Howard B Salvay, MD

Dr Salvay is straightforward & to the point, kind & compassionate, most important of all is that he listens to his patients concerns. Also, he’s an amazing surgeon! See him if you can!!!
*yelp wants longer reviews… Ain’t nobody got time for that :) So here are a couple of sentences to please the people of Unilocal who think that people need to keep reading reviews instead of getting on with their lives

Dr. Salvay is a brilliant doctor. He takes all things in consideration when discussing your health with you. My favorite dr of all time and Ive had a million!!!

If you’ve got prolapse and you’re looking for a surgeon who can help you keep your uterus, Dr. Salvay can help.
I had requested he use my original ligaments to maintain natural alignment and he was willing to do this, but when he got inside, they were shredded. So he performed the surgery and was able to keep my uterus and with only two incisions.
The nurses are delightful and service oriented. I’m SO glad I had this surgery.

I cannot say enough good about my rockstar gynecologist. I trust him with my life – and I have to. I first saw Dr. Salvay in September, 2015, following an abnormal Pap smear. I have had many doctors in the intervening months, and Dr. Salvay is at the head of my personal pantheon. He is professional, warm, and cares intensely about the health and well-​being of his patients. Or maybe he’s just an insufferable jerk who doesn’t care about anyone. (Or maybe you can’t get your little brain around the idea that a man survives in this field, when no other men remain in it in the entire county, and maybe you shouldn’t be writing Unilocal reviews – your review saying this man, with thirty-​plus years of experience delivering babies and helping women with their lady parts, has no «evidence based» [sic] or «practical birth skills» might be a little light in the «verifiable claim» department.)
For me, he held my hand through a very dark patch, and it’s not over yet. Though it clearly pains him to be the bearer of less-​than-​ideal news, I trust this man to help me and to guide me to the right people to care for me further. Moreover, Dr. Salvay is a doctor who LISTENS, and I will say that a doctor who listens, and listens well, is a treasure. So are the women on his staff. I am grateful with every cell of my being for Dr. Salvay, and Lara, Danielle, and everyone else at PAMF. I can’t believe what some women have written here (whatevah), but then I’m just glad that I am having a blessed experience with such a fantastic caregiver. Thank you, Dr. Salvay, for your care, your prayers, and your compassion. THANK YOU.
P. S. I cannot stop laughing at the woman thinking Dr. Salvay was complimenting her on her vajayjay. RIGHT. Honey, did you bedazzle it with Svoboda crystals? (It’s more likely that anyone who says you have a beautiful vagina means it can give birth properly or perform Kegels. But thanks for the laugh. HILARIOUS! Should I get mine bedazzled before a procedure? Then I can say, «Don’t hate my vagina because it’s beautiful.» BWAH!!!

Dr. Salvay is a complete gentleman, he was very patient with all my questions and concerns. I am a nurse and had many questions!!! Brilliant doctor, he performed a hysterectomy, one tiny incision in my belly button and a 2 inch suprapubic incision. There is absolutely no scar in belly button, still super cute! Love this man, If you are considering a hysterectomy have a consultation with Dr. Salvay, you won’t regret it! Recovery was 14 days, how is that even possible!!! siliconvalleyrn

If you want a good surgeon for a hysterectomy in Santa Cruz county, Dr. Salvay is your doctor. He told me clearly what would be done, and that other «fixes» might be needed. He did an excellent job. I have no regrets. He answered my questions, told me what options there were, and gave his recommendation. I was satisfied and glad that I was a candidate for robotic surgery as I knew that he was well trained for the procedure.
I see comments that his bedside manner and communication skills may be terse, but personally I like that. I want to hear the options, make my decision then put my trust in the medical ability of the provider.

I am so grateful I found Dr. Salvay. Two weeks ago he performed my hysterectomy (due to a very large fibroid)…all through a single incision at my belly button. Prior to surgery I met with him several times to discuss my options and concerns. I did my own research and I asked lots of questions. Every time we met he listened patiently and answered thoughtfully. I never felt rushed or like my concerns were an inconvenience to him. There were no complications during or after my surgery, though had there been I intuitively trusted him to take care of me. I went home the next morning sans any heavy pain medicine and was off Advil a few days later. Also, want to mention the staff at Sutter… wow. All the nurses and Dr. Arakaki (my anesthesiologist)…I felt so well cared for from start to finish. Thank you all so much!

Dr Salvay is a mad scientist in the best way. My girlfriend had fibroid removal through single incision in belly button. 2 weeks later, no visible scar. 5 days post-​op, she was gardening (with some slowed mobility & loss of stamina, but WOW!). Dr Salvay was refreshingly honest & frank, which I appreciate in a ‘bedside manner’ much more so than coddling.

He was 45 minutes late and took his being behind in schedule out on me. Basically came in, saw that I am a big girl and gave up before he even started. He said he didn’t think he was going to see much but he would give it a try. Gee thanks.
He said due to my BMI he couldn’t see much. Strange since every other ultrasound we had gave us great detail, including a fetal echocardiogram. Also, cut a girl some slack! I’m doing the best I can during this pregnancy; I eat healthy, nutritious food, exercise and I’ve actually LOST weight so far.
As a specialist, I would think he would have been more thorough and capable. I have zero confidence in his abilities.
If you want someone to be thorough, respectful of your time and pregnant-​lady feelings, do yourself the favor of booking an appointment with someone else.

Last year Dr. Salvay found my ovarian cancer during an ultrasound. I had just turned 18 and every doctor I had talked to treated me like I was a child, they would not make eye contact with me, when they spoke they looked at my mother, which may have been comforting for her but It drove me nuts.
Dr. Salvay treated me like a normal person that deserved to know what was going on with my body. He was straight forward, and answered any questions I had honestly and somewhat bluntly which I actually was super thankful for.
I highly recommend him.

