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
“The office appointments were quick and on time. My surgery recovery was as expected. Dr. Balch and staff were professional.”
– William S.
Treating Doctor: Karl R. Balch, MD
“Dr. Hernandez is an excellent doctor who knows exactly what he is doing and knows what his patients need each time. His division of labor and collaboration among his colleagues and medical personnel is worthy of emulation. I admire his courage, empathy and hard work.”
– Dorothy A.
Treating Doctor: Jaime D. Hernandez, MD
“I am a patient of Dr. Etcheverry. I have been a law enforcement supervisor and adminstrator for many years. I have been responsible for the hiring, terminating, evaluating and training staff that were non-sworn, such as records, dispatch, and community service officers.
I am not in the habit of giving empty compliments where they are not earned.
I would like to give you and the staff of Dr. Etcheverry's office my heartfelt compliments on their job performance. Everyone I spoke with smiled, and was attentive. When I was having a conversation with anyone in the office or surgery center each person made eye contact with me. Our conversations were articulate and intelligent leaving me completely knowledgeable and satisfied that my needs were taken care of.
What a pleasure to talk with someone without a cell phone in their hand or otherwise distracted. I recognize professionalism when I see it.
I requested a form to be completed and Anna told me she would have it done in a half hour and sent. For a moment, I thought I passed out and was hallucinating.
Unfortunately, I can not remember all of the staff members names, especially those in the new office. Please extend my thanks and compliments to all!”
– Ron B.
Treating Doctor: John L. Etcheverry, DPM
“Dr. Hernandez was a super surgeon and the hospital staff were great, comforting, and always there for me. I had a complete knee replacement. Now, months out, I’m doing better.”
– Richard W.
Treating Doctor: Jaime D. Hernandez, MD
“I am a retired camera-woman for the news. I worked at KABC channel 7 for 38 years. My job
was basically that of a football player without the protective gear. I am writing this letter to
share my wonderful experience at SCOI, Southern California Orthopedic Institute, namely,
Dr. Richard Ferkel and Natalie Ray.
I injured my left shoulder in 2004 in 2013 and again in 2015 at work. In 2004, I was pushed by a
camera person from a French company while covering Arnold Schwarzenegger and then
Governor, Gray Davis. When covering a campaign, the normal drill is that you run ahead of the
candidate, stop shoot them, let them get in front of you and run again to catch up to them to
shoot them coming towards the camera. While running, a French still photographer pushed me
out of the way, I had a 35 pound camera on my shoulder; I went crashing into the sidewalk
and hit the concrete with my left shoulder and gashed my right knee. I went to the Kerlin-Jobe
clinic. Because of their reputation, I thought I would be getting the best medical help for my
shoulder and knee available. This proved not to be the case. I was told by the physician that
attended me that my only option was to have surgery. I was also told that they would prefer not
to deal with Workmen’s Comp. Since I got hurt on the job it did not make sense not to be
covered by Workmen’s Comp. I was trying to get my 40 years of work in with the company so I
went back to work, no surgery nor competent physical therapy.
In the year 2013 I damaged my left shoulder again while shooting the flight of the NASA shuttle
to Los Angeles. The crowd was very rowdy and pushed me in such a way that the camera,
which was on a tripod, jammed into my shoulder. I had to find an orthopedic doctor again. I
was lost as to what direction to take in picking a doctor. My husband‘s best friend, Jim
Knutsen has a sister who had been treated by Dr. Ferkel. Since I trusted Jim, I trusted the
glowing recommendation from his sister Janet. She said Dr. Ferkel was the best orthopedic
doctor she had ever come across… She was right! I was blessed to find Dr. Ferkel.
I went to SCOI In 2013. Doctor Ferkel was very thorough and went through all my options. I
elected to get a treatment of physical therapy and a series of shots that helped my arm heal. I was still trying to get my 40 years in, with the help of Dr. Ferkel, I was able to get a few more
years in.
In 2015 I had a very bad fall from the side of my truck when my mini-cam truck caught fire. It
was a traumatic fall that injured my right shoulder, and re-injured my left shoulder, my right
ankle and my back. The injuries I sustained resulted in two torn rotator cuff‘s & other
miscellaneous injuries in the shoulders. I basically had two shoulder reconstructions. Dr. Ferkel
has not only been thorough but kind and extremely patient with my care. I was still trying to get
my 40 years in. Unfortunately, Workmen’s Comp. delayed delayed and delayed authorization
for my treatments and my company was forced to terminate my position because I had “timed
out“. I had been an excellent National Emmy award winning camera person and a valued
employee at KABC. Workmen’s Comp. has not been professional but the doctor has hung in
there with me and has gotten me the care that I needed. About a year and a half ago, my case
manager for Workmen’s Comp. wrote a scathing letter to the Insurance company that covers
my care. What she did was commit fraud because she used my name and made it sound like it
was from me. I would never have written such a letter because none of what she wrote was
true. This is what I have been subjected to with Workmen’s Comp. I wanted to get back to
work but the Workmen’s Comp. people made it impossible by delaying authorizations for my
care. Through all this... Dr. Ferkel & Natalie Ray stood by me and made sure I received the
medical care, physical therapy and appointments that I have needed. My medical needs were
first and foremost to Dr. Ferkel and to Natalie.
After both surgeries, I needed a “cooling machine“ for my shoulders. Doctor Ferkel made sure I
got it and that it was delivered to my home. Workmen’s Comp. did not want to authorize this
piece of equipment. I want to say that it was the one piece of equipment that took me through
the process. I was in severe pain and I would have required more pain medication had I not
had the “cooling machine“. I don’t know it’s technical name but I call it a lifesaver.
Natalie Ray has been a tremendous part of my recovery. Natalie was indispensable to me
through this process. Natalie has been kind, patient, knowledgeable and helpful. I could write
three pages alone on Natalie. She is the most professional and hard-working medical
professional I have ever seen. Natalie is truly a “feather” in SCOI’s hat.
Again, let me finish by saying that this has been the most difficult time of my entire life. Never
did I think I would have to endure such painful injuries. Dr. Ferkel has given me new hope and
life. I thank God for SCOI but especially for Dr. Ferkel.
I would and do recommend Dr. Ferkel to anybody who needs shoulder or feet/ankle medical
care. I have already recommended the doctor to a few of my friends. I have many friends that
are camera people and as it turns out, there are a lot of shoulder injuries out there…
God bless Dr. Ferkel, thank you for your incredible effort and care of my shoulders and ankle.”
– Marie H.
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
“Dr. Karzel and stall were beyond my expectations. Everyone was helpful and professional. Dr. Karzel is an awesome surgeon, with a winning bedside manner. My recovery has been amazing! I would gladly recommend tge doctor,along with his staff, to anyone.”
– Joanne J.
Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
“My experience with Dr. Niska was excellent. He treated my hand and I have no pain anymore. Thanks to Dr. Niska and all his staff I’m perfectly fine. I recommend them because they are great.”
– Fanny B.
Treating Doctor: Jared A. Niska, MD
“Everyone has been very helpful guiding me though this process.”
– Georgia L.
Treating Doctor: Karl R. Balch, MD
