Raymond H Schaerf, MD

I started seeing Dr. Schaerf back in 2012 when I had a fairly rare experience where my pacemaker wires caused extreme scar tissue build up over time leading to SVC Syndrome. The surgery needed was not just a pacer replacement, but removal of all wires (highly sensitive due to scar tissue) and the device, and the implantation of a new device in my abdomen. Dr. Schaerf came highly recommended and, in fact, the referring doctor told me he had been instrumental in developing the laser technology required for this delicate surgery. Not only was the entire procedure flawless, but I have never had such a caring doctor (I have had a LOT of doctors). It is evident that Dr. Schaerf is highly respected by everyone at the hospital who has a chance to work with him. I hope you never have a need for his skills, but if you do, do not hesitate to seek the help and guidance from this amazing doctor.

Dr. Schaerf is one of the best doctors I have ever met. I have had the misfortune of multiple lead fractures on my implantable cardiac defibrillator over the years and he has been there for me and performed a lead extraction and replacement each time. It is considered a higher risk procedure and after researching surgeons who have a high-volume track record I came across his name and the multiple medical papers he has published on the topic. I was relieved to find him close to home. Upon consulting him on my situation I found his caring and professional manner exceptional and his confidence put me at ease. He took whatever time I needed to explain my case to me, answer my questions and detail his plan to treat me. During the procedure and my stay in the hospital he and his staff kept my wife informed of my status. For one of my procedures I was admitted to the hospital through the ER on a Friday night close to Christmas. When he heard of my situation he visited me and… told me he would put his team together to conduct the surgery on Monday morning because “I want to get you home before Christmas”. And he did. On subsequent follow-ups to his office he was always prompt, caring and detailed in his evaluation of my recovery. He and his office staff made me feel more like an extended family member than a patient. I can’t recommend Dr. Schaerf highly enough.

Dr. Schaerf is a gifted cardiac/thoracic surgeon that works tirelessly both on and with his patients and their families. His bedside manner is beyond what anyone could expect. His patients are treated with the same fervor as he would a family member. There is no one better!

"This review is a long time coming and quite frankly, one star is one star too many. My mother saw Dr. Schaerf back in 2009. Her ovarian cancer had metastasized and there was now a mass on her lung that needed to be removed. We met with Dr. Schaerf in his office for a consultation. We found him overly confident and borderline arrogant, but he came highly recommended, so we went with him. Long story short, he ended up snipping my mother's lung during surgery, causing her to almost bleed out. He called for back-up and with the help of other doctors managed to save her but she emerged from surgery in a coma. My mother was a strong woman. She eventually woke up but this surgery took its toll on her. Two months later, she had to have another procedure. She wasn't strong enough and developed sepsis. My mom passed away shortly thereafter. I miss her everyday. I'm writing this review now because I don't believe Dr. Schaerf deserves the 4 and 5 star ratings he's received. If you're considering… this doctor for your procedure, please think again. He may not have been directly responsible for my mother's death, but he definitely contributed to her vulnerable and delicate physical condition."

Dr. Schaerf saved my life and his compassion, expertise and kindness cannot be measured. He is brilliant! I will always be grateful to him and the most important thing was that I was not fearful because I knew he had the best interest in mind to help me. Love and trust him!

I have never been in an office that was so warm, caring, friendly, compassionate, or efficient. Dr. Schaerf is amazing...his bedside manner is above any other physician I have ever met. Every patient in the waiting room has the nicest things to say about him and his office staff. Too bad all doctors and offices can't be like this....it wouldn't be as horrible to be sick!

Very curteous, very clear explaining the diagnstic and the procedure in comon language. Followed up promptly. Thank you

I had an infected pacemaker. I think I was incredibly lucky to live near enough to Los Angeles and to have a cardiologist who sent me to Dr. Schaerf. Dr. Schaerf saved my life. What more is there to say?

no one is better

Although Dr. Schaerf may be a great doctor for some patients, there are three reasons I will not trust this person as a psychiatric professional:1) My first impression was him bad-mouthing a patient whom he had just held the door for. (Doubt he realized I was in earshot)2) He was not upfront regarding side effects of a drug, despite my explicitly asking for him to disclose these before I began the treatment. I immediately experienced negative side effects that were both disturbing and worse than my symptoms.3) His manner is chauvinistic and discomforting, not to mention homophobic. Despite being a heterosexual male, I was offended by some of his comments.Accordingly, I am not likely to entrust this person with my psychiatrist care.