SOAR Orthopedics

Dr. Lehnert is fantastic. He knows his stuff, for sure. He had a bone spur issue resolved within weeks. Very personable and hands on as well.

Dr. Sarah Edwards gave my husband hope for recovery when no one else would. He’s hopeful for at least some pain relief which is better than what other doctors had told him. His previous surgeon wouldn’t even consider surgery, saying his shoulder was irreparable. Dr. Edwards was able to operate and did a beautiful job! He’s still recovering but the outlook is good! Highly, highly, highly recommend her!!!

Three+ years later and my elbow accident is a distant memory. Dr. Akizuki and his team are fantastic. Long term results are what you want not a short term fix. Go with the best, go to SOAR. I am writing now because I am referring a friend and decided to make sure others know this is an excellent practice.

Highly recommend Dr. Sara Edwards, very empathetic and caring. She makes sure to answer any questions, and isn’t looking to over-​test or over-​prescribe. She did her residency at Northwestern and is the team orthopedic surgeon at Berkeley.

Both the nurse practitioner and Dr. Akizuki did a great job walking me through the MRI of my left knee. They explain medical concepts exceedingly well. Additionally, Dr. Akizuki gave me several options that would actually fix my problem whereas my HMO (Kaiser) essentially told me to go away. Also, doctor was honest about my issues and did not try to push me into surgery. I’m going step up physical therapy and use custom orthotics to see if I can keep running. If this doesn’t work, I’ll be back at Dr. Akizuki’s office.
Also, I had no issues scheduling my appointment. The staff was very professional and accommodating.

I would’ve loved to have given a better review because Jonah Mullens is a good man, however, after much thought, I just can’t do it.
First, the good. I found Dr. Jonah Mullens to be professional, caring and empathetic. He was there when I needed him and always willing to engage me in discussing my medical issues and concerns. Even saw me at his home on a Sunday when his staff botched a cast. And that leads me to the bad.
On April 25^th 2014 I developed a diabetic ulcer. I’d been a routine patient of Dr. Mullens for 3+ years to that point. This was a serious matter, becoming infected, needing two hospital stays and a surgery. That period ran until the end of September. I saw Dr Mullens weekly, getting a cast and a quick review each time. The casting room was often running late, had high turnover and problems with the casts. In late November, the foot again began to swell. With Thanksgiving a few days out, Dr. Mullens suggested an antibiotic rather than a visit. By the day after Thanksgiving, I found myself in the hospital being prepped for surgery. My toe had turned black from infection and after surgery I was diagnosed with osteomyleitous as the staph infection had worked it’s way into two bones in my foot. Worse, Dr Mullens’ surgery had left me with a significant bunion, potentially causing me more problems than I started with. I was just told I was FINALLY cured today from the hospitalization that began on Nov 29^th. That makes this just a bit short of ten months. I really believe the lackadaisical treatment in SOAR casting room compared to a hospital wound center prolonged my healing. Because of that, I had a surgery I didn’t need and an infection that would’ve never occurred.

I’ve seen many 4 different orthopedists this year for two different episodes and hands down Dr. Sara Edwards is one of a kind! She was straight to the point but also very thorough and listened to my questions and concerns. Like Jeanie said in her review, Edwards goes above and beyond to accommodate and help her patients.
The staff are very welcoming and helpful. Would recommend SOAR to anyone looking for orthopedists!

Saw Dr. Sara Edwards for a self-​diagnosed sprained ankle. Dr. Edwards was top notch. She was personable, kind, straightforward, and a thorough diagnostician. She was also resourceful and understanding when I asked to keep the tests to a minimum due to my high deductible. She went above and beyond to accommodate my wishes. Would recommend Dr. Edwards unreservedly to others.

I don’t write a lot of reviews on here, but I recently saw Dr. Sara Edwards and her care was so excellent I’m making an exception. I’ve been to a slew of specialists over the past 2 years for various problems with my hip and lower back. Dr. Edwards is the rare orthopedist who seems more interested in listening to what you have to say and really figuring out what’s going on than in cutting you open. She spotted something on an X-​ray that several other doctors have missed and sent me on my way feeling much better about my ability to manage my symptoms without surgery or any other major interventions. I can’t speak to her surgical skills (and hope I’ll never have to!) but she’s an outstanding clinician.

Akizuki is great, and while it is very hard to get ahold of the team, once you do it is worth it. I am going to be able to start doing marathons again because of SOAR and Akizuki.

Great job guys keep up the good work. The staff is a Little slow but my overall grade is A. Get on board for a good ride r just spend ur time looking for a good doc look no more join soars. My acl surgery was done great after another doc screw it up doc (ka) went in fix a big mess. I’m going back again what about you!!!

Amazing doctors with SOAR. Dr. Akizuki is just amazing and took care of my arm injury with flying colors. He has a great bedside manner and always full of smiles and laughs. That’s huge considering all of us who meet him will usually undergo surgery. Great staff at the surgical center too!
Also, Dr. Robinson is the best PCP. I have moved to different states in the U. S and I have not met anyone as kind and helpful as she. You can tell she truly loves her job.

I come here over the years as I’m an avid athlete. I’ve had a variety of injuries from a rolled ankle, to a strange foot growth, to tweaking things on and off the ski slopes. My recent experience strengthens my positive attitude towards SOAR. I took a bad fall skiing this past season and broke my arm and a few ribs. Getting an appointment was very easy and they could see me within a day! Every time I have called, I leave a message and it’s returned within a reasonable amount of time. My appointments have been easy to obtain.
Yes, this place is busy! It’s because they are good. There are a lot of good surgeons and practices in the area and I come here because I get the care I need in an efficient way, explained to me in detail with options given. I’m confident in their expertise.
Do they spend a ton of time with me? No, but I don’t have that much time and neither do they. I’ve been treated with respect and without incident so far. I will continue to return here (hopefully not too often:-)).

Dr. Dillingham is an absolutely expert surgeon. I have now had two knee surgeries, and am scheduled to have my other knee corrected. While he is a surgeon — he will not operate unless it is absolutely necessary. He will always be on the lookout for your best interest.
As with all surgeons — don’t expect the bedside manner. But, once he gets to know you — he has a great personality.
The absolutely only negative is that his practice is overbooked and should be closed. But — he is known, and people travel far to have his expertise.
He has changed my quality of life, and I am forever grateful.

Long story short, I broke both the bones in my ankle on my first day of vacation and when I finally got back to San Francisco, I found out that I had to go back and have everyone I had worked with rebill everything to my new insurance. Complete train wreck between submitting for disability and switching insurance (not to mention the broken ankle). The medical group in Florida that did my operation was efficient, but efficiency is not everything. They sent me out with vague instructions and were terrible communicators both medically and on the administratively.
Because of the insurance issue, I have dealt with everyone at SOAR from the receptionists, to the billing department, to the actual doctors… I cannot speak highly enough of this group. Everyone is so supportive and wonderful which is completely refreshing. I have felt like every effort has been made to make sure I am getting the care I need while keeping my best interest in terms of the insurance in mind.
Dr. Mullens is my podiatrist and is just the best. He was able to fill in all of the gaps of knowledge left by my surgeon and gave me clear recommendations on how to proceed with the recovery. It was the first time I felt really positive about my recovery in over a month. I truly wish I could have had him from the beginning.
Thank you so much to everyone at SOAR! You guys are the best!!!

I’m adding this medical group to Unilocal to give everyone else the benefit of the excellent treatment I received for a nasty injury. See my individual reviews for Docs Nicholas Mast and Kenneth Akizuki, both of whom come with my very highest rating. Check out the website — the talent in this group is deep, deep, deep.