John A Selle, DO

5.0 star rating
27 reviews Rating Details

Category: Internal Medicine  [Edit]

2250 Hayes St
Ste 206

(between Shrader St & Stanyan St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 379-6100
Hours:

Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm

By Appointment Only:
Yes
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27 reviews in English

  • Review from Rascal M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/31/2011

    Dr. Selle is awesome!

    I recently switched to him as my Primary Care Physician and requested that he gives me a full physical exam and prescribes some lab test for me. He gave me a very thorough exam, answered all of my questions very thoroughly and patiently, and even suggested some alternative treatments to try for things that I would not have thought to ask him about. (E.g. he asked me if I had tried taking pro-biotic supplements -- I had not -- and pointed out that in some patients they have had beneficial effects for a condition I have. Since they benefit the body in all sorts of ways and have few, if any, downsides / side-effects, he suggested I consider taking pro-biotics to see if they improve my general well-being.)

    Dr. Selle also very graciously agreed to prescribe the lab tests I requested. When it turned out that there was an issue with the lab tests order (because of my insurance's and the lab's complex and unreasonable rules), he readily agreed to take the time to issue me a new lab tests order, even though it was through no fault of his that the first one would not go through.

    All in all, you can tell from the first appointment that Dr. Selle not only has a great breadth of knowledge and a very alert and open mind (as any physician should), but also really cares about his patients well-being and wants to do whatever is necessary to improve it (as only the best physicians do).

  • Review from Ms S.

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    • 4 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/2/2011

    Still the best doc I've ever had, I trust him implicitly and my whole family see's him!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      7/9/2008

      Dr. Selle is fabulous!

      I read the reviews on Yelp and it is true! He spent an hour with me on my… Read more »

  • Review from AK S.

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    • 4 friends
    • 43 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/3/2010

    If all doctors could be this way, this country would be so much healthier and happier.

    Dr Selle is a godsend. He takes an integrative approach to your health and well-being and listens to all the pieces of the problem AND takes into account your personality. I also like that his office is so Tech savvy and you can actually email him AND he calls you to check up on you! Dr Selle continually educates himself to provide you with the best information on a subject, this is something most doctors get lazy about. Dr Selle has a voracious appetite for health and knowledge and the result is a great practice. I think the reason he is still taking new patients is because his are all so healthy!

    Side note - I also like going up the street to Pharmaca in Cole Valley after my visit for prescriptions, herbs, vitamins - they have a knowledgeable staff and their product selection is complimentary to some of the integrative techniques Dr Selle may recommend. For instance my migraines were getting the better of me and I despise taking meds that knock me out for days. Dr Selle provided me with a  research piece along with a list of supplements & herbs that would be helpful in preventing migraines. I walked up to Pharmaca and started asking for these weird names of things and the herbalist on staff was like "Oh you are referring to the latest study, we have a pill designed with all those herbs & supplements already in it." Bam. Problem resolved. (plus if you are a new prescription filler they give you a big coupon for the store!)

    I wish all areas of my life had a Dr Selle.....

  • Review from Emily V.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Petaluma, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/16/2011

    About 5 years ago I had to change Dr's because of insurance changes and chose one that was on the list. I was so nervous. Dr's appointments are really not my cup of tea. I had an appointment with another Dr. in the same office, but by some weird twist of fate in walks a smiling Dr. Selle. Angels starting singing from the heavens and I thought, "Dear God... Can this be true?" He sat down and proceeded to thoroughly go over my health and history in a non-threatening and very thorough fashion. My physical was fine. I was fine. Dr. Selle was a perfect gentleman. He made common sense recommendations and I left.

    Then about 6 months later I was feeling horrible. I went in to see him and he recommended an endocrinologist... the best... and I went to see him. It was there that I heard the "C" word... I had cancer. Now, just so you all know, I am not a religious person... but this was fated. Dr. Selle helped me through the darkest part of my life. He takes the oath "Do no harm" and turns it into "Be compassionate, faithful, loyal, sincere, empathetic, and kind".

    About 3 years later one of my horses stomped on my foot and really did some damage. I went into an ER in the City and the triage nurse asked me who my HCP was and I stated (glowing) "Dr. John Selle". Her eyes instantly reflected mine and she told me about a moment when she was working in ICU and Dr. Selle came in with a china tea pot steaming with tea and flowers for his patient's family. She stated that no Dr.has ever touched their patient's lives like Dr. Selle. (And I was under the false assumption that it was only me who glowed about Dr. Selle.)

