as personal friend) in Redwood City is also delighted -and impressed-with the results.
Be aware that Dr. Singh is what is known as a "doctor's doctor" - the more serious the patient's condition, the more he is challenged and the faster and more intently he applies himself. I'm sure he drives his office staff crazy, because he is less concerned with being on time than with totally comprehending and addressing the patient's condition. He's not a "hold-your-hand" type - I think that during that week in Dominican I only talked to him him in person a couple of times (that I remember) but I was aware of his changes in meds as they came along, so knew he was monitoring me closely. I have NEVER been in for an appointment in his office when I did not have to wait - often up to an hour - but I never resent it (bring a good book!) because he is spending that extra time on another patient, just as he did with me when I first saw him and desperately needed it.
My main question when I ask someone in the health industry about who they would recommend is "Who would you send your wife or mother to for this?" It depends on what you are looking for, but Dr. Singh is the epitome of what I am looking for. read more
