Samuel F Ellison's Online Review Report Card

Terrible experience with Dr Ellison. He didn't even check the mole in question, was very rude, and didn't give me any solid advice on next steps. He referenced the fact that I was a 'lady' when I asked whether a removal would leave a scar. Completely irrelevant and inappropriate to bring up gender when you're asking for some simple advice and facts from a supposed professional. I left feeling uncomfortable and patronized. At least they refunded my copay. I never leave reviews but felt like I couldn't let this one pass.

Dr Ellison did a cursory check of my moles, without use of dermascope.  Did not propose reviewing/capturing photographs to track changes. Proposed excising a small perfectly round black mole, due to it being black, without doing a biopsy prior.  Seeking a second opinion.  My sense is that screening is sub-par, and that the Dr. wants to rush to perform higher-fee procedures.

I knew something was wrong when he walked into the room with his mask half on. He looks like Ed Asner from the movie UP.First - he didn't wear gloves until I said "you should be wearing gloves".Second - he couldn't see the wart on my face. So he asked me to mark it with a black sharpy - i did.Third - I didn't see it until I got home, that he completely misses the wart on my cheek but left a small scare underneath the wart - from the electrical device.Finally - I called the office to let them know of his error and to talk to him personally. They rescheduled with another doctor and then passed and spoke to Dr. Ellison. In short: He doubted my claimHe raised his voice He offered to reschedule with himHe did not apologize DON'T visit Dr. Samuel Ellison you can do better!

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

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 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.

Great care

I have been a patient of Dr. Ellison's for twenty years. He is the best dermatologist I've ever had.

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.

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.