Dr. Lisa Sharan Raptis, MD

Dr. Raptis was called to see my brother. By reading the reviews it seems like a lto of people don't know what palliative care is and we were the same way. All it took was one questions and Dr. Raptis grabbed a chair and explained the entire specialty and what she can do to alleviate my brothers pain and treat the symptoms he was experiencing. Nothing was pushed on us like it usually is with other doctors. We were treated like her friend/own family even and were never talked down to. My brother knew what was going on and was able to communicate his wishes with her which was great for everyone involved. She built a special rapport with him as well. When he became non-verbal, you could still see his eyes light up when she came in. Dr. Raptis was with us through it all and checked in after my brother passed. She didn't forget us and we haven't forgotten her.

We were a mess and didn’t know what to do or say or how to make the decisions that needed to be made. We knew we didn’t want her to be in any pain or discomfort. We all agreed on that. Dr Raptis helped so much and took great care of our loved one. She took good care of us too.

We werent ready for my dad to die. WE werent ready. He was and Dr. Raptis understood both of those things. She was patient was us just like dad was and he shouldn't have had to worry about us. We were all so concerned with his pain and being comfortable during his final days/hours. We have heard how some drs under medicate which we told Dr. Raptis. My dad was worried about pain and his final moments scaring us. Dr. Raptis promised that this would not be an issue. She said that she wouldn't over-medicate either. It's all about making him pain-free and comfortable during his transition. When other drs would come in to check on my dad, he wanted no part of them. It was always "Dr. Raptis. I want Dr. Raptis". She built a rapport and trust with my dad and our entire family. When his time came, she told us exactly what she was going to do and although my dad was no longer conscious and was only being kept alive by machines, she told him step by step as she did everything. The care that she… took... it still brings tears to my eyes. You just can't fake that.

Dr. Raptis was integral in helping my sister. We didn’t know what pallative care was so we looked it up and told Dr. Raptis we did. She wasn’t offended and told us to ask whtever questions we had. We learned she wasn’t there to make my sister die but instead find the right way to control her pain and symptoms. If I or my fAmily ever need pallative care again we want Dr. Raptis and no one else.

Dr. Raptis was so wonderful to our family both times we were losing someone close to us. She has kept in contact with us through out the years and has been so wonderful. I love Dr. Raptis so much:)

Dr. Raptis was called to see my father because he had hurt himself and was in a very bad way. She spoke with my mother and myself both. She answered all of our questions and let me tell you, we had a lot. She didn't push any agenda on us but did provide us with all possible options for Dad which we really appreciated. Her whole team was great. There was a lady chaplain whose name slipped my mind but she was the sweetedt with my mom and very comforting. Once mom decided that it was time to let Dad go, Dr. Raptis explained the process and took such excellent care of Dad and did so with a respect that we both could see. We appreciated her and the great care she took of not only my Dad but also us. Thank you.

Of all the physicians who provided care for my father, I felt that Dr Lisa Raptis was the only one who truly took the time to listen. While several physicians told us what my dads prognosis was and what treatment could be provided for him she was the only one who asked us what my dad would want. When we explained to her that we wanted to take him home, she showed him the respect he deserved and helped coordinate his discharge home. Two days later, he passed away peacefully, at home, holding my mom's hand. Thank you for making this happen.

Dr. Raptis was instrumental during my father-in-law's hospital stay a couple of weeks ago at Pomona Valley. She was extremely knowledgeable and kind and had an ease in communicating the dire state of his medical situation to the family. My husband and I can't say enough wonderful things about her. I highly recommend her and the case worker LaVonn who works by her side at the hospital.

When my father had received a very serious diagnosis of cancer, my family met Dr Lisa Raptis. He was struggling with a lot of discomfort from the treatments and we did not know where to turn. I am convinced he was with us longer because of Dr Raptis and the care she gave us all made the last 18 months of his life so much better. Sometimes you can't get the cure you want and that is what happened for my father. But he was with us longer than we thought and his time was better quality time. In the hospital you pray to find a familiar face and someone who will take the time to get to know you and your family and be there when you really need them. For us that was Dr Raptis.

Dr Raptis took care of my wife during one of the lowest points of my life. I felt like a zombie during my meetings with her and honestly can barely remember much of the detail of what was said. But I remember that she took so much care with me, with our kids, and with my wife. She made the most painful time of my family's life bearable. She explained everything, treated us like human beings, and gave my wife dignity and peace.