Dr. Vandana Madkan, MD

Funny, attentive and thorough.

I found dr madkan to be professional, courteous, efficient without feeling rushed. Procedures were quicka nd comfortable. I plan to see her again for any skin issues- recommend her to anyone.

With all the outstanding doctors at UCLA, my only complaint is with Dr. Madkan. All my oncologists and other doctors have been nothing but outstanding, even the other dermatologists are the best. When I had a concern on a scab on my upper lip that didn't heal for over 8 months, I was concerned. Dr. Madkan assured me it was only sun damage and to do natural remedies. When I complained that I didn't even think she looked at it, or kind of dismissive, the next appointment she said that we could do the chemo cream or biopsy. My lips were dry, but she didn't think it was cancer. And yet she told me to do the chemo cream from one to 2 weeks if I could take it. I was worried when I left that she had not given me instructions, so I called and the office said she will give them to pharmacist. The instructions were so vague I had to call doctor on call, since they didn't give any details. She said to come and see her in two weeks after so she can see if all was fine. No warnings, nothing. I… could only do the cream 8 days THANK GOD. But she never told me that the cream continues to burn the skin AFTER you stop. So 9 days AFTER I quit, and my lips are worse, bleeding profusely and now infected and the pain unbearable. I had an EXCELLENT doctor tell me it takes TWO months for me to be normal, so i had to postpone and cancel all other dental, doctor or ANY appointments. I can't talk, sleep, eat, brush my teeth, NOTHING. I had NO WARNINGS about this, none. And when I called Dr Madkan, she was defensive and basically called me a liar, saying she did give me instructions or respond to emails and phone calls. She only called me or wrote me when I complained to manager and patient affairs, which btw, do NOTHING. Obviously Dr. Madkan feels safe enough to be rude and arrogant to me on top of dismissive and giving me completely wrong instructions. I don't think she has ever done chemo cream on lips. The other excellent doctor (they all have each other backs unfortunately) said the cream is right for CANCER, but I didn't even have pre cancer. She wrote to me that she was secure that it was only sun damage. But just in case we were to do the lips. Ironically, the area above the lips, that was the main concern was not done enough with the cream, and I was told probably have to be cut out. I should have done that area two to three weeks, and the lips a few days at the most. But I couldn't do the above because the lips bleed so badly, till my lips sealed shut. I do not want anyone to go through what I did, so I hope this review gives a heads up like I wish I had. I have an infection which is not good when my white blood cells are so low. I am a hostage to this pain and fear of them getting worse daily. I would politely ask for any of the other UCLA Dermatologists, they are the best anywhere. She doesn't have their skills or protocol. Thanks.