I had an urgent need for a new dermatology provider since moving to Monterey Bay; I needed to be seen as quickly as possible for a couple concerning new developments. I’d contacted many offices in my area looking for their first available appointment. While each office was empathetic and understanding, their offices were months out for an initial new patient appointment. Someone in my circle of friends & family mentioned California Skin Institute with high regard. They have a couple of offices in the community. I reached out to their office, explained my situation, and instead of months, they said they could get me an appointment in just three days to see Mr. Stuart MacDonell, MMS, PA-C. This particular office was about 30 miles away from me; I was more than willing to make that drive. As usual, I did my homework and felt confident that I was going to the right place. Arriving, I didn’t see the usual stack of paperwork I would need to complete; it was made simple by entering all my information and signatures into an iPad, yes, with drop-down menus. The front office team were kind and knowledgeable; being a new patient, I dread the plethora of forms to be completed as a new patient. With the iPad and the kind guidance of a knowledgeable team, it was easy. I was quickly greeted and called back into an examination room and given my instructions; ‘keep your shorts on.’ I was barely down to my skivvies, when in walked Stuart (it seemed strange calling him by his first name) and the same caring woman that explained my visit expectations. Stuart immediately introduced himself and told me how he’d arrived at this office; he told me where he came from, went to school, lived, learned, practiced, and honed his skills. I immediately knew I was in good hands, and I relaxed. He asked about my medical history, concerns, and what brought me into the office. “I have this and that, I’m concerned about….etc.” They both listened intently as they worked together as I was examined, and in real time the detailed information about me was entered into an iPad. Talk about teamwork. I felt completely comfortable throughout my examination, as they spoke “medical language,” and I used layman's terms like, “spot, mole, or redness on my skin.” The examination was comprehensive and completed with the utmost care and bedside manner, which is difficult to find today. All my questions and concerns were answered immediately, and I had a diagnosis and treatment plan and explained what they would be doing next. I was scheduled one month to the day to come back to take care of the medical procedures. I was given instructions on how I could help myself immediately, and a prescription was called in before I left the office. The whole team at California Skin Institute, is everything you look for in a full service dermatology provider; experienced, knowledgeable, great bedside manner, thoroughness, efficiency, and most of all, assurance that they will work on your behalf to help you through whatever your needs. Before arriving today, I thought I would take this appointment and transfer to their office closer to home for my remaining care. Sure, I can, but I’ll drive the 30 miles to return. It’s not often you find exemplary professionals that you’d go further for when you could drive five miles to the other office. This is why some people do what they do in the medical field because they care. Ten stars are not enough. Thank you, Stuart, Team, and California Skin Institute. No, I’m not a bot. I found all the motorcycles, crosswalks, and bridges. LOL