    WHAT DR. CARES LIKE THIS ANY MORE? Seriously.

    Dr. Selle inspired me to be a better person. Live a better and healthier life and to help others. After my cancer, I quit my job and went to school to become an RN. He wrote me a letter of recommendation to get into the school and I just passed my State Boards. I can honestly say that Dr. Selle changed my life. In turn, I am passing on the qualities that he showed to me to my patients. Kindness, empathy, and advocacy. He wiped away my tears and showed me how I could wipe away those of my patients. He is a personal role model and I highly recommend Dr. Selle.

    Thank you!
    Emily Vincent, RN

  • Review from Meave G.

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    • 42 friends
    • 59 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/29/2006

    I have never had good luck with doctors.

    The first I can remember was my pediatrician, who had long, bony, extremely cold hands, and who gave me shots. Lots of shots. Obviously this was unforgivable and has forever clouded my judgment of the poor man. I mean, I'm sure he was very nice, but all I really recall are those cold hands prodding my warm little body. And the shots, good lord.

    My second was sort of an in-between doctor I visited when I was too old for the pediatrician and my family was too poor to see anyone who wasn't, say, my friend's dad who cut us a break. He totally ratted me out when I was faking sick, though, all "prescribing" me over-the-counter Dimetapp and telling me I was definitely well enough to go straight from his office to school. Thanks, Evelyn's dad. That's the last time I clear my place at your dinner table.

    When we moved north after my sophomore year of high school because my dad got a job that made us both insured and not poor, we had to pick a new doctor. My mother and I, feeling whimsical, picked the guy with the weirdest name in the list of HMO-approved primary care providers. This was a terrible mistake. Did you know that certain medical plans won't let you change your doctor if it turns out he's so into homeopathy he doesn't want to prescribe you antibiotics for the out-of-control infection that's caused your leg to swell so much you can't even walk?

    In some wretchedly ironic twist I found myself the au pair for a family whose patriarch was actually the managing director of the Deutsche Homoeopathische Union, owners of Nature's Way, meaning that I was up to my eyeballs in herbal remedies and weird salts. Now, I like to take care of myself as much as the next girl -- I'm a vegetarian, I drink at least three liters of water a day, plenty of exercise, you know -- but there is a reason why people take drugs: They are EFFECTIVE. That's not to say that eating cow that's been pumped full of antibiotics so that it doesn't get sick living crammed together with thousands of other cows, eating ground-up bits of other animals that have also been subsisting on a meat-and-antibiotics diet is good (so much as really, really bad for you), but when you have an infection, take something that comes from the damn pharmacy, you know?

    When I came back from the land of arnica (guernica?), I was determined to find a doctor who would actually listen to me and not make me feel weird about wanting drugs. Happily, two job, seven months and a couple new HMOs later, I found him in Dr. Selle. He's the closest doctor on my plan, so my HMO sort of assigned him to me -- although you can be sure I checked on that option to switch before I formally agreed to anything. I was dubious, but one visit put all my doubts to rest. After so many healthcare debacles, it's like winning some kind of contest every time I go in.

    Oh, the love I have for Dr. Selle. He is the perfect combination of holistic and practical. I have weird, uncomfortable physical reactions to stress, the most recent coming in the form of a particularly itchy post-sunburn-style rash. What did Dr. Selle do? Told me to treat the actual symptom with aloe vera gel, and then asked me about everything that could be causing me stress. Because he is so nice and earnest, I found it very easy to tell him all about my inability to sleep, how long it had been going on, and all the other stress factors in my life that I am not going to share with the rest of you right now.

    I left the office with a pamphlet on "sleep hygiene" and a prescription for (generic) Ambien. Almost makes me wish I were in poorer health so I'd have an excuse to go in more often. Okay fine, that's a complete lie, but I DO love my doctor. And my Xanax, but that's something else entirely.

  • Review from leonid v.

