Dr Salvay is straightforward & to the point, kind & compassionate, most important of all is that he listens to his patients concerns. Also, he's an amazing surgeon! See him if you can!!! *yelp wants longer reviews... Ain't nobody got time for that :) So here are a couple of sentences to please the people of yelp who think that people need to keep reading reviews instead of getting on with their lives read more

Adding this note October 2017 in response to a one-star review who said he had "ruined" her life. Strong words. Look, I was FAT (obese, not "bigger"). I got nothing but amazing care. He's not the problem. And if one doctor ruins your life, you might need a counselor. I fire crappy doctors (like horrid Ali Khademi). Nobody has that power over me! Or YOU. I cannot say enough good about my rockstar gynecologist. I trust him with my life--and I have to. I first saw Dr. Salvay in September, 2015, following an abnormal Pap smear. I have had many doctors in the intervening months, and Dr. Salvay is at the head of my personal pantheon. He is professional, warm, and cares intensely about the health and well-being of his patients. Or maybe he's just an insufferable jerk who doesn't care about anyone. (Or maybe you can't get your little brain around the idea that a man survives in this field, when no other men remain in it in the entire county, and maybe you shouldn't be writing Yelp reviews--your review saying this man, with thirty-plus years of experience delivering babies and helping women with their lady parts, has no "evidence based" [sic] or "practical birth skills" might be a little light in the "verifiable claim" department.) For me, he held my hand through a very dark patch, and it's not over yet. Though it clearly pains him to be the bearer of less-than-ideal news, I trust this man to help me and to guide me to the right people to care for me further. Moreover, Dr. Salvay is a doctor who LISTENS, and I will say that a doctor who listens, and listens well, is a treasure. So are the women on his staff. I am grateful with every cell of my being for Dr. Salvay, and Lara, Danielle, and everyone else at PAMF. I can't believe what some women have written here (whatevah), but then I'm just glad that I am having a blessed experience with such a fantastic caregiver. Thank you, Dr. Salvay, for your care, your prayers, and your compassion. THANK YOU. P.S. I cannot stop laughing at the woman thinking Dr. Salvay was complimenting her on her vajayjay. RIGHT. Honey, did you bedazzle it with Svoboda crystals? (It's more likely that anyone who says you have a beautiful vagina means it can give birth properly or perform Kegels.) But thanks for the laugh. HILARIOUS! Should I get mine bedazzled before a procedure? Then I can say, "Don't hate my vagina because it's beautiful." BWAH!!! read more

Howard Salvay, MD, FACOG - Photo seen online at PAMF of the Very Good Doctor. (Not my photo but a great one of a great guy.) - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Please read the one star reviews very carefully. That's all I feel comfortable publicly expressing, but I could not in good conscience recommend a woman ever see this man, especially if you are a bigger lady. If I could give 0 stars, I would. I don't mean to downplay how he must have helped some women, so this isn't a reflection on you or your experience, but I will say that I saw him one time and it ruined my life. read more

He was 45 minutes late and took his being behind in schedule out on me. Basically came in, saw that I am a big girl and gave up before he even started. He said he didn't think he was going to see much but he would give it a try. Gee thanks. He said due to my BMI he couldn't see much. Strange since every other ultrasound we had gave us great detail, including a fetal echocardiogram. Also, cut a girl some slack!! I'm doing the best I can during this pregnancy; I eat healthy, nutritious food, exercise and I've actually LOST weight so far. As a specialist, I would think he would have been more thorough and capable. I have zero confidence in his abilities. If you want someone to be thorough, respectful of your time and pregnant-lady feelings, do yourself the favor of booking an appointment with someone else. read more

Having a hysterectomy was not an easy decision and I researched high and low for a good surgeon. Come to find out that Dr Salvay, whom I had been to years before for other problems, rated quite well on many websites, and is doing amazing things with robotic surgery! I met with him and knew immediately (after having previously seen other drs) that he was the surgeon for me. He may not be known for his bedside manner but I was very happy that he listened to all my needs. He also was able to see much faster than several other drs I had called, especially since I was bleeding heavily and anemic this was important...other dr's did not care. After having checked my issues out he was able to schedule me for surgery within 2 weeks so I could finally stop the suffering I was in. He was very careful during surgery to do it well and to meet my needs. He is an excellent surgeon and I highly recommend him and Sutter hospital and their robotic surgery center!! read more