Dr Salvay is an amazing doctor and very personable. Another doctor referred me to him when I discovered I had a large fibrous tumor in my uterus. As it turns out, this is Dr Salvay specialty. He does hysterectomies and removes it all through the belly button, virtually leaving NO scar. I am proof. My partial hysterectomy was a super easy recovery. I actually did some yard work and painted my bathroom 3 days later. I was surfing, play volleyball and mountain bike riding after the first week. I love my surgeon!

Dr Salvay’s vast experience and knowledge coupled with his professional but easy going demeanor enabled me to be calm and confident throughout my pregnancy and the birth of my first child. I had a great experience and strongly recommend him!

I had used midwives for my previous two children but our insurance did not allow us to use the same midwives group so I found Howard Salvay through recommendations. Dr. Salvay delivered my son in May. He was delivered naturally without tearing (I’d torn with both previous births). There were a few minor complications but Salvay was very professional and skilled and kept me at ease. During office visits he seemed cool at first, but I came to realize he has a dry sense of humor that I really like. He’s very good with ultra sound tests. We were able to find out our sons gender early and when there was a positioning problem he found the cause in a matter of seconds. I had a fantastic experience with him and the office staff. I would use him again in a heartbeat.

I first consulted Dr. Salvay last fall regarding pelvic prolapse surgery and he suggested that I was a good candidate for robotic surgery. Because of a situation at my job, I had to wait until March to have it done. I am very remiss and should have posted my report long ago.
When I first met Dr. Salvay, I was so impressed by his professionalism and warm personality. It is astounding to me that anyone has commented contrary to his personality. I was very reluctant to seek medical advice, because I had heard so many negative experiences many have had. All of that was put aside the day we met. I left his office with the utmost confidence that I was in very good hands.
My surgery was on March 7. Dr. Salvay and Dr. Elizabeth Newsome worked in tandem with the daVinci robot. Dr. Salvay is a master when it comes to using this equipment. His number one desire is to make his patients quality of life better. Well, in my case that was certainly the case. Had I known that this would be so easy to recover from and such outstanding results, I would have never waited as long and I did.
I encourage anyone that has put this type of surgery off because of uncertainty to go see Dr. Salvay for a consult without delay. I am sure you will be as satisfied as I am.
Thank you Dr. Salvay. You are the best.
Sincerely,
Deborah B., Santa Cruz

I had a hysterctomy in April. Dr Salvery, and the de Vinci robot did a superb job! the Surgery to remove my uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes was scheduled for 04/19,and I was back to work by 04÷29÷13. The pain was minimal, and only lasted for a few days. By post-​op day five, I was only taking an NSAID twice a day, and walking in the neighborhood at my normal pace within seven days!
I appreciate Dr’ Salvay’s mastery as a surgeon. He was thoughtful in making sure that my needs were met throughout the process. The nurses and techs gave skillful and excellent care before and after the procedure. And, though hesitant at first, I was very grateful for the epidural/​spinal block which made the first 24 hours of recovery much easier. SMSC and Dr Salvey are the best!

People warned me about Dr. Salvay’s «bedside manner». What that really boils down to is 1) he thinks aloud-​which in certain situations can be challenging and 2) he has a flare for the dramatic.
The important thing about Dr. Salvay, or things rather, is that he 1) is a master of what he does and 2) he is champion of vaginal birth and will do everything in his power (refer to # 1) to see that you can have a natural delivery .
If you have any need of him, thank your lucky starts he is around!

Having a hysterectomy was not an easy decision and I researched high and low for a good surgeon.
Come to find out that Dr Salvay, whom I had been to years before for other problems, rated quite well on many websites, and is doing amazing things with robotic surgery!
I met with him and knew immediately (after having previously seen other drs) that he was the surgeon for me. He may not be known for his bedside manner but I was very happy that he listened to all my needs.
He also was able to see much faster than several other drs I had called, especially since I was bleeding heavily and anemic this was important… other dr’s did not care.
After having checked my issues out he was able to schedule me for surgery within 2 weeks so I could finally stop the suffering I was in.
He was very careful during surgery to do it well and to meet my needs.
He is an excellent surgeon and I highly recommend him and Sutter hospital and their robotic surgery center!

If there was a sixth star I’d add it! Dr Salvay is a gifted surgeon and a compassionate soul. I love my belly button placement and my overall experience during my recent hysterectomy. I highly trust and recommend PAMF and Dr Salvay. blessings!

Had Surgery 2 weeks ago. Dr. Salvay removed 1 pound of fibroids that took over my uterus. I was amazed at how he removed this mass through a small single incision through my belly button. Won’t even be able to tell I had surgery. He cared so much about Keeping my belly looking great. Not many would care as much as he did.
When we met he explained everything thoroughly and didn’t rush me with all my questions, he was very nice and I would highly recommend Dr Salvay for surgery. He really is amazing.
Thanks so much Dr Salvay!

Dr. Salvay is the go-​to man in Santa Cruz if you have a high risk pregnancy. He was recommended to me by my doctors at Stanford as the best obstetrician in the area. This is why I went to see him, and he was great. Medically speaking, that is, which is what I wanted.
If I had wanted the typical warm-​and-​fuzzy-​but-​we-​have-​no-​idea-​what-​to-​do-​if-​there-​is-​actually-​a-​PROBLEM OB/​GYN, I could have picked any other practitioner in Santa Cruz.