Burbank BrachyTherapy Institute

May 2024

Hello Everyone, I just want everyone to know that this facility is AMAZING! The women behind the counter, the assistants, along with Dr. Dakroub are kind and caring. Even though they had on their professional hats, they made me feel special as if I was family. I was able to ask questions to the women behind the counter, the assistant, and Dr. Dakroub, and they answered me politely. I felt cared for, my voice was heard, and I wasn't rushed. Thank you all for making my visit a pleasant one, Considering the seriousness of discussing cancer, treatment, and moving forward. I truly recommend this facility to everyone dealing with cancer. Whether you were or going through chemo, radiation or in remission, I feel this facility is the BEST. They care at The Oncology Institute/Burbank. Del Brown

Jun 2023

Followers of my Yelp account know that I am the Los Angeles go-to expert regarding medical facilities. From blood draw labs to x-rays, urgent cares to hospitals, ultrasounds to MRIs, primary doctors to specialists and everything in between; I review them all. For newbies or those simply dropping by; long story short is that I am VERY sick suffering from multiple terminal and chronic health conditions - some of which are baffling doctors (I'm talking to you, mystery rash/skin condition!). Trust me, I'd rather this not be my Yelp claim to fame, but here we are. I'm coming at you hot with another medical review: this time with The Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation. The Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation was founded in 2007 in nearby Cerritos with the aims of providing state-of-the-art care for cancer, blood diseases, etc. They apparently have more than 60 locations and have expanded to several neighboring states and even as far as Florida. My Medi-Cal insurance authorized me to visit the clinic in Burbank under the Oncology Institute umbrella. Situated near the intersection of Alameda/Buena Vista across the street from St. Joseph's hospital; this location sits in one of the large medical buildings at this plot. Parking is rough in the area with free street parking (usually filled) so you may have to resort to the paid parking garages. The clinic is on the third floor: make a right out of the elevator and directly at the end of the hall. This location's main doctor, Dr. Saghi Esfandiarifard (that's a lot of letters!) is apparently at the top of her game with education, accomplishments, appearance in medical journals and awards. Sounds like this place would be fantastic, right? Well, there is a reason for the negative reviews. Things immediately started off on a sour note when I called to make my appointment as a new patient. I was on hold for 40 min and 38 seconds (see photo) and no one answered so I gave up. The next day, attempt #2, I was on hold for 21 min before FINALLY being answered. Of course, I received no apology or acknowledgment of the 41 min inconvenience. Strike #1. My appointment wasn't scheduled for TWO months out! Strike #2. The two months pass and I was called the day before to confirm my appointment. They called me back AN HOUR LATER saying they have to reschedule because the doctor wouldn't be in the next day. How did this change in an hour?! After waiting two months, and with less than 24-hour notice, we had to reschedule for two weeks out. If patients did that, we would be fined (in fact, they charge a $25 cancelation fee). Strike #3. Did they apologize? No. Strike #4! I arrived to my rescheduled appointment to a spacious lobby (I think it was recently painted as there were still plastic coverings on the wall trims); but with no welcomes or smiles from the three receptionists behind the counter. In fact, one of the girls literally just stared at me in silence while another was scrolling on social media on her cell phone. Strike #5. On the up side, this is the speediest wait at the doctor's office I've ever had as I was retrieved to take my vitals in about 10 minutes. I was still filling out my intake forms! Once my vitals were taken, I waited in the exam room for the 'doctor'. But I never saw the doctor! I met with Elaine Crane, the nurse practitioner! Why did they cancel my first appointment if I was never going to see the doctor to begin with?! Now, don't get me wrong: Elaine is fantastic and I loved her. She is patient, personable, listens and answers questions with easy-to-understand explanations and isn't dismissive like 98% of doctors. I'm glad I met with her but I'm simply saying that the dramatics of the cancelation wasn't necessary if I wasn't going to see the doctor, anyway. Elaine requested more blood work and would be getting an authorization to see another specialist before I return for my follow-up. I happened to leave my water bottle at the office which I noticed when I got home. I call

Jan 2023

On May 23, 2022, my father had a consultation appointment scheduled with Dr. Maher Dakroub at The Oncology Institute in Burbank. We arrived to the appointment, signed their new patient documentation and waited approximately 10 minutes before getting called in. Dr. Dakroub (my father's hematologist) reviewed his most recent blood work and discussed the results with us. He was thorough, patient, and helpful. Since my fathers hemoglobin numbers were very low, Dr. Dakroub gave us a few recommendations on what to do about his stats. Flash forward a few months, we met with Dr. Dakroub again via phone appointment, and discussed his more recent bloodwork. His numbers have gone up and are now in the normal range. We will be seeing the clinician again in 4 months for a follow-up. Dr. Dakroub has been so kind and patient with us. It's hard to find clinicians who really care about the health of their patients nowadays BUT this doctor is an exception. If you are looking for a great oncologist/hematologist, Dr. Maher Dakroub is your guy. I believe he works out of two locations. My father and I went to his office in Burbank.