Dr. Raymond Schaerf, MD

Dr. Schaerf is incredible. He was so accessible, checked in daily in person while I was in the hospital in case I had questions, was so transparent and clear. He is exceptional.

I'm one of those challenging cases that needed 3 leads extracted and replaced. My cardiologist said there is only one doctor that he would have do this procedure, and that is Raymond Schaerf. I did the research and yes, I believe that this is the person who would I would trust with my life. I can't say enough about the way I was treated by doctor and his staff. Caring, educational, and thorough. They fought for me every step of the way, including spending time fighting with my insurance overlords to have my procedure approved (thanks Terry!). He takes the time to explain what was done and what to be prepared for. I can't say enough about these professionals.

I started seeing Dr. Schaerf back in 2012 when I had a fairly rare experience where my pacemaker wires caused extreme scar tissue build up over time leading to SVC Syndrome. The surgery needed was not just a pacer replacement, but removal of all wires (highly sensitive due to scar tissue) and the device, and the implantation of a new device in my abdomen. Dr. Schaerf came highly recommended and, in fact, the referring doctor told me he had been instrumental in developing the laser technology required for this delicate surgery. Not only was the entire procedure flawless, but I have never had such a caring doctor (I have had a LOT of doctors). It is evident that Dr. Schaerf is highly respected by everyone at the hospital who has a chance to work with him. I hope you never have a need for his skills, but if you do, do not hesitate to seek the help and guidance from this amazing doctor.

Dr. Schaerf is one of the best doctors I have ever met. I have had the misfortune of multiple lead fractures on my implantable cardiac defibrillator over the years and he has been there for me and performed a lead extraction and replacement each time. I found his caring and professional manner exceptional and his confidence put me at ease. He took whatever time I needed to explain my case to me, answer my questions and detail his plan to treat me. During the procedure and my stay in the hospital he and his staff kept my wife informed of my status. For one of my procedures I was admitted to the hospital through the ER on a Friday night close to Christmas. When he heard of my situation he visited me and told me he would put his team together to conduct the surgery on Monday morning because “I want to get you home before Christmas”. And he did. On subsequent follow-ups to his office he was always prompt, caring and detailed in his evaluation of my recovery.

In May '21 my 89 year old mother was diagnosed by her cardiologist with an infected pacemaker. Luckily, we found Dr. Schaerf who performs hundreds of lead extraction surgeries every year. We contacted his office on a Friday, a day he does not have office hours because he is in surgery all day. After providing information, pictures and documents to his office my mom met Dr. Schaerf on Saturday and was operated on on Monday. Dr. Schaerf and his staff could not have been better. He was confident, calm, caring, compassionate, kind, communicative, accessible, respectful and conscientious. He gave us his personal cell number and he was always there. I can’t imagine there is a better surgeon in the world. While at the hospital we heard of other patients who came from Alaska and Hawaii to see him. Luckily we only had to drive 50 miles but would not hesitate to fly across the country for him. He is quite simply....the best!

Dr. Schaerf is the warmest and most compassionate specialized cardiac/thoracic surgeon. His bedside manner post-op is genuine and he goes out of his way to ensure the complete surgery/procedure has exceeded the patient's expectations. He is a leader and a wonderful doctor that I sincerely hope does not retire anytime soon! There is no one better.

My father had a heart procedure done by this doctor almost 3 years ago. Dr Shaerf was very confident it would be successful and assured us it was necessary. Although the surgery was successful, my father developed complications and spent almost two weeks in the ICU and then ultimately passed away in the hospital. This doctor never offered condolences through a phone call or letter from his office. As soon as my father passed this dr. was non existent. We never heard from him again. If you are a dr. and your patient dies how is it possible not to contact the family personally and offer condolences!!! Horrible bedside manner! It took a long time to write this review but I am obviously very upset by this behavior by a surgeon whom people are supposed to trust with their lives. Do not recommend this dr!!!

"This review is a long time coming and quite frankly, one star is one star too many. My mother saw Dr. Schaerf back in 2009. Her ovarian cancer had metastasized and there was now a mass on her lung that needed to be removed. We met with Dr. Schaerf in his office for a consultation. We found him overly confident and borderline arrogant, but he came highly recommended, so we went with him. Long story short, he ended up snipping my mother's lung during surgery, causing her to almost bleed out. He called for back-up and with the help of other doctors managed to save her but she emerged from surgery in a coma. My mother was a strong woman. She eventually woke up but this surgery took its toll on her. Two months later, she had to have another procedure. She wasn't strong enough and developed sepsis. My mom passed away shortly thereafter. I miss her everyday. I'm writing this review now because I don't believe Dr. Schaerf deserves the 4 and 5 star ratings he's received. If you're considering

Dr Schaerf did my Bronchoscopy, Node Biopsy and insertion of Port -A -Cath. He's not one for chitchat, but an Excellent doctor. I knew I couldn't be in any better care with a Thoracic surgeon. Absolutely I would recommend him.

Dr. Schaerf was recommended to me due to his world renowned expertise in pacemaker lead extraction. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen and unavoidable complications, I had to undergo a second, more serious procedure just two days later. I am convinced that it is only through the grace of God and Dr. Schaerf's expertise that I am alive today to write this. Dr. Schaerf and his office staff are caring & compassionate. I would highly recommend the doctor to anyone in need of the services he provides.

Dr. Schaerf is an excellent surgeon. I was recently diagnosed with a 3 cm Adenocarcinoma in my right upper lobe which Dr. Schaerf removed via VATS procedure. He answered all questions patiently. I was told the entire tumor was removed and the lymph nodes removed were clean. The surgery was done as Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA, and I was there 4 days. Post surgery pain was minimal. He is HIGHLY respected by his peers, the nurses and staff, and as his patient, recommend him.

20 years ago Dr. Schaerf performed a lobectomy on my left lung due to tumor. The next year, due to a rare infection, my right lung turned to "a fist of goo" per Dr. Schaerf. He let me know I was in dire condition and could have died. I woke up in ICU with him by my side. He said "It was the worst thing" he'd seen in his career. I wasn't expected to live 5 more years. I'm still here thanks in large part to this amazing, caring, wonderful doctor. Thanks Ray!!!

Straight forward and kind.

Amazing professional: I can not tell you more about his kindness and caring that exceeds any other professional I have EVER worked with!!! He spends time with you as a patient and cares for every aspect of your needs, including fear, amazing clinical expertise and most of all kindness and compassion. I have had a pacemaker for over 40 years and have never had a lead extraction that was successful until my surgery with Dr Schaerf. Fabulous! Thank you for being you!