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    • 22 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/4/2011

    I had a horrific experience with my old doctor. Found dr. Selle on yelp. The result beyond expectations. Had only one appointment so far, just an introduction and following up on three major issues. Which was of utter importance to me!!!
    a) He came prepared, he obviously not just read but read carefully my history.
    b) I clearly had no way of knowing that he will be so well prepared so I ended up annoying him for like 45 minutes with all the details on my problems especially cause I was used to the worst before and was pretty freaked out as is after three ER visits in one month. He listened carefully and was asking questions and showing concern and was the embodiment of patience!! I swear  I'd slap myself if I was him ;-)
    c) What a surprise it was when at the end he handed me 95% of the answers to my questions and all so thorough and professional. Basically it was "lets try to do everything before prescription drugs, but if we have to do prescription later if nothing works than here is a list of things I might prescribe in the future. Please get acquainted and have time to think" - AWESOME!!!! The rest 5% shall be answered by a different doctor that he gave me a referral to.
    d) Pleasant, not overly, but genuinely. Smiley. Incredibly patient. Good looking, which is a pleasant but not relevant bonus ;-). Attentive. Patient. So far very happy with my first visit and his suggestions work!!!!
    e) Staff. Comparing to my previous experience they were angels! Speaking in general terms of customer service 4,75 stars. They put me on hold once and it looked like they forgot, funny enough I called cause was running ten min late. Called while walking towards the office building. 10 min on hold I walk in with the phone in my hand still waiting and I see that one receptionist is busy with people the other one is indeed on the phone with someone. I told them it was me and looked like they felt bad and were sweet as sugar! OH, and i left my insurance card behind which was mailed to me the very next day, I didn't even realize I forgot it until I got the mail. That put a huge smile on my face!! ;-)
    Such a relieve after all the crap I went through!!!

  • Review from Joel K.

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    • 23 friends
    • 21 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/14/2007

    Dr. Selle is exactly as good as the five-star reviews say.

    His office, not so great.

    I went in for a physical in February.  I had to get bloodwork done before I went, so the receptionist scheduled me an appointment at a lab so far south of me that it stretches to breaking the usual conception of the bounds of San Francisco.  When I got back I checked on google maps--yeah, the same company has labs scattered all through the city, including one less than a mile from my house.

    The physical itself was as pleasant as one might hope for.  "Can I have sex with my girlfriend (Meave G.) without putting latex on my penis?"  "Go for it!"

    A month later, the problems started.  With the billing, I mean.  My insurance gives me one physical every two years, free of deductible.  Yet I received a bill from Dr. Selle's office.  I called my insurance to ask about it--it turned out the office had used the wrong diagnostic code on the claim, so it didn't look like a physical.  Fine.  I call the doctor's office and let them know they need to re-file the claim with the correct code.  They agree to do so.

    A month later, I receive a new bill.  I call the insurance company.  Same situation.  They didn't even re-file the claim.  I call the office and yell.

    A month later, I receive a new bill.  I call the office first.  Me: "I'm tired of being the go-between here.  My insurance and I agree that I get a free physical.  Your office and I agree that I went to you for a physical.  It's up to you to reconcile the difference."  Receptionist: "Ok, I'll try that and call you back."

    She does not call back.

    Repeat approximately monthly to last Monday (now we're in July).  I get the same bill, this time stamped "PAST DUE".  I am prepared to consider any change progress.  I call the office, only to find that they have (as of the start of the month) retained a third party to manage their billing.  Thank jesus, I think.  I call the company, they understand the problem, they re-submit the claim.

    Let's hope I don't have to update this review in a month.

    *** UPDATE 8/22/2007 ***
    Hey guess what!  That third party?  Not so great!  But at least they're proactive.  I got a call this morning from a very nice woman threatening to break my kneecaps.  After a little negotiation, she and I got into a conference call with my insurance, who politely informed her that yes, the billing code was STILL wrong.  I can only assume that her face was red.  She is re-submitting, we'll see what happens.

    The worst part of this last episode: in the months that this whole debacle has taken, my insurance changed from giving me a 100% free physical every two years to a 90% free physical every year.  Even if I win, I lose.

    For general information, the company now handling the billing is Brown and Toland: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

  • Review from Hil B.

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    • 8 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/1/2008

    Dr. Selle is a gem.  He is there for you 110% - especially since my boy and I seem to always get sick on the weekend or Christmas day...  He's just a great guy, very smart, down-to-earth, and not into overly medicating anyone unnecessarily.  He is never condescending and explains things really clearly.  He makes sure you truly understand what's up before going on to the next patient.    

