Dr. Mark Houckming Chan, MD

I have been a patient of Dr. Chan's for a long time. Maybe twelve years? Could be ten, but I think twelve. He has cared for me and guided me through a LOT. I appreciate his conservative view of treatment, he does not jump to surgery, but wants to try every alternative treatment we can first. However, when he feels the time is right for surgery, his referrals are top notch. He knows who the best surgeon is for the particular issue the patient might have. Not just the best back surgeon, but for the surgeon for the particular issue with a particular vertebrae or disc. (My husband is a physician and UCSF clinical faculty and also does research on who in the Bay Area is the best surgeon for my issues, and has agreed with Dr. Chan's referrals.) I feel I have a true partner in Dr. Chan. He is my coordinator of my various treatments, and discusses and supports other treatments I pursue such as osteopathic treatments, somatics, acupuncture, etc... His referral to my physical therapist has… probably saved my life, every week my PT is watching out for me and guides me for various life events. The injections and interventions Chan has done have always been perfect, we've never had a complication. (though, sometimes injections are a necessary jumping through hoops for insurance companies) He has also been clear when some of my needs are beyond his scope. Like when my pain management post two surgeries was above the levels he prescribes, he referred me to proper pain management. I can appreciate that, and I landed in excellent hands and a scope of medicine and care that is beyond what Chan does. Chan's support staff has always been wonderful, I particularly adore Alicia. She is fantastic. The only reason I didn't give five stars in my review is I would appreciate having monitors in the exam rooms to review diagnostic images with Dr. Chan, instead of Chan looking at images in his office and then discussing them with me in the exam room. That's my only constructive criticism. I appreciate Dr. Chan's care, guidance and partnership. I am grateful to have him as my physician. And it's been a long painful road.

Only saw the good doctor for 5 minutes. He did not go over my MRI and he did not seemed intested in anything other than going to Pt or surgery. Could not even recommend any stretching or etc. laughed at me when I said yoga was helping. Symmetry Health Center in Oakland provided almost immediate relieve and after a few months of visits the issue is resolved with no surgery and a lot of yoga and stretching. Mark Chen is too egotistical to offer any other solution that surgery. Avoid at all cost

I can't speak highly enough about Dr. Chan. He is personable, he listens to you and he really cares about your outcome. I have 100% trust in him and I could not be happier.

I have had a life time back problem. We have worked together to set up a regular follow-up and then whatever is needed with Physical Therapy. It has worked quite well...not trouble free....but for the most part I am living well and pretty active.I am very happy with Dr. Chan.

Excellent physician! He is very kind and attentive; he knows his medical stuff. I have seen him for several years and found him to be honest and very focus. He helps me with my sciatic Nerve pain which radiates from my back to my leg. I recommend him highly to those who seeks his specialty

I've been to see Dr. Chan a number of times over 10+ years for treatment of a herniated lumbar disk impinging on a nerve. The treatments 10 years ago were effective. Eventually the condition required surgery and he referred me to a very good spine surgeon. He's realistic about what to expect and quite attentive.