Usc Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center's Online Review Report Card

This review has been a long time coming, but as they say, it’s better late than never. In August 2024, my world changed completely. I was transferred from USC Arcadia to USC Norris after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The words alone felt unreal. Shocked, terrified, and unsure of what the future held, I entered the hospital carrying more fear than I ever thought possible. But from the moment I arrived on the 3rd floor at USC Norris, something incredible happened. I was surrounded by people who truly cared. The nurses welcomed me with kindness and compassion, making the unbearable feel a little lighter. Everything moved so quickly. Test after test after test, and while my mind was still trying to process the diagnosis, every doctor, nurse, and healthcare professional I met made sure I understood what was happening. They took the time to explain each step and reassured me that I was in the best hands possible. During my over four month in and out stay, I had the privilege of meeting several remarkable hematologists and oncologists who became guiding lights in my journey — Dr. Woan, my primary oncologist; Dr. Kelly, who helped me through the earliest stage; Dr. Iyengar, who patiently explained AML to me; Dr. Mohrbacher, Dr. Ladda, and Dr. Yaghmour. Each one brought not just medical expertise but also warmth, understanding, and humanity. They listened when I spoke, respected my voice in my own care, and made sure I never felt alone in the fight. And then there were the nurses of the 3rd floor, truly the best of the best. Over time, they became more than just my nurses; they became my hospital friends, my support system, and my everyday heroes. Their smiles, their patience, and their gentle encouragement got me through the hardest days and the longest nights. Looking back now, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, for every doctor who guided me, every nurse who comforted me, every technician who worked behind the scenes, and every person who touched my journey in ways big and small. They didn’t just treat my illness; they helped me find strength, hope, and courage when I needed it most. Thank you, USC Norris, for not only giving me excellent medical care but also surrounding me with compassion, hope, and love. You all reminded me that even in life’s darkest moments, kindness can light the way. 1 year later, I am in remission. 🎗️ I still come for my once a month blood work and appointment. Wouldn't have it the other way.

Seriously the worst facility I've been treated at. The receptionists can be very rude and condescending. Drs and nurses are nice but I've been waiting 3 months to continue chemo treatments and did not receive any follow ups despite sending messages through the patient portal.

Worst hospital in la, rude nurses who dint help

I want to share what we experienced at USC, and I strongly advise doing thorough research before entrusting your loved ones to this hospital. My father was placed in dirty rooms with poorly managed ICUs staffed by unprofessional personnel. The Bone Marrow Coordinator, Stephanie Dnelly, seemed overwhelmed and unsure of her role--during a stem cell collection, she visibly distressed my sister. Because USC is a teaching hospital, my father saw a different doctor every month; each new physician altered his treatment plan, creating chaos and inconsistency. His attending physician, Dr. Eric Tam, rarely checked in while my father was in the ICU--only showing up during scheduled rounds. Aside from Dr. Marshall, most ICU doctors appeared unknowledgeable and unhelpful. Obtaining anything from medical records took an inordinate amount of time, and the only way we got callbacks from patient experience was by repeatedly calling. Overall, this was the worst hospital experience we've ever had, with unprofessional staff and disorganized.

I want to share what we experienced at USC, and I strongly advise doing thorough research before entrusting your loved ones to this hospital. My father was placed in dirty rooms with poorly managed ICUs staffed by unprofessional personnel. The Bone Marrow Coordinator, Stephanie Dnelly, seemed overwhelmed and unsure of her role—during a stem cell collection, she visibly distressed my sister. Because USC is a teaching hospital, my father saw a different doctor every month; each new physician altered his treatment plan, creating chaos and inconsistency. His attending physician, Dr. Eric Tam, rarely checked in while my father was in the ICU—only showing up during scheduled rounds. Aside from Dr. Marshall, most ICU doctors appeared unknowledgeable and unhelpful. Obtaining anything from medical records took an inordinate amount of time, and the only way we got callbacks from patient experience was by repeatedly calling. Overall, this was the worst hospital experience we’ve ever had, with unprofessional staff and disorganized.

