Dr. Elmar Peter Sakala, MD

We just had an appointment last week for our 20 week developmental ultrasound, and were blessed to have Dr. Sakala come in afterwards to "interpret" and answer every single question we had. We were incredibly impressed with his down-to-earth manner, were instantly at ease, and he was patient and didn't hesitate to explain any answers we didn't understand, and relate it to real-world stuff (which happened to be one of his family members who had experienced something similar, with a perfect outcome.) Ironically enough, we'd researched and tried to see him earlier in our pregnancy and weren't "high risk ENOUGH" - which made us appreciate our visit even more. Dr. Elmar Sakala is top-notch.

Dr. Sakala is the BEST doctor I have ever encountered. Even though the last time I saw him was when my now 21 year old was born, I still remember his kind and caring ways. Dr. Sakala is not merely doing a job. He truly cares about his patients, listens to your thoughts and concerns and never rushes the appointment. He was there for us through three pregnancies and birth,two miscarriages and the death at 1 year of age of our second child. I'll never forget how sweet he was when I came for my first appointment after Mary died and I was pregnant with our third. I was understandably afraid that something may happen to this baby too. Dr. Sakala just said, "Let's just take a quick peek." He brought in a small portable ultrasound machine and showed me my living, thriving baby. 24 years later I still get tears of joy in my eyes remembering that day when someone cared enough to take the time to help me. Dr. Sakala is concerned with the whole person, and not just executing his ob/gyn… duties. By the way, I was not even charged for that "quick peek" ultrasound. Dr. Sakala also encouraged me as I wanted to try a VBAC. Our first was born by cesarean at a different hospital, though we had been trying to have him at a birthing center. Although the previous doctor was gloomy and gave me "maybe a 10% chance of success for a VBAC, Dr. Sakala said he'd give me at least an 80% chance of success. Well, guess who was right?! Dr. Sakala of course! I have had four vaginal births after my cesarean-all with no problem at all-AND our youngest was born at a birthing center with a midwife (We no longer live in CA). Anyway, I could say so much more, but the bottom line is that Dr. Elmar Sakala is the best of the best and I am thrilled to know that he is still working at Loma Linda where my children were born! If you're looking for a doctor you know you can trust and who will do his best for you, look no further. Dr. Sakala is your man!!

Dr. Sakala is an excellent physician! Remarkable bedside manner! Seems to TRULY care about his patients.