Sam F. Ellison's Online Review Report Card

Great doctor. I struggled with the front desk staff. Following the interaction I realized the value of education and life experience.

Great care

You more or less have to waste an appointment introducing yourself and then come back again to have the actual appointment. I had a simple issue that only needed 15 minutes to review and treat but I had to come back for a second appointment for it and there aren't many appointment times available. It was inefficient and such a waste of time and money. He's also a bit condescending. I'm pretty medically aware and often converse well with doctors. But I felt like he saw my age and thought I was clueless. He even said, "I shouldn't suggest that you make decisions on your own. You don't know enough." Studies have shown that countries where doctors educate their patients and let them make decisions have better outcomes. But this is obviously not his philosophy.That being said, I took his recommendations and everything resolved. So he functionally seems to be a good doctor. But the experience isn't great.

You more or less have to waste an appointment introducing yourself and then come back again to have the actual appointment. I had a simple issue that only needed 15 minutes to review and treat but I had to come back for a second appointment for it and there arent many appointment times available. It was inefficient and such a waste of time and money.Hes also a bit condescending. Im pretty medically aware and often converse well with doctors. But I felt like he saw my age and thought I was clueless. He even said I shouldnt suggest that you make decisions on your own. You dont know enough. Studies have shown that countries where doctors educate their patients and let them make decisions have better outcomes. But this is obviously not his philosophy.That being said I took his recommendations and everything resolved. So he functionally seems to be a good doctor. But the experience isnt great.

My internal physician wanted me to go to the Hair clinic at UCSF but I needed a referral from a dermatologist. I asked Dr. Ellison who was my dermatologist at the time to refer me to the clinic but he refused and said he wanted to treat me himself. Not only did he misdiagnose my illness but he prescribed the wrong medication and I lost six months of effective treatment.

I had a worst acne since 2016 and I went to his clinic. He gave me antibiotics which was helpful. After several years I told him that I don't want to depend on taking those antibiotics because I'm worried that it can injure my kidney. I ask him for any advice but didn't say anything. I don't want to depend on antibiotics forever.

worst doctor ever. I had bad acne and he just gave me antibiotics, it works but I don't want to depend on taking antibiotics forever. I asked him if there's anything we can do to fight my acne besides taking antibiotics but didn't give me any advice. He didn't seem to care to his patients.

I have been a patient of Dr. Ellisons for twenty years. He is the best dermatologist Ive ever had.

Today was my first - and last - visit to Ellison. The man is smarmy, superior, offensive. I called him on his insensitive comments and got a sarcastic response. If you're looking for a doctor who's polite and respectful, look elsewhere.

This practice does not have a patient portal making it impossible to communicate with a physician or PA electronically. I wanted to email a photo of my blistering face due to prescribed meds but the staff insisted that I make an appointment the nearest one being 10days out.