Had Surgery 2 weeks ago. Dr. Salvay removed 1 pound of fibroids that took over my uterus. I was amazed at how he removed this mass through a small single incision through my belly button. Won't even be able to tell I had surgery. He cared so much about Keeping my belly looking great. Not many would care as much as he did. When we met he explained everything thoroughly and didn't rush me with all my questions, he was very nice and I would highly recommend Dr Salvay for surgery. He really is amazing. Thanks so much Dr Salvay! read more

Last year Dr. Salvay found my ovarian cancer during an ultrasound. I had just turned 18 and every doctor I had talked to treated me like I was a child, they would not make eye contact with me, when they spoke they looked at my mother, which may have been comforting for her but It drove me nuts. Dr. Salvay treated me like a normal person that deserved to know what was going on with my body. He was straight forward, and answered any questions I had honestly and somewhat bluntly which I actually was super thankful for. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr. Salvay is the go-to man in Santa Cruz if you have a high risk pregnancy. He was recommended to me by my doctors at Stanford as the best obstetrician in the area. This is why I went to see him, and he was great. Medically speaking, that is, which is what I wanted. If I had wanted the typical warm-and-fuzzy-but-we-have-no-idea-what-to-do-if-there-is-actually-a-PROBLEM OB/GYN, I could have picked any other practitioner in Santa Cruz. read more

If you've got prolapse and you're looking for a surgeon who can help you keep your uterus, Dr. Salvay can help. I had requested he use my original ligaments to maintain natural alignment and he was willing to do this, but when he got inside, they were shredded. So he performed the surgery and was able to keep my uterus and with only two incisions. The nurses are delightful and service oriented. I'm SO glad I had this surgery. read more

I had Dr. Salvay as my surgeon for my hysterectomy and I thought he did a wonderful job. Most people I speak with in regards to Salvay all agree the bedside manner isn't top notch but when it comes to surgery he is amazing. He followed up and was as concerned as I was in regards to my cervical cancer. High five to Salvay and his team. They responded quick to my abnormal pap results and for me into surgery as quickly as they could. read more

If you want a good surgeon for a hysterectomy in Santa Cruz county, Dr. Salvay is your doctor. He told me clearly what would be done, and that other "fixes" might be needed. He did an excellent job. I have no regrets. He answered my questions, told me what options there were, and gave his recommendation. I was satisfied and glad that I was a candidate for robotic surgery as I knew that he was well trained for the procedure. I see comments that his bedside manner and communication skills may be terse, but personally I like that. I want to hear the options, make my decision then put my trust in the medical ability of the provider. read more

Dr. Salvay is a complete gentleman, he was very patient with all my questions and concerns. I am a nurse and had many questions!!! Brilliant doctor, he performed a hysterectomy, one tiny incision in my belly button and a 2 inch suprapubic incision. There is absolutely no scar in belly button, still super cute! Love this man, If you are considering a hysterectomy have a consultation with Dr. Salvay, you won't regret it! Recovery was 14 days, how is that even possible!!! siliconvalleyrn read more

I first consulted Dr. Salvay last fall regarding pelvic prolapse surgery and he suggested that I was a good candidate for robotic surgery. Because of a situation at my job, I had to wait until March to have it done. I am very remiss and should have posted my report long ago. When I first met Dr. Salvay, I was so impressed by his professionalism and warm personality. It is astounding to me that anyone has commented contrary to his personality. I was very reluctant to seek medical advice, because I had heard so many negative experiences many have had. All of that was put aside the day we met. I left his office with the utmost confidence that I was in very good hands. My surgery was on March 7. Dr. Salvay and Dr. Elizabeth Newsome worked in tandem with the daVinci robot. Dr. Salvay is a master when it comes to using this equipment. His number one desire is to make his patients quality of life better. Well, in my case that was certainly the case. Had I known that this would be so easy to recover from and such outstanding results, I would have never waited as long and I did. I encourage anyone that has put this type of surgery off because of uncertainty to go see Dr. Salvay for a consult without delay. I am sure you will be as satisfied as I am. Thank you Dr. Salvay. You are the best. Sincerely, Deborah B., Santa Cruz read more

