Dr. Bobby Chawla, DO

I recently moved out of state after spending 20 years under the care of Caldwell Cancer Care, beginning in 2004. I had been planning this move for over a year and kept Dr. Chawla informed of my intentions. October 28 was my last visit, during which I informed him of my decision to relocate. Let me preface this by saying that Dr. Chawla and I have had a somewhat contentious relationship since day one. On my first visit, he left me sitting in the exam room for over an hour and a half. When I expressed frustration about the wait, he seemed offended. Unfortunately, that set the tone for our interactions. At my final visit, I let Dr. Chawla know I was moving, and he abruptly blurted out, “Well, then I’m taking you off your medication.” I take an oral chemotherapy medication that is very expensive and often difficult to receive consistently. This medication keeps my leukemia suppressed and is essentially life-sustaining. Naturally, I was alarmed by his response. I specifically asked if he could keep me on the medication through December, as I would then have new insurance from my new state and a new oncologist. This plan would allow for a seamless transition with this critical medication. Dr. Chawla mumbled something that I perceived as an agreement, so I left it at that. In November, I ordered my medication without issue. However, in December, I was informed that I would no longer be receiving it. Believing there must have been a mistake, I reached out via MyChart to request the medication be reinstated. I was informed—not by Dr. Chawla himself but by his nurse—that the doctor would not reinstate the prescription because I was no longer under his care. I must admit, I was not entirely surprised by this pettiness. This is the Dr. Chawla I experienced throughout my time under his care: petty, arrogant, argumentative, and easily offended. Now, here I am, 40 days without this medication, working with my new oncologist to resolve the situation, and definitely feeling the effects of its absence. I would like to point out that my primary care physician and urologist, both of whom prescribe me medications, took special care to ensure a smooth transition. They communicated with me and worked alongside me to prevent any lapses in my treatment. Why couldn’t Dr. Chawla do the same? Finally, I want to emphasize that this review is about Dr. Chawla specifically—not Caldwell Cancer Care as a whole, nor the staff, PAs, or nurses. The staff at Caldwell Cancer Care are incredible people who work hard and truly care about their patients. To them, I give a five-star review. For those who care and are reading this, I will also be filing a formal complaint. I believe this step is important so that others do not have to experience what I went through during a normal life transition. Being a cancer patient is hard enough without having to worry about how to access a life-sustaining medication.

Dr. Chawla has literally saved my life by taking the time and listening to my concerns and his staff is incredibly supportive. He started me on IVIG infusions that have been a game changer as well as referring me to The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for other treatment options that are not yet available in Idaho. Your compassion is a breath of fresh air. I am truly grateful for the exceptional care I receive and would highly recommend Dr. Chawla and his team to anyone in need of Oncology/Hematology care.

Dr. Chawla is kind, empathetic, thorough and efficient. I have been a patient for several years and I appreciate the excellent care I have received from Dr. Chawla and everyone else at the clinic. They have been doing their best to treat the cancer, an invisible disease with unclear cause and no absolute cure, all through the pandemic. I am deeply grateful to all of them.

I feel that the doctor and staff has been taking really good care of me

Dr. Chawla awesome! Takes time to share and always has an upbeat attitude! I highly recommend him! He is extremely knowledgeable!

Treat you like family

A great oncologist!

Always listens and gives good advice.

Dr. Chawla and his entire staff are well suited for their chosen field of care. You are greeted with smiles, caring natures and a real desire to help. You can trust Dr. Chawla's knowledge and direction of care.

Dr Chawla is compassionate, caring and really listens to me. He has really blessed my life.

Great experience, no judgement, just support. Relaxed analysis and thoughtful advice. I'll be back.

Dr. Chawla treated my son for Stage IV colon cancer for over two years. In that two years I accompanied my son to every appointment and found that Dr. Chawla did everything thing he could to assure my sons quality of life. Dr. Chawla never rushed the appointment, always taking the time to listen. Dr. Chawla is a warm and caring doctor. Many thanks.

I started seeing Bobby Chawla 3 years ago. And, he has become the greatest friend, ally, and Doctor in whom I trust. I always feel better after I visit with him, even when I'm at my worst. His knowledge abounds. His humour and infectious smile lightens the load. He is a great listener who has answered my off-the-wall questions, venting, and concerns. He will talk to you about finance costs, procedures, your particular leukemia type, treatments (if any) out there, your outlooks, fears and hopes. He is patient and genuinely cares for you. Never rushes you. He and his assistant, Savannah, are always there and genuinely working quickly for your betterment in every way they can, never dropping the ball. Dr. Bobby Chawla is the best!

Very knowledgeable, patient, kind, great sense of humor. (Wife of Patient)

Mr Chawla was patient and supportive with a lot of answers to my question concerning my CLL and helping me to find the best treatment approach. Nice Guy.

Dr. Was informative, answered all my questions and was polite ant patient in doing so

I switched cancer clinic location to his office.very good Dr at explaining everything.

Very good dr who cares about his patients

My husband and I were pleased with my first visit with Dr. Chawla. He was caring, and made sure we had a good understanding of what was happening with my disease process and what is to be done next in coming to a knowledge of an appropriate treatment plan.

My being given this survey is a little premature as I’ve only had my first appointment and no diagnosis yet, of course. Dr. Chawla was friendly, explained my situation well and allowed me time to ask questions. I will better be able to answer survey questions after a few more appointments.