Steven Salinger, MD

Dr. Salinger was our family doctor for almost two decades. I had always thought highly of him until recently. Three years ago I got very sick, and ended up in the ER. My symptoms pointed to liver issues, and after the ER doctor spoke with Dr. Salinger, they diagnosed transient viral infection, UTI, and maybe kidney issues. After weeks of still being sick, I started researching my symptoms online, with everything pointing to liver disease. I reached out to Dr. Salinger and asked him if he thought my symptoms were related to bile duct or liver disease, and he got very upset with me, telling me I need to look for another PCP since I did not trust his judgement. Being very sick and vulnerable, I though I was wrong because there was no way my research online could be a match for my doctor's years of schooling and experience. So, I suffered through my symptoms for months until I felt better. Throughout the next three years, every time I had the same symptoms I though it was a transient… viral infection, or UTI, and I did not want to reach out to Dr. Salinger to upset him. For the next three years my liver enzymes fluctuated, and never once did Dr. Salinger bother to refer me to a specialist for further evaluation. Since I was sick off and on with the same symptoms that caused me to go to ER (but not as severe), I kept researching my symptoms. Autoimmune Hepatitis kept popping up, and I thought to myself there is no way Dr. Salinger would miss such serious diagnosis with all my symptoms, and knowing my family history of autoimmune disease. Fast forward three years. I started having the same symptoms as when I first ended up in the ER. I reached out to Dr. Salinger via email, and even though he was aware of my current high liver enzymes, he told me that he didn't think my condition was serious and I did not need to go to urgent care. Fortunately, I did not listen to him and went to urgent care anyway, which led to my diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis with stage 3 Fibrosis and some Cirrhosis. Dr. Salinger’s negligence caused the delay in my diagnosis and the severity of my disease which is making the the treatment more challenging, and has taken away all options for any alternative treatments. I feel like I am on a ledge and one wrong move will send me over the cliff to my death. Dr. Salinger allowed his ego and pride get in the way of listening to his patient, and he has destroyed my life and my family's life. I reached out to Scripps patient's relations, but nothing was done. Dr. Salinger is still practicing, and going on with his life without any consequences, while my family and I are suffering every day!

It’s not often you find a person that makes you feel comfortable enough to be honest about what is going on mentally and physically. I admit I have lied to Doctors about what is really going on. Dr. Salinger had a way of really making me feel comfortable. I’ve been with him a year and he’s really got me through some tough times. Great man

Been with him over ten years--he's attentive, knowledgeable, capable

I've been with Dr. Salinger over 2 years and have had great service with him. They always get me in on time, take care of prescriptions, and listens to all my questions and concerns.

From what I have read here it seems roughly once a year, or on average, Dr S rushes someone and they get insulted and write a negative review. I want to balance those reviews with the good and more recent ones, with one based on who he was 20-25 years ago when he was my GP (for that 5 year span). To show how consistent he has been over the decades. He was my doctor 20 thru 25 years ago. To this day, and probably a good solid 50 various GP and Specialists combined for just myself (not my kids who loved him as well), Dr S is still the one I miss. The doctor I wish was taking care of me again. I don't think I would have had to see so many over the years had he been my GP. In fact, I am nearly positive this mystery illness(es) would not be a mystery. He always listened, not just heard; He was present. And yes, he did have at least one rushed visit in my memory, but doctors tend to have emergencies too in both practice and personal lives. I never discount on a first visit any doctor… neither positive or negative unless it was just REALLY horrible. A second chance to be consistently good or bad is important because they are doctors and they do have good reasons some days to rush or be preoccupied. It just happens. Fact. Anywho, Dr S was a solid person, a constant and not at all ego driven nor too soft, and the balance made him feel safe, comforting, and trustworthy. I trusted him. I don't trust anyone and for good reason, so when I say that, "I trusted him," I mean it. I hope that balances the scales a bit. Good balanced physician! A rarity! I wonder if he still wears those brown boat deck moccasins? :)

Dr Salinger is not my regular Dr, but was the on call Dr last week when my Dr was booked for the day. I was having chest pains and shortness of breath. He did an EKG that was normal, but he said given my symptoms and family history he didn't feel comfortable sending me home, so he sent me to the emergency room. After many tests, it turned out they I had a 99% blockage in a major artery (they call it the widow maker) and I had angioplasty and had a stent put in. I was a walking time bomb. Had Dr Salinger not listened to me and paid attention the outcome could have been very different. I am so grateful and so is my family. Thank you, Dr Salinger!

When he left Cassidy for Scripps, so did I ! Glad I did. A+

Dr Salinger treats you like he's in a hurry and everything you ask him feels or sea like it's annoying him. No bedside manner whatsoever. No explanations given, no info given, just a quick rush job, he takes a few notes and then bolts out of the office.

Great doctor . it shows he cares when you visit .

Dr. Salinger is the best, he is very compassionate about my medical issues and his bedside manners are the best. He always has time for me explains with details. Thank God for Doctors like him.