This review is about this entire practice as much as it is about one doctor. I do not recommend either Dr. Salvay or this practice in general if you are not pregnant, already a (young) mom, or are planning to have a baby in the near future (or unless you present with an interesting problem needing immediate surgery...then you are gold!). This office is baby obsessed! If you are infertile, childless by choice, or have gone through menopause, you will not be treated with the consideration and enthusiasm heaped upon the fecund. You will be tolerated -- barely -- rather than welcomed. I did not care for Dr. Salvay's manner or attitude when he examined and treated me. On repeated visits, over several years, I got the same cold, slightly annoyed vibe from other staff members, too. Another patient my age (post menopause) confirmed my impression of this office, summing it up as, "They just don't care about the old broads." So this is not a personality thing for me, alone. This office is practically Babies R' Us. I left my last appointment here in tears. There are other details too personal to share in this forum. Suffice it to say I found another gynecologist. (Scheduling for this oversubscribed practice is a nightmare, btw. I scheduled a diagnostic procedure more than two months ahead, only to arrive for my appointment and find out they had, among other issues, not provided me with the necessary prep instructions.) read more

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Salvay. After 7 years of living with uterine fibroids, my condition went from merely irritating to life-threatening when one of those bad boys started bleeding uncontrollably. I had 2 transfusions in 2 months, and needed to have a hysterectomy ASAP. Every other PAMF gynecologist I talked to told me I had to have an abdominal hysterectomy -- that I was not a candidate for less invasive techniques. I was told I had no choice but to be cut wide open and recover in 5-6 weeks' time. I did my research and found Dr. Salvay and his through-the-bellybutton hysterectomy technique. On my first visit, he was incredibly kind and compassionate to both my partner and myself. He really helped us explore ALL the options, whereas other docs had been pressuring me to jump into surgery without talking to me about their thought process or going over what to expect. Dr. Salvay discussed every aspect of what my options were, what the risks vs. benefits were of each option, and answered all of our questions with patience and kindness. I was feeling both sad and freaked out, and that visit really helped to alleviate a lot of fears. I have no idea what other reviewers are talking about when they say he's brusque -- what we experienced couldn't be any further from brusque! Maybe what we find funny others find 'odd', because we totally loved his sense of humor and his ability to explain things using metaphors. I had my surgery 8 days ago. The surgery went flawlessly -- Dr. Salvay made two small incisions, 1 in my bellybutton and 1 on the left side of my abdomen. Using just these tiny holes, he pulled my entire uterus -- including over 50 fibroids ranging in size from peas to a grapefruit -- out through my bellybutton, peeling it like an apple as he removed it in one long strip. I'm totally astounded to be sitting here today with 2 tiny incisions that look more like cat scratches than surgical wounds. I went home in one day, was off heavy meds in 5 days, and am now about 75-80% back to normal. After 8 days. In another week I'll resume all my normal activities. I won't say recovering from surgery is fun and games, but compared to my c-section, this was a cakewalk. To say Dr. Salvay gave me my life back -- in record time -- is no overstatement. I've spent a bunch of time reading about the potential complications of hysterectomy and I'm so glad I found such a careful, meticulous, up-to-date surgeon because it's made all the difference in my recovery, and probably in the quality of the rest of my life from here on out. I only wish that the rest of PAMF's OB/GYN departments would be *required* to train under Dr. Salvay to learn these less invasive techniques. If my uterus (with it's 50+ fibroids and 24-week-pregnancy size) can be removed laparoscopically, it is absolutely criminal that surgeons are busy doing less-complicated removals using antiquated and, let's face it, sometimes downright medieval surgical techniques. Overall, I'm grateful for Dr. Salvay being not just a rockstar surgeon but a genuinely nice person. He made what was a pretty scary and sad experience for me less painful, both physically and emotionally. read more

