Torrance Memorial Medical Center

At TMMC, the nursing and medical staff outside of the Oncology department truly demonstrated kindness and empathy, which was very reassuring during a challenging time. Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. Sikaria was quite different. Several reviews indicate that she tends to come across as rude and lacks compassion. It makes me wonder if she was more empathetic early in her career. During our consultation, Dr. Sikaria made a rather alarming statement suggesting that if we didn't follow her recommended treatment, the patient would not survive. She conveyed this message in a tone that felt condescending, which was concerning given the situation's urgency. We felt compelled to follow her advice, trusting that her expertise would lead to the best approach to treat the cancer, particularly with the increased dosage she suggested. However, there seemed to be little acknowledgment of the potential side effects associated with the treatment. Concerns such as Chemotherapy Toxicity, nerve issues, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss/malnutrition, and urinary/bladder complications were not addressed. Throughout the treatment, the patient endured significant weight loss while on the higher dosage, but observation from Dr. Sikaria was lacking. Despite facing serious complications from side effects, Dr. Sikaria and other physicians in the Oncology department, including Dr. Jessica Siak, maintained a demeanor that felt dismissive. It was disheartening to have to request more empathy from them during visits. Unfortunately, each appointment ended with their recommendation for immediate discharge and hospice care, which is intended for patients nearing the end of life—a situation I never wanted to consider. In hindsight, I wish I had researched Dr. Sikaria before starting treatment. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend the Oncology department at TMMC, as the connection with Cedars Sinai does not seem to enhance the quality of care. I hope my feedback will encourage improvements in how patients are treated in the future, focusing on compassion and thorough communication.

To be fair, I think majority of nursing are well meaning and cares about the patient experience. But some (and there are enough of them to make me want to write a review, including a lead nurse in our most recent experience), treats family members as if we're adversaries, rather than partners, in health delivery. This really saddens me and certainly creates unnecessary aggravation in the already very stressful situation of having a family member with a terminal illness. Seek care elsewhere if that's an option, especially if it's a loved one who has a chronic medical condition.

On June 11, 2022, the paramedics took me to the TMMC emergency room, as the emergency room was full, they put me in the parking lot, after an hour, Dr. Wong came out and asked me if I had my pacemaker card with me, I replied with no, the doctor said Ok and returned to the emergency room, two hours later when no one came out to ask me why I was there, I called an Uber and returned home, an hour later Dr. Wong called me to ask me why I left, I said that I was in the parking lot for three hours and I only saw three employees ( 2 females and 1 male) who went out to make phone calls with their cell phones, the doctor told me Ok if you need us you know where we are. The next day I found out that I had had a Ventricular Tachycardia, my heart rate had risen to 225 beats per minute for 1.5 seconds, so the defibrillator gave me a shock and made me lose consciousness for a few seconds. Then I receive a bill for the emergency and the doctor's services. It is incredible that the hospital and the doctor have billed my health insurance and are charging me a copay. As I understand it, heart patients should be priority but, in this case, TMMC did not care about the patient's condition.

lost dementia patient glasses on a 5 min ride in wheelchair from basement to room and blame patient. disgusting. laura in administration is rude and says will call back and had to call back two more times to get a response. dropped the ball on this one. do not take any dementia or alzheimer patients to this hospital will be blamed for all the hospitals mistakes or negligence.

Lousy service. Many staff are quite rude. They don’t seem to care about the quality of care the patients received.

Horrible hospital that prioritizes profiting and minimize litigation over providing quality health care.

We are so lucky and fortunate to have this hospital in the Southbay it has been upgraded year after year to keep up with the demands of the city cities

Outstanding care ! Highly recommend to anyone needing tender care every day 24/7

This is hospital is the best. The staff was great!

The emergency room staff took me quickly and diagnosed my problem. They admitted me and gave me wonderful care.