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Ivan H. El-Sayed

MD

Otolaryngologist
Head and neck surgeon

Dr. Ivan H. El-Sayed is a head and neck cancer surgeon. He specializes in treating benign and malignant lesions of the salivary glands, paranasal sinuses and skull base.

El-Sayed's research interests include examining the value of sentinel node biopsy (a procedure to check whether cancer has spread) for head and neck cancer. He also is investigating potential uses of lasers and nanoparticles for diagnosing and treating cancer.

El-Sayed earned his medical degree and completed a residency in otolaryngology at Boston University School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship in head and neck oncology at UCSF.

  • Education

    Boston University School of Medicine, 1996

  • Residencies

    Boston University School of Medicine, 2001

  • Fellowships

    UCSF-Mount Zion Cancer Center, 2003

  • Board Certifications

    Otolaryngology, American Board of Otolaryngology

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Where I see patients (4)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    193 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 01, 2023
    My doctor came in stating he would be dictating on the phone with an assistant. He proceeded to speak exclusively to his iPhone while giving little to no attention to me. When I was addressed it was to direct me to position my body. He hurried in conducted a cursory exam ordered follow up appointments and was out the door before 3 minutes. I had to ask him back into the room in order to get my questions regarding trials and research answered. I understand your doctors are busy but they have to at least have time to pay attention to patients and present care with a modicum of compassionate bedside manner. I work in a very busy healthcare system as well and understand the workload. However if you cannot treat the patient as a relevant cog In the system perhaps you've overextended your care system.
    Dec 01, 2023
    Truly exceptional care. Thank you.
    Nov 05, 2023
    Dr El-Sayed is very caring knowledgeable thorough and disciplined He has a extremely reassuring "bedside" manner. He is excellent in every way.
    Nov 02, 2023
    Dr. El-Sayed is excellent and so glad he is my doctor. He goes above and beyond to address concerns and education about my diagnosis.
    Sep 15, 2023
    I greatly enjoy seeing Dr. El-Sayed. Very pleasurable.
    Sep 10, 2023
    Dr El-Sayed is Da Man!!!
    Jul 28, 2023
    All very well
    Jul 21, 2023
    Dr. El-Sayed was personable listened extremely well and explained things in very understandable terms.
    Jun 02, 2023
    Exceptional doctor really cares about patients and so knowledgeable
    May 31, 2023
    Dr.El-Sayed is great!
    Apr 02, 2023
    Great
    Feb 08, 2023
    Everyone was wonderful and I felt "heard".
    Dec 27, 2022
    Dr El-Sayed is super professional and personable
    Dec 21, 2022
    Very thorough. Explained everything in layman terms that it could understand
    Dec 03, 2022
    Dr. El-Sayed is THE BEST!
    Nov 18, 2022
    I would recommend Dr. El Sayed to everyone.
    Nov 16, 2022
    Dr El-Sayed is the best. Always professional and cares about his patients feelings. Awesome!!!
    Nov 10, 2022
    Appointments have seemed rushed.
    Sep 23, 2022
    I will recommend
    Sep 23, 2022
    The doctor cut off my questions before I had asked them all. He said that people have a lot of questions and want a lot of information these days. He told me it's not like a menu where the patient can pick which treatment they want. He said he has a lot of knowledge and expertise -- thus he analyses the situation and makes a decision. He said that he if he tried to answer all the questions people have he wouldn't be able to see patients because it would take too much time. I left with unanswered questions because after he said these things I did not feel comfortable asking my remaining questions. He is a very good surgeon. However I left this appointment feeling rather shamed for asking questions and for wanting to be part of the decision-making about my care. The very negative quality of this interaction took me completely by surprise and was quite a shock. I felt disrespected. It was also confusing to be on the receiving end of his overall message since he arrived In the exam room 45 minutes after my appointment time even though prior to the appointment I had been told by the assistant that I was his first patient of the day. He spent a total of 15 minutes with me which does not seem unreasonable. It likely would have taken no more than 5 additional minutes to ask my remaining questions which were to clarify things he had told me about what would happen going forward.
    Sep 16, 2022
    Dr. El Sayed answered all our questions and was very thoroughly explained our questions.
    Aug 28, 2022
    Dr El Sayed was very informative. Explained everything in detail .
    Apr 22, 2022
    Dr El-Sayed is always very patient and explains very clearly the different options
    Mar 07, 2022
    Dr. El-Sayed always listens to me and answers all of my questions and he always explains my medical issues so that I can understand. I have the utmost respect for Dr. El-Sayed and believe he is one of the best doctors at UCSF or anywhere else!
    Feb 09, 2022
    Excellent care and communication.
    Please check with your health insurance plan regarding coverage for this type of care. Not all providers at UCSF are covered by every insurance plan.

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