Alvin Y Chan, MD

For 15+ years I avoided Cervical surgery. I saw the best of the best Doctors, and even a world renown surgeon in Germany. They all wanted to scare me into surgery and did not give a crap about me. I was even fired by Dr. Palmer. They all made me believe I needed a 10 1/2 hr surgery or split the surgery into 2. After all, 2 longer surgeries are better for them. All these Doctors wanted to do a super complicated surgery bound to leave me in greater pain, they even said, plan on more pain forever. I did my best to avoid surgery but with my spinal cord compression, I was losing my balance and was on track for not being able to walk. I frustrated every neurosurgeon I saw along with my pain Management Doctor. I was just about ready to give up again and then I got referred to Dr. Alvin Chan. I showed up with my wife and we sat down expecting more of the same. The first thing Dr. Chan said was that his plan was to do the least amount of work for the biggest gain. He explained why, and what he was going to do. He explained all the benefits of his approach. The first thing that went through my brain was, This Guy Really Cares About Me! Let me say it again, He Genuinely Cared About Me! He had no interest in exercising every skill he had. He wanted to do the least amount of work and give me the most gain and function. No Marathon Surgery. He had full confidence he could help. He was clearly beyond competent and well versed with my situation. Well versed means, it was clear he was not just winging it. My case is complex and I saw Dr.'s that had no clue what to do. Dr. Chan knew what to do! Combined with his caring and understanding, I knew he was the one! I did not have a single doubt! He spent so much time with me and answered all my questions. I got 100% of his attention even though he had people waiting. He was going to make sure I was 100% comfortable. This is how great Dr. Chan is! When we were done with the meeting, my wife turns to me and says I think we found him! I said that is exactly what I was thinking the whole time. For the first time in 15 years I found a Doctor I trusted and that cared about my well being and brought me Great Peace! I cannot urge you enough to meet with Dr. Chan. I am 5 weeks away from surgery. I am still healing but my balance is almost 100% back. The same day of the surgery I could feel my feet again and my walking/balance is improved greatly. My 4mm compressed spinal cord has room to breathe with my 4 level fusion, 4 level Laminectomy. It has stabilized my neck, no longer the accordion it used to be. Dr. Chan could have tried to do the longer more complicated surgery. Instead he figured out a better way. A way not one of the many neurosurgeons that I saw even considered. Thank God for Dr. Chan's brilliance! Once again, I cannot urge you enough to meet with Dr. Chan. BTW My experience at HOAG Hospital was absolutely Horrid!!! Avoid that place if you can. I chose the hospital, Boy! was I wrong!!!!

Dr. Chan is a phenomenal surgeon and helped me with a conservative yet extremely effective approach to get me back on my feet. Now I'm pain tree. I highly recommend him for my friends and family.