UCSD Center for Surgery

Dr. Schecter may possess the technical skills of a radiologist but his patient skills are poor. One would expect an experienced clinician to be prepared to sensitively manage patients with an aversion to needles, but this was not our experience. Rather than trying to help my 16 year-old daughter reduce her anxiety about having 2 8"+ needles inserted deeply into tender breast tissue to hook onto masses within her breast, (wouldn't most people feel anxious about such a procedure?) he expressed irritation with her anxiety. When she resisted the needle he actually said words to the effect of, "now your lack of cooperation is making me mad." The technician assisting him was beyond kind and professional. I wish I could recall her name. Our surgeon, Kathy Toosie, was/is also phenomenal. When we requested a topical anesthetic spray or ointment which has helped in the past to numb the area and reduce some of the pain, he rejected our request stating that there was no topical anesthetic available (at a surgery center?). As he inserted the first needle and tears streamed down my daughter's face, he jammed the needle suddenly and forcefully into the mass which was initially resisting the needle. After the first needle we asked Dr. Schecter to suspend treatment. Not our typical experience within the Scripps system. I have never written a negative review before. Disappointing treatment from such a supposedly experienced professional.

My wife has been a patient of Dr. Schechter for many years, and he’s always gone out of his way to provide her with exceptional care—both in an emergency as well as at a scheduled appointment. I heartily endorse him if you need his services.