Dr. Joseph An Vu, MD

Last year, I accompanied my sister to see Dr. Vu for a third opinion consultation as we have met with several physicians through the years and specialists- none of whom were able to clearly zero in on the issue troubling her. It was quite evident while we were checking in for our appointment how busy his practice (in the fifteen minutes we were waiting to be accompanied to the exam room we saw two other patients ask to see him without referrals/appointments). He took time and sat with us. We were immediately struck by his warm and caring demeanor. He allowed us to share our experience with him before offering a thoughtful and honest opinion. And started a plan that gave us assurance and guidance toward next steps. He was spot on in his assessment before getting confirmation with tests we had never even heard of before. We felt listened to. We had one challenge with a medication that he prescribed which he remedied immediately when it was brought to his attention. I’ve now joined… Kaiser and I was referred to him for my own issue- he was able to biopsy a small nodule that was concerning on one of my scans and that my physician before i joined kaiser could not perform. My sister and I are both doing well- taking things day by day- thanks to him and his care team.

A coworker recommended that I visit Dr. Vu as I had been dealing with some health issues for several years. I had met with several specialists in the past and was placed on treatment last year that did not seem to be working- in fact my condition was worsening. I was skeptical at first arriving at his office however I was put immediately at ease the moment he walked through the door. He opened the visit by allowing me to share my experience uninterrupted and then proceeded to give me the most clear interpretation that I had ever received of my situation. He then developed a treatment plan that was opposite of what I had been hoping for/expecting and in the moment I was very disappointed. but his openness to work with me and explanations made me go with him. a month later, I was a new person. I still struggle here and now but he has been there for me (ane now my son who is also his patient). we are in very capable hands and highly recommend him. great doc. great person.

My coworker recommended that I see Dr Vu for a problem that I have been suffering from for some time now. I had been placed on treatment by a previous physician that did not seem to be working - in fact my problems seemed to be worsening. I have seen a number of specialists and to be honest was skeptical when I first arrived to Dr Vu’s office. I was immediately put at easy when he entered the room. He took his time and definitely seemed to have reviewed my record. What struck me was that he opened up our meeting by allowing me to talk and share my experience and just listened. He then gave me the clearest interpretation of my situation that I have ever heard and suggested a treatment plan that was completely opposite to what I had been hoping for and expecting- I was disappointed at first with his suggestions. Though I expressed my concerns and reluctance to proceed, his openness to work with me and how he listened to me made me go along with him and within a month, I felt like a new… person. I still struggle now and then but he has been there for me (and now my son as well) - we are in very capable hands with him and I would strongly recommend him.

I saw Dr Vu last year for a condition that my primary doctor (who is excellent) and prior specialists were able to figure out. It was clear from the start that he had reviewed my chart thoroughly and was familiar with my complex history. He is compassionate and thorough and took time to comprehensively address my medical issue which turned out to be a rare form of Cushing Syndrome. My family and I are forever grateful to Dr Vu for helping us. Of note, through every step of the way, he displayed unparalleled compassion and presence of heart and mind and this made all the difference. One thing to note is he is quite busy and can take a couple of days to respond to email on occasion. Excellent bedside manner and very up to date. Highly recommended

He can take up to a week to respond to emails. Believes that only one or two labs are needed for diagnosis, and refuses to do any other. Horrible communication and treatment is 20 years behind current research.

First off this doctor never uses local anesthesia before performing FNA's so you have to endure a good amount of torture. I was a Kaiser patient and I had a cyst in my neck. Dr. Vu kept draining the cyst and looking at the fluid under the light and afterwards he would discard the syringe without sending a sample to be biopsied. 1 1/2 years later and 3 fluid drains later I was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer which he said it was the best one to have! first surgery on 3/18/13, RAI 4/10/13 and second surgery on 7/19/13 because the cancer came back. I kept telling him I was in pain but he accused me of wanting pain meds and that my symptoms were not related. 9/30/14 I had my third surgery at valley medical center and spent 10 days in the hospital due to complications. Today, I am at UCSF/Stanford because he failed to diagnose the complicated form of my cancer because he did not do a proper job as a doctor. This last July I was given a tracer dose and scanned while at the same time… my thyroglobulin was tested. the scan came out negative but the thyroglobulin came back elevated which means that I still have cancer. I would never, EVER recommend him for anything. I was a fool and trusted him and didn't seek a second opinion but then again when you have Kaiser where can you go from there?