On December 28, 2017, Dr. Salvay saved my life. For two years I knew something was wrong but completely missed thinking it was related to my gynecological area. After finally getting a pelvic ultrasound a massive ovarian cyst was discovered. I was referred to Dr. Salvay. Immediately he proved himself to be the perfect doctor for me. He double checked the size of the cyst because he thought the size noted on the ultrasound was incorrectly measured. It turned out to be double the size noted. That made me feel confident he was the one to conduct the necessary surgery. He was open and honest with me about the different kinds of surgery including the risks associated with each one. He told me what he recommended and felt confident he could do it. I strongly agreed with him. On the surgery he delivered what he promised. By removing the 35 pound ovarian tumor he saved my life. This mass was slowly killing me in more ways than I realized until it was out. I had researched and read a lot of information on my condition. I believe an informed patient is an asset to their doctors. I found his bedside manner a bit different but extremely refreshing. It was great to have such a compassionate, caring doctor help me through the most difficult experience of my life. To have a doctor take time out of his busy schedule to check on me plus sit down and talk to you is unheard of with most of the surgeons I have had. The most expertise comes from doctors who are passionionate about their work. We all are human beings with emotions, fears and worries. It is nice to realize our doctors are the same way. After I recovered from the initial surgery I developed infected abscesses on my incision from a rare bacteria. When I called with concern I was squeezed into his busy schedule to be seen. He immediately had me checked into Sutter's isolation room. I spent four days and three nights there hooked up to an antibiotic IV. I was scared because this was a new experience for me. I have had seven prior surgery with no complications. Dr. Salvay was reassuring and informative in daily visits. He allowed me to make the final decision whether to stay or go. I was going stir crazy trapped away in a room all alone worried about oozing abscesses that I had no experience and knowledge on. He helped me to make the wisest choices. Though I have a couple more weeks before I am completely healed I am confident if not for Dr. Salvay it could have developed into a much different not so positive outcome. On a final note many years ago I went to a male Gynecologists who not only made inappropriate comments but touched a part of my body in completely inappropriate way. I reported him to his affiliate and vowed never to go a male OBGYN ever again in my life. After my initial visits with Dr. Salvay including post surgery visits, I never felt any of this fear or vulnerability with him treating me at any point. In conclusion not only did Dr. Salvay removed a 35 pound mass but he allowed my body to further heal all the damage; I have lost 50 pounds since the surgery. During my post op visit with my primary care physician Dr. Riddle we noted a loss of another 4 pounds since Monday's emergency visit. Dr. Salvay's skill and expertise has given me back my life. I was obese at over 200 pounds pre-surgery. I am now below 200 pounds. This is a goal I have dreamed of for a long time. I owe my life to this man--he not only removed the massive cyst but did it with a minimal amount of incision. When he retires it will leave a hole in PAMF's panel of experts. read more

Yes, his bedside manner is questionable at times and you think why did he say that, but he is an AMAZING surgeon! He did my hysterectomy operation at Sutter (amazing place I will review later - go there if you need any operation - not just baby stuff). It was quick,painless and healed within two weeks, It has now been a month and I am walking 30 min to an hour again a day. I am taking out garbage, cleaning my ca's t litter box, cleaning and preparing good meals for myself. Even if he says odd things he really cares and explains things in detail so you understand what it. means. He knows gynocology, as he has been doing it for 30 years or so.. He came to visit me in my hospital room twice( the day of my surgery and after) to see how I was doing. The cut marks post op healed to almost nothing in two weeks. One he was so amazed at that he asked if he could take a photo of it lol I owe this man my freedom and way of life. I had been bleeding abnormally and having painful periods on and off for 5 years or so. During May and June it got so bad that I had to stay in bed and could only get up to use the bathroom. I was not able to do my job, feed myself or really anything. I got an appointment at Sutter within a month, which is amazing in itself, but the operation was quick with a painless recovery and fast healing time - in comparison to Dominican. No matter what his bedside manner may be he fixes your problem right the first time and loves doing this - he thinks it is fun and thanked me for letting him operate on me!!! I TELL EVERYONE TO SEE HIM Wouldn't you rather have your physical issue actually fixed by an excellent surgeon that knows what he is doing, so you can live normally again (if not better) than someone with a perfect bedside manner? read more

Saw Dr. Salvay in December 2013.... Lacks communication skills, barely spoke to my husband and I. Told us everything was ok with the baby but the expression on his face said differently. ALSO, the report sent to my PCP stated a different sex of baby than what he told us and everything he did not see on the ultrasound... I remind you... He told us absolutely nothing about what he did or did not see in the visit with him. So... Now I have to get a second ultrasound this week (Jan 2014)with a tech because of his unprofessional behavior... Will not be seen by him ever again... I was warned, so let me warn you! read more

Dr Salvay is an amazing doctor and very personable. Another doctor referred me to him when I discovered I had a large fibrous tumor in my uterus. As it turns out, this is Dr Salvay specialty. He does hysterectomies and removes it all through the belly button, virtually leaving NO scar. I am proof. My partial hysterectomy was a super easy recovery. I actually did some yard work and painted my bathroom 3 days later. I was surfing, play volleyball and mountain bike riding after the first week. I love my surgeon! read more

