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. Hernandez is the best, I recommend him highly to everyone I speak with. His professionalism, knowledge and precise approach to both of the surgeries he performed on me were greatly appreciated. I knew every step of the way what to expect before, during and after the surgery. Having both hips replaced with in a 3 month period his expertise has given me back my active life again. His staff and surgical staff are absolutely wonderful, I felt like my hand was held before and through out the surgeries, physical therapy and finally when I was released to enjoy life again. LOVE this man and his staff! and again I would highly recommend him and have to anyone in need of his services. I am a happy, active 65 year old woman with a spring in my step once again because of Dr. Hernandez :)”
– Joanellen W.
Treating Doctor: Jaime D. Hernandez, MD
“Dr. Karzel fixed a shoulder issue that other orthopedic doctors failed to do. They have become very special in my life and my world. I have returned to my very active life with my new start. Extremely recommended in every way... and Mickey is fun and a bright ray of sunshine in my heart as they all do.”
– Dave R.
Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
“Dr. Getelman was kind and direct when treating me for a torn ACL and torn meniscus. He told me surgery was the only option and explained why, walked me through what he would do, and a few days later he was true to his word. I was told my surgery took extra time because of the extensive damage to my knee, but I would never have known it because Dr. Getelman and his staff were so helpful and professional. I truly felt like I was in trustworthy and exceptional hands. After surgery with Dr. Getelman I was referred to Physical Therapist Dominic Smith at SCOI. Dominic’s team is incredible and I couldn’t recommend a better group of people to help you mentally and physically recover from surgery. The recovery was rough, but Team Smith provided positive reinforcement and small goals that guided you to long term success. I am extremely thankful for the care and support SCOI provided me.”
– Jessica
Treating Doctor: Mark H. Getelman, MD
“Yesterday I was released by Dr. Moldawer. He performed a three (3) hour spine surgery on me in your hospital. He was the best ... and your administrative staff, health care providers, and support personnel could not have been better.
Thank you.”
– Robert D.
Treating Doctor: Todd D. Moldawer, MD
“I really want to thank Dr. Ferkel (and Crew) for all for the amazing & wonderful care you provided me. Within a year, you have fixed my knee, foot & shoulder and I am back to a very full work schedule, very demanding & physical, which I could not possibly have sustained & continued without your precision care.
I know that I am not special or unique, and that you give everyone, of which there are so many, the same degree of effort & concern. It is quite an operation you all keep up. I just want you to know how much you are appreciated, and how very much you bring to the community.
We are very fortunate to have you! From the front desk to the cast room & check out, I hope you all know it really matters and makes a difference that you are able to do such a high volume with such a great level of recovery and success, all the while making all your patients feel important and maintaining such a positive environment in a tough arena where people are suffering and in need of serious help. I cannot thank you enough but hope you all know what a difference and impact you make on people’s lives. THANK YOU…..”
– Lee
Treating Doctor: Richard D. Ferkel, MD
“I would strongly recommend Dr. Barcohana to anyone considering back surgery. I was 79 years old and had been suffering from back pain for a number of years. After therapy didn’t help, I decided that I needed to take stronger action. My doctor recommended I see Dr. Barcohana, who proceeded to thoroughly examine me through my MRI, x-rays, bone scan, and nerve testing. From the beginning, I was impressed with his careful and cautious examination. After thorough testing, he informed me I was a good candidate for surgery. At first, I was reluctant, having heard so many problem stories about back surgery. However, I was losing strength in my legs and kept falling. After consulting several medical professionals, I decided to have the surgery.
Dr. Barcohana and his staff were efficient and thorough in preparing me for surgery, and they supported my confidence. The morning after surgery, I was up and walking. I was released from the hospital in three days, and although I had some discomfort in the surgery area, the pain was nothing compared to what it had been before surgery. After three months, my scar is practically invisible, I feel completely pain free and am regaining all my strength back. The quality of my life has vastly improved and I look forward to enjoying the activities I did before my back problems. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Barcohana for what seems like a miracle.
”
– Clp
Treating Doctor: Babak Barcohana, MD
“I wanted to write to tell you how much I appreciated the work you did on my shoulder and how much I respect you as a physician. I called and left a message with your assistant, but I felt this was not adequate to express my gratitude. I may have mentioned I don't really like doctors. I started working in hospitals when I was 17 and since then, I have seen a few excellent examples of men and women who respect their patients, and treat them with dignity, regardless of their age or the nature of their complaint.
I have had the good fortune to have several of these miracle doctors, both as colleagues and personal physicians. You have joined the list of doctors I would gladly recommend to my friends and family, as well as any patient who had a problem that falls within your specialty. I appreciate your bedside manner, your willingness to listen to my description of my feelings and progress or lack of it, your willingness to let me choose the physical therapist, your lack of negativity when I complained, and for that matter, your positive manner in general.
You took the time to explain and re-explain when necessary, the course of treatment. You not only allowed me to be the patient, but also insisted on it, despite the fact that I have been in nursing for 40+ years. You encouraged me to follow your treatment plan and not get frustrated or impatient with my progress. I must admit; that other than my abdominal surgeon, you engendered more trust immediately than anyone else I've ever seen. Mostly I wanted to tell you what a fantastic doctor you are and that you have won my respect for your professionalism, excellence of treatment, and patient relations.
Thank you for being a terrific doctor and for having restored my faith in the medical community, so I know there are still physicians like you out there. I am sure you will maintain your standards and will have hundreds of satisfied patients like me in your career.”
– R.S.
Treating Doctor: Michael S. Bahk, MD
“Personally, being a super cross motocross racer as a teen to then, at the height of my career, running on the NASCAR S.W. Tour, I've fractured quite a few ribs, a wrist, elbow, hands, fingers, shoulders and ankles a few times, and the collarbone more times than I'd care to remember. Never in obtaining care have I been treated so well. Dr. Shapiro is confident, decisive, and takes action in a positive way, to ensure the future of his patient, this time being me. His knowledgeable yet caring bedside manner is one that I believe other doctors should strive to have.
I commend Dr. Shapiro for seeing a needed task before him, getting the wheels turning, and at the same time, treat patients such as he did with me, with respect that he simply doesn't have to. His nature is one in which respect for another is held high, which brings back much respect and good will from patients. I've seen many doctors through the years and I must say, dealing with Dr. Shapiro, there was no lack of clarity in discussing my injury and how it would be treated. I'm extremely pleased and will refer others to this doctor for his outstanding work with me. As I work with many parents and children annually, I hope that any needing help can get it from Dr. Shapiro.”
– M.R.
Treating Doctor: Todd Shapiro, MD
“I just wanted to write to let you know how much my family and I appreciate your medical care. My recent injury was serious enough to possibly alter my lifestyle. Thanks to your experience and skills in diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation, I am able to start living the lifestyle I enjoyed before my accident. You have a great upbeat and positive manner. Your competent and reassuring care gave me the hope and encouragement I needed.
I’ve found the entire staff at Southern California Orthopedic Institute to be phenomenal. Your office assistant is to be highly commended. She handled my many phone calls and questions with promptness, efficiency, and courtesy. The rehabilitation center at SCOI is also very special. The personal attention I have received from the staff has been fabulous. They designed unique exercises to bring my hamstrings back to working order. Paying close attention to detail, they have monitored my progress with a smile and encouraging demeanor. I’m absolutely thrilled over my care at SCOI. I’ll be recommending you and SCOI to my family and friends. Thanks again for being there for me, and helping my family and me get through a rough patch in our lives. We appreciate you immensely!”
– B.E.
Treating Doctor: Michael S. Bahk, MD