My best friend's father was treated at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center for cancer and required a blood stem cell transplant. My best friend was the donor. What should have been a supportive and hopeful process turned into one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives. The transplant coordinator, Stephanie D. Nelly, failed to communicate critical information throughout the process. Although my friend signed a general consent, she was never told that a midline catheter might be required. On the day of donation, they made multiple painful IV attempts, despite knowing her veins were difficult to access in the morning--something we were never warned about. After those failed attempts, they inserted a midline catheter into her neck--without any prior emotional or mental preparation. She was devastated. I was there the entire time, and I watched my best friend cry through the pain. We then had to wait over six hours for them to remove the midline, and she has been left with a visible scar from the ordeal. After the transfusion, his condition deteriorated quickly, and he ended up in the ICU for over a month. The ICU care was just as distressing. Nurses were inattentive, cold, and unprofessional. The rooms were often unclean, and we had to repeatedly ask for someone to come clean them. In such a critical and emotionally intense situation, this lack of care and respect was completely unacceptable. This experience left us emotionally and physically scarred. Families in crisis deserve clear communication, proper preparation, and compassionate care. We didn't receive any of that here. Please ask questions, advocate for your loved ones, and proceed with caution. You deserve better than what we experienced at USC Norris.

My best friend’s father was treated at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center for cancer and required a blood stem cell transplant. My best friend was the donor. What should have been a supportive and hopeful process turned into one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives. The transplant coordinator, Stephanie D. Nelly, failed to communicate critical information throughout the process. Although my friend signed a general consent, she was never told that a midline catheter might be required. On the day of donation, they made multiple painful IV attempts, despite knowing her veins were difficult to access in the morning—something we were never warned about. After those failed attempts, they inserted a midline catheter into her neck—without any prior emotional or mental preparation. She was devastated. I was there the entire time, and I watched my best friend cry through the pain. We then had to wait over six hours for them to remove the midline, and she has been left with a visible scar from the ordeal. After the transfusion, his condition deteriorated quickly, and he ended up in the ICU for over a month. The ICU care was just as distressing. Nurses were inattentive, cold, and unprofessional. The rooms were often unclean, and we had to repeatedly ask for someone to come clean them. In such a critical and emotionally intense situation, this lack of care and respect was completely unacceptable. This experience left us emotionally and physically scarred. Families in crisis deserve clear communication, proper preparation, and compassionate care. We didn’t receive any of that here. Please ask questions, advocate for your loved ones, and proceed with caution. You deserve better than what we experienced at USC Norris.

I wish I could give this hospital zero stars. Please keep your loved ones far from here and don't repeat the devastating mistake I made. USC can no longer be called one of the best hospitals--we bring our loved ones based on research and trust, and in the end, they give us their dead bodies. The ICU is a complete mess: dirty rooms, unprofessional and careless nurses, and doctors who show no urgency--especially Dr. Adupa Rao, who made no effort to help us. The unit manager chooses to protect incompetent staff instead of speaking up for patient safety. The transplant team is just as unprofessional, with coordinator Stephanie who clearly has no understanding of the transplant process, and Dr. Eric Tam, who never once warned us that a patient with COPD could face life-threatening complications after a bone marrow transplant. They even proceeded with the transplant while my dad was positive for influenza. I will never forgive myself for trusting these people with my dad. I brought in a walking, talking father--and they gave me back a body. I was my father's donor, and they didn't just fail him--they tortured both of us. The entire process was filled with confusion, lack of communication, and a clear absence of knowledge and coordination. What should have been a hopeful journey turned into a nightmare, not only for my father, who suffered endlessly, but also for me as his donor. I placed my trust in their hands, believing they knew what they were doing, but instead, we were both treated with negligence and carelessness. The emotional and physical pain they caused can never be undone.

I was here recently as of 04/10/25 for a procedure and from start to finish, registration to discharge, everyone my family and I met up with, was just so amazing in their care for us. From the start , my nurses and and PCT ( CNA) teams from both shifts were extremely attentive and not only that but they also spoke to you as a person, not just as a patient and it brought a sense of ease to everyone in the room. My surgeon and his team of PA's were and are wonderful. The best thing is that after I was discharged they gave us a bag of supplies to take home for post-op care and gave us their info should we have any questions ,comments or concerns. I would definitely recommend this hospital. God bless you guys.

The young Latino doctor conducting the general checkup was pleasant and appeared dedicated to his service. Nevertheless, a few weeks later I received a bill stating that health insurance was not going to cover the yearly checkup due to asking questions about STDs, and doctor had written that I extended the general check up to other areas of health not related to the general check up. The bilingual male staff from the billing department was incredibly rude and appeared as if he didn't have any ethical nor cared about any privacy and was incredibly offensive. I did not comeback for my follow up. Dr did contact me for a second visit and I was extremely offended by the billing bilingual male staff.