I got my prostrate removed by Dr. Salem over two and half years ago on Feb. 10, 2015. Today I am healthy and happy with a PSA of near zero. I had been on Kaiser in 2014 where my PSA came up at #12 after coming in because I could not urinate and they just gave me a lets wait and see attitude while I did self- catheter every day. When they finally tested for cancer it was found I had the lowest level of cancer in only one side node and internal 2 of 12 needle sampling in a non-aggressive slower growing type cancer. However, when the doctors checked my prostrate with hand ultra sound my prostrate did not look overly large. I was just suffering and wanted it out and so they discussed all the standard options. Meanwhile, I checked on their best at robotic surgery and their staff success rate was mediocre. That is when I started researching who was the best in San Diego. It came down to three surgeons and the two from UCSD would not even see me for months way into the next year . Carol Salem had an opening in January of 2015 and found out she worked through Scripps Mercy, director of robotics surgery and formally director of UCSD robotics surgery. When I met her for my visit, I was totally sold on her because of her intelligence and openess to share all information. She was willing to answer any questions I had no matter how technical. I told her that I did not mind having the prostrate removed if it meant I could urinate normally again. When the operation was done, I found out that I had mostly an unusual mutated prostrate with the little cancer not the main issue. Most prostrates have two nodes but she with all the prostrates she does has removed ones with a third node. Basically I had two extra nodes that the other doctors never saw like a sea anemone with one section smashing my bladder which she surgically rebuilt and fixed where it attaches to the urinary canal. Since my total prostrate was twice the size of what previous doctors saw, a wait and watch approach for my prostrate cancer would have never worked. Within a short week I was able to pee like a 25 year old and it never felt so good with no incontinence. All the other nerves were fixed pleasantly, if you know what I mean. I cannot believe I suffered so long for months doing self-catheter, so she improved my life immensely. Doctor Salem is the smartest and most aware doctor I have ever met. If you have a prostrate problem there is no better doctor in San Diego than her.

Submitted Sept. 7, 2017

She is the real thing! Number one by a long shot in my book. You couldn't be in better hands.

Submitted April 15, 2017

She is the best there is period. Kept it simple, and everything went as she planned. Couldn't have asked for better.

Submitted Oct. 19, 2016

An incredibly rare surgeon. Works day and night for her patients and although she "pulls no punches" she is kind and caring. A rare gem of a doctor!

Submitted July 14, 2015

My father recently had surgery and under Dr. Salem's care. She is the most AMAZING doctor I have EVER CAME ACROSS. She is knowledgeable, professional and she has the BEST interest of the patient and family.

Submitted Sept. 8, 2014

Dr Salem is truly one of the best (invested in her patients: excellent bed side, always explaining the course of treatment/action, and putting the patient first) doctors I've ever had the pleasure to be treated by. Having baldder cancer, and needing to have a cystoscopy regulary, she is always concerned about my discomfort. Before becomong her patient I called her office to scehdule an appointment to obtain a second opinion, she saw me gratis, reviewed the diagnoses/report, and recommended a treatment path with a formal letter.

Submitted May 27, 2014

I found Dr. Carol Salem to be very skilled and professional. As a urologist and surgeon, you could not find anyone better. She cares a lot about her patients. She also worked closely with two other physicians, and the three got me back on my feet, when I knew that death was tugging on my shirt-tail. The other two physicians were Dr. Sabina Wallach of La Jolla, CA and Dr. Anuradha Koka in Vista CA. If you wish any further information from me, please contact me Jeff May, email address capt9999@att.net

Submitted April 19, 2014

Dr. Salem is amazing!!! She is approachable, knowledgable, and compassionate. I'm so lucky to have her as my doctor:)

Submitted Feb. 7, 2013

Dr. Carol E. Salem removed my Prostrate, using a Da Vinci robot in July 2011 at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. I felt no pain and was up and walking 24-hours after my surgery. She visited me in my hospital room at least twice a day to check on everything and even ordered me breakfast one morning. I went home 60-hours after my surgery. The catheter was removed 6-days later, and in 10 more days I was continent. I’m pleased to give Dr. Salem, her staff, and all the nurses at Mercy Hospital the highest rating for excellence.

Submitted Aug. 16, 2011

Dr. Salem's done over 1000 Da Vinci prostatectomies, and I was one of them. If anyone was BORN to excel in their field, it's her. When I had to choose a surgeon quickly for insurance reasons, she met with my wife and me for 90 minutes after hours on a day's notice for free-- and she made sure we understood everything. Afterward, we decided Dr. Salem was the one before we even reached the elevator. During my operation, she spent an extra 90 minutes gingerly separating the neuro-vascular bundles from my prostate. Within a couple of weeks I was able to ease back into normal activities. It's been a few weeks and I couldn't be happier; I'm now cancer-free and all my stuff works! To say that we're grateful to Dr. Salem is a gross understatement. She completely rocks.

Submitted March 26, 2011