I love Dr. Salvay! I was told that I had a cancerous cyst on my overies by other doctors. I went to go see Dr. Salvay, and he said no way to cancer. It was edomitriosis. I got in to surgery immediately with Dr. Salvay. Not only did he help me with my freaking out worry that I had. He was able to remove this massive cyst from my ovarie. And save both overies as well. He is sooooo...caring and great I don't know what I would have done with out him. He is the best..and I mean the best! He is super experienced and is the best at what he does. And of course it wasn't cancer, it was endmitriosis just as Dr. Salvay said. Thanks Dr Salvay you are a Man angel! read more

Dr. Salvay is truly an amazing surgeon. My huge fibroid was removed through belly, no scar at all. My belly back to normal size in one month. No pain medication, no antibiotic. I walked on my own feet with platform heel with 24 hrs. I was able to driving on highway 17 in two days. I back to work at office in one week. I have had an immeasurable improvement in my quality of life. Thanks Dr. Salvay for giving me new life! read more

Sexual Misconduct. I reported him to the state medical board after consulting with my new doctors and other health professionals. I was afraid of him from the first appointment because of his attitude and inappropriate behavior in the pelvic exam. I went through with it because of other reasons but wild horses couldn't drag me back to this office--I get nervous every time I drive by it now. I told my new doctors the details of what happened and they all said report, report. I didn't want to. So I finally got up the courage to do that--especially when they told me I could save others harm. I'm not trying to seek revenge. I just don't want anyone else to go through what I went through and I'm concerned that this may be a sign of some other problem. Recovering physically from the surgery was a piece of cake compared to the emotional pain. He never apologized for what he did--in fact he yelled at me until I wept and told him to "please stop, just stop." When I recovered from this bout of tears he tore into me again. He was telling me I was "in a bad way" and basically just an emotional woman--this argument was so old school/retro/cruel I was shocked. It was like talking to a crazy person. This was without a doubt the worst doctor experience of my life. I know now it takes so much courage for women to report this kind of thing--I have a lot of fear of retaliation--but I am not just a piece of meat, I am a person and he shouldn't have done what he did during two pelvic exams. I now have a new doctor to help me with hormone issues related to the surgery. He is also a man but super respectful and absolutely appropriate. Yes Dr. Salvay is a good surgeon--I never doubted that but I'm sure there are other good ones out there. Be careful. read more

If there was a sixth star I'd add it! Dr Salvay is a gifted surgeon and a compassionate soul. I love my belly button placement and my overall experience during my recent hysterectomy. I highly trust and recommend PAMF and Dr Salvay. blessings! read more

I had used midwives for my previous two children but our insurance did not allow us to use the same midwives group so I found Howard Salvay through recommendations. Dr. Salvay delivered my son in May. He was delivered naturally without tearing (I'd torn with both previous births). There were a few minor complications but Salvay was very professional and skilled and kept me at ease. During office visits he seemed cool at first, but I came to realize he has a dry sense of humor that I really like. He's very good with ultra sound tests. We were able to find out our sons gender early and when there was a positioning problem he found the cause in a matter of seconds. I had a fantastic experience with him and the office staff. I would use him again in a heartbeat. read more

Dr. Salvay, Dr. Salvation! You either love him or hate him! But he knows his stuff! He saved me from having a C-Section in 2012. I don't think a lot of MD's would have risked it. After 18 hours of labor it just wasn't progressing. Dr. Salvay was the on call MD that arrived in the morning after a horrible night of suffering and labor at the Sutter Maternity Center in Santa Cruz. As soon as he examined me he realized that my water hadn't broken yet and as soon as he broke it labor speed up considerably. The pushing took 2 hours and again the baby was going into distress. He called for a time out and gave us our options 1. C-section, 2. Push as hard as possible and then try the vacuum suction device. We picked option #2 and signed the waiver. Within the next 30 minutes our son was delivered using the vacuum device. Whew! He definitely took charge of the staff there and directed everyone including myself how to push. I felt like he definitely knew what he was doing and it made the difference for me. read more

Dr Salvay's vast experience and knowledge coupled with his professional but easy going demeanor enabled me to be calm and confident throughout my pregnancy and the birth of my first child. I had a great experience and strongly recommend him! read more

