Patient Reviews
Thank you for choosing Southern California Orthopedic Institute for your care. We take pride in helping our patients overcome injuries, relieve pain, and return to active, healthy lifestyles.
In this section, you can read stories from patients we’ve treated about the experiences and recoveries they've had under our care.
Read what our patients are saying about Southern California Orthopedic Institute.
You can also read what our patients are saying about Southern California Orthopedic Institute by visiting our doctor profiles.
Patient Reviews
“Dr. Snyder is a fantastic person and a great doctor. He still has the compassion and concern for his patients that a lot of the young Doctors failed to learn. We went over the choices of surgeries for by Bicep tendon, and Dr. Snyder was able to make the repairs that I wanted.”
– Jim S.
Treating Doctor: Stephen J. Snyder, MD
“Dr. Snyder has operated on both my shoulders. I could not ask for a better experience either time.”
– Robert W.
Treating Doctor: Stephen J. Snyder, MD
“I love Dr. Bawa! He has genuine care and concern for his patients. Not only did he check on me during my stay in the hospital, but he also called me personally once I was released-- to make sure I was ok and to see if I had any questions. I'm so fortunate to have found such an excellent surgeon!”
– Jeanine S.
Treating Doctor: Harpreet S. Bawa, MD
“Exactly one year ago today, in a random act of kindness. Someone reached out to me and offered me the use of this scooter. After 3 days of juggling food, drinks, and crutches from my kitchen back to my bed (usually catastrophically) my life was made much easier and getting around much safer. It wasn’t made out of carbon fiber, didn’t have aero wheels or aero handlebars, but it got me where I needed to be. God is good!!! I could actually wiggle my toes again and the pain level was gradually diminishing. My follow up appointment was in a few days, and I was looking forward to the healing process and eventually getting back in the saddle. A very special thank you to Margot Botello Shinn for her kindness and generosity.
The longus tendon ruptured during the Race Across America in June 2018 and it took the insurance company two months to approve the tests and procedures to perform the necessary surgery to repair the damage. By that time, the tendon was garbage (surgeon's exact words) and was unsalvageable. Fortunately for me, I was referred to one of the best, if not the best foot and ankle specialist in the country. Dr. Ferkel was able to remove the damaged portion and attach the remaining length to the brevus tendon, clean out all the scar tissue, and tidy up and stabilize the entire joint. Prior to surgery, he asked me what my postsurgical goals were. I told him in no uncertain terms that I had some races to win, and one or two more records to set. He just looked at me and grinned and then walked out the door. Then he stopped, turned around and said to me, “let’s make it three.” I knew that I was in the right hands!!!
My surgery was on August 29th, 2018. On August 25th, 2019 (361 days after that operation) my team set a new record for the HooDoo 500. One down, two to go!!! To Dr. Richard Ferkel, the miracle that you performed for me, will forever be a reminder of the hours and the meticulous detail and effort that you gave to me and all your patients. God Bless”
– J P.
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
“Dr. Niska was very professional, a good listener and provided me with excellent service for my medical condition.”
– Tyree W.
Treating Doctor: Jared A. Niska, MD
“Although the knee replacement was the most difficult medical procedure I have experienced, Dr. Hernandez and the staff organized the hospital and home support personnel so well that I felt well taken care of. I would recommend Dr. Hernandez and SCOI to anyone needing similar attention.”
– Shirley B.
Treating Doctor: Jaime D. Hernandez, MD
“Positive overall with partial knee now at eight week’s post-op. Got through physical therapy. Have better balance with neurological problems because knee swelling reduced the healing effect of living. With the swelling cut, good things may happen. Life is good, thanks, Dr. Balch.”
– Gerald K.
Treating Doctor: Karl R. Balch, MD
“I met with Dr. Hernandez a year and a half later to discuss knee replacement and when I mentioned my left hip was hurting, he immediately did an x-ray and it turns out I needed a hip replacement as well. We decided together that the hip replacement should be done before the knee replacement. I am looking forward to having Dr. Hernandez as my surgeon. Highly recommended by patients and doctors.”
– Kathy B.
Treating Doctor: Jaime D. Hernandez, MD
“All of SCOI’s staff and doctors have shown me such professionalism thought my appts and surgery. I mainly felt that the pre-op appt and day-surgery were very informative. Nurses and Doctors we’re kind and explained what was happening every step of the way.”
– Janice E.
Treating Doctor: Jaime D. Hernandez, MD
“This has been the most comfortable surgery I've ever had, not that I've had many, but just saying. The doctor and staff have been great, and there have been no surprises, which I like. All in all, I would recommend SCOI, Dr. Balch, and hip replacement surgery to anyone who is contemplating doing it.”
– Alan N.
Treating Doctor: Karl R. Balch, MD