Pacific Gastroenterology Associates

First time been they were fast and good help full

I'm now paying for trauma counselling after a "direct to procedure" colonoscopy where I was unaware that "conscious sedation" would mean I'd be completely lucid/aware/remember everything/know what was going on and be screaming in pain, with Dr Leung not checking in with me or talking with me. I was terrified. The procedure was aborted and left incomplete. I was assured by Dr Leung as she was injecting me with whatever they injected me with (keen to find out what the amount) that she would give me enough such that the procedure would be okay. She didn't. I felt a rush of sedation for about 5 seconds and that's it - then totally aware/lucid. I wasn't drowzy or woozy afterwards, just extremely traumatized. No one I know remembers anything about their colonoscopy. I'm now imprinted with a trauma I'm paying out of my own pocket to recover from. I have also done some research after this awful experience to find out that females with low BMIs have issues with colonoscopies due to angular and firm colons. Knowing this, I'm unsure why anyone like me, along with a history of chronic pelvic pain, would have been recommended for a procedure under conscious sedation. This is not quality care. This is generating trauma. The whole experience in the GI Ward at St Pauls was disorienting, with no one there to help you move through the conveyor belt of the GI factory. I saw many other patients confused and lost, needing guidance. Dr Leung seemed in a hurry and a rush, and my experience was that of pushing me through the paces, and that was also a contributing factor to the trauma of the experience. I truly hope that future practices around "conscious sedation" are reconsidered and that the GI Ward can function in a way where there is someone ordering the chaos for the sake of the patients.

Well a good doctor...but a rude incomputant receptionist after my experience went ok but the follow up with her receptionist was horrible. ...talk about incomputance...if someone doesn't have a clue representing a doctor should at least be polite but being useless and rude dealing with patients some could be more ill than me a representative of a doctor should have a great bedside manner not what a ignorant woman had the misfortune of dealing with. And holding back meds because I told her I didn't like her ...and this useless person is still deal with people is what's scary!?!

Dr. Ramji and Nurse Nancy saw me through 2 different rounds of treatment. The 2nd did the trick. They were wonderfully supportive, non judgemental and really everything you want health care providers to be!

Beginning with a telephone consultation Dr. Shahidi was kind, reassuring, informative and understanding. Having a pre existing seizure disorder caused by trauma I am often dismissed when the topic arrises. The Doctor offered to have my husband present as he was the one who best knew how to handle any issues that might’ve arisen. My GP has been voicing for some time that Im too young for a colonoscopy and they are quite invasive. Dr. Shahidi assured me that wouldn’t be the case and he was right! The most unpleasant part was the colon prep drink we must consume before hand. The procedure itself went off without a hitch, with no discomfort, light sedation and a personable team. I do recall everything that occurred but it was not alarming in the slightest. Im assured the Doctor will follow up with me in two weeks and for once I don't feel dismissed. I definitely recommend this Doctor and his team.

In this day and age with all the precautions set up because of the pandemic, I wasn’t surprised that this clinic would have the same protocols. What sets this clinic apart is how nice the staff were. They (the staff) actually take the time to explain their procedures and protocols, not just expect you to read the signs posted all over. Getting to my Colonoscopy procedure, I was a nervous wreck because of such horrible experience 12 years ago. Unfortunately I needed this procedure this time for something that needed an answer. I was referred to Dr. Scott Whittaker and to be brutally honest, my hesitation and traumatic experience dissipated the moment I met his 2 team of nurses (sorry forgot their names). Their soft spoken, gentle demeanor reassured me that everything was going to be alright. Then, Dr. Whittaker who calmly introduced himself made me even calmer. Everything went smoothly. After the procedure, I was asked to wait for someone to pick me up at their waiting room. The nurses called to let my spouse know I am ready to be picked up. It was easy and organized, no fuss, no muss. As I waited in the waiting/recovery room, Dr. Whittaker passed by, asked me if I have any questions and went back in the procedure room to meet the next patient. It is his kind and gentle demeanor that struck me. I don’t know about you, but doctors like him are a rarity. My overall expetience at Pacific Gastroenterology and Associates surpassed my expectations. If you’re due for a Colonoscopy I would highly reccommend this clinic.

Very nice staff and friendly Dr Ko made me feel so comfortable

The worst phone robot ever, called 15 times just to talk to the receptionist to book an appointment but couldn’t even reach a person. Fix your phone menu to speak to reception for general inquiries/questions… The robot just keeps talking talking talking and then “thank you” then hangs up if you don’t know anyone by the name