Dr. Salvay may well be a good clinician, but if you care at all about bedside manner, he is not for you! He has offended my mom and my sisters as well as myself. Multiple former colleagues have told me how awful he is. He is rude, inappropriate and just completely unprofessional. He may technically be a good doctor, but his behavior is so atrocious that I can't believe he still has a job. PAMF must be paying off the women who sue him. I saw him to consult on a surgery, and while I was naked in the stirrups, feeling totally vulnerable, he actually said "you have a really beautiful vagina." I was so horrified that I was speechless. I couldn't get dressed and run out of his office fast enough. I've been going to SCMC/PAMF for over 30 years, and with multiple, severe health issues, I've seen many specialists. I've learned how doctors should act, and I've learned what is acceptable and what is not. Howard Salvay is not acceptable. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere! read more

OK, I said it here first: Dr. S has no bed-side manner. You won't get loving supportive assurance from him either. In fact, when I developed complications, he seemed totally freaked out. (Not a good thing in a risky pregnancy!) The main reason to go to the good doctor is if you need a C-section. That's what he is good at--and that's why you should go to him. If you don't, and you are pregnant, go find someone who is warm and fuzzy to help you. But really do your research well. There are a lot of midwives in this town who can only take you so far if things get tricky--so maybe discuss all those possibilities before hand. As for the other OBGYN services he provides, I don't know, I will never be going back to him! read more

I feel compelled to write this after reading the other review. I too heard that Dr. Salvay has a brusque manner, but I have seen him several times now over the years and have found him to be very kind, a good listener, and, most importantly, technically proficient (his procedures are quick and painless and CORRECTLY DONE the first time). He does not spend a lot of time, but who wants to hang out forever at the gynecologist's office anyway? His office assistant is also knowledgeable and competent. Go see him and get it done right the first time. That's my advice. read more

Arrogant jerk. Went to him in the middle of a miscarriage and he managed to be cold and officious even then. Do NOT recommend.

Dr. Salvay treated me with kindness, caring and compassion. He has gone above and beyond to give me the best possible care anybody could want from their doctor. The first time I met him was over 2 years ago when I came to an appointment that I had waited months to get. Between the time I made that appointment and I finally showed up at his office, I had lost my beautiful 21 year old son. He came into the exam room and greeted me and asked me who referred me and what I was being seen for. Being in the state of shock that I was in, I said I didn't know. He sat down and just talked to me for as long as I needed. We talked for at least half an hour. He was so caring. He was able to sit with me and just be with me in my grief. Very few people can do this. I waited a couple of years to work through some of my grief and rescheduled my appointment with him. Again, he was as lovely as he was the first time I met him. He recently performed surgery on me. I had a supra-cervical laparoscopic hysterectomy with a posterior wall repair of my vagina. He also did a small revision of my 23 year old c-section scar to improve how it looked. I love this doctor. He is so smart, warm, funny, kind and caring. And that's not why I went to him in the first place. I went because primary care physician has been his patient and she referred me to him and my other doctor's wife is his patient. Dr. Salvay has the reputation for being the best surgeon in Santa Cruz. I'm a nurse and I want the best doctors treating me. I feel so fortunate to live in Santa Cruz and to have the best doctors in the world, especially this one. Thank you Dr. Salvay. read more

Dr Salvay is a mad scientist in the best way. My girlfriend had fibroid removal through single incision in belly button. 2 weeks later, no visible scar. 5 days post-op, she was gardening (with some slowed mobility & loss of stamina, but WOW!). Dr Salvay was refreshingly honest & frank, which I appreciate in a 'bedside manner' much more so than coddling. read more

Thank you, Dr Salvay. You literally changed my life! Howard Salvay is the best surgeon and really knows what he's doing. I can't say I have any experience with normal childbirth thru him, but, if you have a unique issue or even an abnormal pregnancy, or any abnormal problem surgeries... He is the surgeon you should be asking for. He has perfected his methods to be 'minimal' impact. Meaning pain, scars, recovery time, lack of infection. I'd like to say he is the go to expert for dealing with 'problems.' I didn't realize my Uterus had become as much of a health issue as it ended up being by the time I had it removed. I had a complete hysterectomy and a full removal of my fibroid infested uterus. There were too many to count, the largest being the size of a grapefruit! It was hard/solid and bleeding for the last 2 years and causing numerous health issues. My Uterus was over the comfortable operating size for a standard operation & they were telling me I had to have 'open surgery' which would leave me with a larger incision than a C-section, which would also affect my recovery time & the pain & chance of infection I would have to endure as well. He was confident in taking on my operation and ended up doing as promised (laparoscopicly) which was 2 (1.5in, and .5in) very small incisions & a very short recovery time, almost no pain related to the actual surgery. I was back to normal activities in less than a month! Serious. I have the upmost confidence, respect & admiration for what he does, and he also has a team of very friendly and personable staff who work together to make you feel comfortable, informed and welcome. read more

