Dr. Richard Bruce Schwab, MD

Dr. Schwab is a great specialist.

I originally went to Dr Schwab in 2007 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, and thought he was great. I went back to him in 2015 when I had a local recurrence that was almost missed my oncologist at the time, Dr Joan Kroener at Scripps (only caught by my insistence about continuing my annual breast MRIs). Dr Schwab was ok until he got tired of hearing about my chronic post op pain issues caused by his office mate, Dr Anne Wallace. He actually had the nerve to tell me that there was nothing physically wrong with me, but rather my mind wasn’t accepting the surgery. He also blew off information I tried to bring him regarding my breast cancer subtype. Both he and Dr Wallace refused to do a breast MRI prior to a 2016 revision surgery, citing 2015 post op inflammation. The 2016 surgery masked a new primary that was picked up in a 2017 MRI ordered by the new cancer center I switched to. My ensuing brain metastasis were also picked up by the new cancer center. I have no doubt UCSD… would have missed all of this. My opinion is that Dr Schwab has burned out, and that’s why he had no interest in partnering with an educated patient such as myself, and instead let his ego drive his care. Thank God I left UCSD, and shame on both Dr Schwab and Dr Wallace.

I originally went to Dr Schwab in 2007 for a second opinion when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought he was great at the time. I went back to him in 2015 after I had a local recurrence that was almost missed by Dr Joan Kroener at Scripps (only caught by my insistence about continuing my annual MRIs). Dr Schwab was ok at first, but declined in caring for me after I had ongoing post op pain issues caused by my surgeon, his office mate, Dr Wallace. He actually had the nerve to tell me that my mind simply wasn’t accepting the surgery and that there was nothing physically wrong with me. Mind you, I’m in chronic 24/7 pain and discomfort, and the associated muscle tightness has been verified by multiple physical therapists. Not only did he blow off my breast cancer subtype, but both he and Dr Wallace refused to do a breast MRI on me prior to a 2016 reconstruction revision surgery, citing post op inflammation issues. That surgery ended up masking a new primary that quickly… spread to my brain. Fortunately I switched to a different cancer center in 2017 who caught all of this, but shame on Dr Schwab and UCSD. I honestly think he has burned out, and that’s why he refused to partner with an intelligent, educated patient such as myself and instead opted to belittle me. I directly blame him and Dr Wallace for my Stage IV situation.

My passed away after 2 months of treatment of Dr. Richard Shwab.

Doctor Schwab treated me for breast cancer. He is wonderful and compassionate. He reviewed my history thoroughly and offered a plan of attack. I felt I was in great hands. He guided me through chemo and made it a "not so bad" experience. Every call I made was returned promptly. His staff was the best. There was no waiting. I can't say enough. My followup care continues and I look forward to each warm and caring visit. Doctor Schwab is just what you need when you face the biggest challenge in your life. Thank you!