Dr. Terpenning is very caring, very warm and very good doctor.

Submitted July 11, 2016

She is brilliant. Her bedside manner is warm and kind. She is the third Oncologist I have worked with over the years to stay healthy. She took me on a completely different route than my previous Oncologist and it has been working for 3 years. She respects that I use alternative medicine and my personal beliefs about getting well. I just can't say enough about how great she is. Sometimes she is a little rushed but if you ask her to slow down and answer all your questions she responds immediately.

Submitted Sept. 13, 2014

Our family will never be able to thank you for all you did for our Gail. She loved you with all her heart and I am sure she will see you again in heaven.

Submitted Feb. 16, 2014

excellent doctor she kept me alive she do her job very well she keep up with all her new meds

Submitted Sept. 24, 2013

I traveled 1.5 hours to see the doctor. When I arrived, her staff told me she refused to see me because my secondary insurance was BCCTP (Medi-Cal). I asked them to please let her know how far I had traveled. Her staff came back after discussing this with her and said she still would not see me. I was exhausted and humiliated! She could have given me a free consultation and sent me on my way. Other oncologists in the area gave me a free consultation. Additionally, no one on her staff told me in advance that she didn't accept the BCCTP program as secondary insurance, and since I'm new to Medi-Cal I didn't think to ask. I couldn't believe how I was treated.

Submitted Nov. 14, 2012

Dr. Marilou Terpenning is one of the most highly respected oncologists in practice. She consults with and is consulted by the top research oncologists in the world; she is a regular participant in national and international conferences, panels and studies, all of which has benefited my treatment directly. When other medical specialists learn that I am under the care of Dr. Terpenning, I am regularly greeted with the remark: "Marilou Terpenning is the smartest doctor I know." Dr. Terpenning's nursing staff and office staff are caring, efficient, discreet and wholly professional. Her junior partners at Santa Monica Hematology Oncology Associates are first-rate. This is because Dr. Terpenning is the leader - the mind heart and soul - of this superb medical practice. Marilou Terpenning, saved my life - not just once but twice (breast cancer and a blood disorder); she is a superlative physician who will minister to you with consummate medical expertise, human warmth and deep compassion.

Submitted Dec. 16, 2011

Did not appreciate having to wait 2 1/2 hrs to see her, even tho had an appt. Pay your own parking. Office desk open to waiting room, listened to all conversations regarding other patients. Office is shoddy. Consultation took another hour as she continually walked out of exam room in mid-conversation. Found her to be very intelligent...but over-bearing, bossy, and quite rude. Her talk was a non-stop stream. She didn't talk down ...just around and around me with all kinds of irrelevant and repetitious statements without focus. Unable to ask a question unless I interrupted her. Seemed irritated and offended by my questioning. I felt she was a controlling, alarmist who really had nothing to offer but what I had already presented to her. She has no real speciality within oncology, but is probably ok for the general treatment of common oncological problems. I do not recommend, unless you can deal with this type of personality, or really need a specialist within oncology.

Submitted May 10, 2011

Such a helpful, considerate individual. She listens and speaks with you at your comfort level. Knowledgeable and not condescending. She is there for you and helps you work toward your own goals.

Submitted Feb. 28, 2010

This doctor saves lives on a daily basis. I would not be here today (12 years post cancer) if she was not my oncologist. She has the most up-to-date information on cancer treatment and prevention. She is thorough,conscientious, comprehensive, honest, sincere, intuitive and willing to go to any length to provide the best care for her patients. She does not miss anything and is as passionate about saving lives today, as she was when I met her 12 years ago. In addition, she has a hard working, compassionate staff that mirror her commitment to the best treatment anyone could ask for.

Submitted June 3, 2008

Highly skilled, best organized, calmest, and most empathetic oncologist in town. She has excellent communication skills, she is very honest, and she is very patient. She is, simply, the best. If only all MDs were this competent.

Submitted Feb. 20, 2008