If I could give 10 stars I would. Dr. Salvang and his team were top notch. He is a master. Completely committed and so is his staff. Surgery went well and I am fully recovered and back to working out in very little downtime. I have so much appreciation that I found him and the great nurses who took care of me. He is down to earth, a straight shooter and possesses a very authentic nature. Most of all- he is a technically brilliant surgeon -exactly what you need. read more

Dr. Salvay is an exceptional doctor! He gives you all the information you need in a clear way and he is kind and obviously eager to help. I was one of the few patients that needed an incision surgery (there was no way laparoscopic was possible) and he did an amazing job! His staff is great too - Lara, Danielle and Kim - all kind and professional. read more

Dr. Salvay is a brilliant doctor. He takes all things in consideration when discussing your health with you. My favorite dr of all time and Ive had a million!!! read more

My journey started about 5 months ago. I was having some back pain, stomach swelling, and trouble urinating. At this time, I decided to make a doctors appointment. During my doctor's appointment I was told that my uterus was really stretched and that my fibroids are very large. Trust me I did not want to have surgery, but my quality of life was not good. This is where my quest started to find the perfect Doctor who would be skilled enough to complete my partial hysterectomy through my navel without any other scaring. This led me to Dr. Salvay who listened to every concern that I had and assured me that he would do his best to give me the results that I wanted. Dr Salvay just make me feel comfortable with him. Its been a month since my surgery. He gave me exactly what I wanted which was one naval cut and no other scarring. He's a very skilled surgeon and knows his job well. I'm feeling great and they treated me like a queen throughout my entire experience. These results exceeded my expectations. read more

Dr. Howard Salvay is my hero! I was experiencing severe pain for 3 weeks. I called Dr. Salvay's office on a chance they may be able to get me in to see him because I couldn't deal with the pain any longer. They got me in that same morning. Dr. Salvay came right in to see me. We discussed what had been going on with me. He decided to do a pelvic ultrasound and found the culprit. Hemorrhaging cycts on my ovaries. We discussed in length about what to do. Dr. Salvay is not quick to jump to surgery, unless absolutely necessary, which I appreciate. After discussing all options we decided to do the surgery because of the amount of pain I was in & it wasn't going away. He had me scheduled for surgery that evening. I was completely out of pain when I woke up from surgery :) Dr. Salvay takes the time to figure out what is best to do for you. He doesn't just jump in & treat each patient the same. He treats you as an individual and what your particular needs are. He is caring & compassionate & I trust him more than I have trusted any other Doctor. I also have to add that I had the surgery at Sutter Hospital & the nurses there were phenomenal! I felt very cared for every step of the way! read more

Dr. Salvay is the bomb! He's and excellent surgeon and we are lucky to have him right here at Sutter (excellent facility!) in Santa Cruz. He's smart, and cares enough to take the time to answer all of your questions without making you feel rushed. He's personable and confident, which is what I want in a surgeon. Sometimes confidence is misconstrued as arrogance, but that is a subjective problem. I was amazed by his skill, and grateful for getting my life back. I'm almost two weeks post op, and I feel much better than I have in almost a year. Dr. Salvay and his OR team were excellent, they removed a big fibroid, and the ovarian tumor hiding behind it, as well as a partial hysterectomy all through my belly button! (No Scar ;) ~ My own Dr. and two OB/GYNs told me it had to be an abdominal surgery, so I never expected such a perfect outcome. I will recommend Dr. Salvay to anyone who needs a skilled surgeon because he takes the time to answer all of your questions and he cares. I felt like I finally found the right Dr, the right facility, and like I was in good hands! Five Stars! read more

Dr. Howard Salvay was my surgeon for a recent cystectomy. I had a 9 mm dermoid cyst in my right ovary. Dr. Salvay skillfully removed it from inside the ovary, and repaired the ovary. He was able to remove it thru my belly button and one other tiny port, which speeded my recovery time. My experience with him was excellent and I highly recommend him for OB-GYN surgery. He was caring and kind, and listened closely to my needs and my (many) questions. I found him to be confident and honest, and I really appreciated these qualities in a surgeon. read more