    I personally have never had any problem with the appointment scheduling process or billing either.  

    Thanks Dr. Selle!

  • Review from Aaron S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/12/2008

    5 stars-- Dr. Selle is legit!

    Within moments of meeting him I immediately knew I was dealing with someone who is genuine and passionate about what he is doing.

    My experiences with him give me hope that he is how new docs are now; well informed, patient and willing to say he doesn't know for sure and then research it.  He strikes me as a genuinely curious and caring person who is in this for the right reason--people's health.

    He is not in a rush, which is totally different than other docs I have seen.  Specifically I am inspired to write this because outside of the fact that all of my experiences with him have been really good, tonight I had a minor health question and he called me and spoke to me for 30 minutes, what doctor does that?

    He is down to earth, low-key and by far the best doctor I've ever dealt with.

  • Review from Suzi G.

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    • 10 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/3/2007

    I agree with all previous posts. I finally feel like I have a medical professional advocating for my health and I can't say what a relief that is!!!

    Doctors and health care professionals usually make me nervous because they are so rushed for time. Dr. Selle did a thorough first exam and interview and actually asked me what we could work on together to make my health even better.

    He takes a balanced approach of holistic remedies and conventional medicine. I would recommend him to anyone, but especially to people that are wary of doctors.

    His office is stocked with the latest technology. The staff seems a little flakey but workable.

  • Review from C. g.

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    • 2 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/14/2008

    Dr. Selle rocks. Was able to see me right away in a time of need and offered good tips for at-home care.

    His office staff doesn't do Dr. Selle justice. I would rather interact with a phone service upon entering the office. No one needs to be scoff''d at when in a doctors office, **akward**

    Thank goodness Dr. Selle doesn't follow through with his staff's attitude, he is up beat always wears a smile and makes you feel at ease. rock on Selle! rock on!

  • Review from Robert G.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 33 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2009

    Dr. Selle is as good as it gets.  I have been a patient of Dr. Selle ever since my former doctor went into a pricey boutique practice.  I was impressed from the moment Dr. Selle walked into the examination room.  He asked questions and LISTENED to what I had to say (something most doctors do not have time to do anymore).  He is well spoken and never rushes you out.
    I am thrilled I was able to get a doctor of his quality especially the way medicine is going in the US.  If I could give him more than five stars I would!

  • Review from Madeline M.

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    • 8 friends
    • 55 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/18/2010

    I read Dr. Selle's reviews and thought they sounded too good to be true, but after having my first visit with him I can assure you that he certainly did measure up to his reviews.

    I found him to be extremely easy to talk to and engaged.  In one visit he covered more of my health concerns than my previous doctor had in 4 visits. I did not feel rushed, he spent at least 30 minutes with me, I think it was closer to 45.  He gave me a lot of good advice and I feel like I can completely trust him.

    He personally called me about my lab test results and when I emailed him with other questions, he responded the next day.  He said he would call in a prescription for me and he did.

    I am surprised a doctor this good is still taking new patients, so if you are someone looking for a new primary MD, I would try and get in to see him before his practice closes to new patients.

    If you like the technological stuff, he does have online medical records,  secure email access, and online appointment scheduling, and he does not charge extra for this.  His web site also has a lot of useful information.

    The last thing he said was that he was looking forward to working with me to keep me at my optimum level of health.  What a breath of fresh air!

    I feel very lucky to have found Dr. Selle!

    Thanks Dr. Selle and Yelp!

  • Review from Nicole B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/25/2010

    Love him.  Best doctor since my pediatrician, no joke.

    He finds the best and least invasive (i.e. less medications, more exercise, better diet and sleep hygiene, etc.) treatments, and if he isn't sure, he really goes out of his way to set you up with a specialist who can help- and he has only recommended fantastic specialists [dermo and ortho].

    He is super nice and he uses a tablet so he has all the information in front of him and isn't fumbling around- and he seems to care- and actually remembers really specific things!  I was referred to him by the USF clinic at St. Mary's and I couldn't have been more relieved to find a good- make that great doctor.

    Their billing is also super easy and pleasant.  They work with your insurance, and make that part pretty easy. Plus getting apointments, easy as pie.

    And the waiting area- tres chic/ comfy- and the collection of art is neat, original classic movie posters, pretty interesting.

  • Review from kevin L.

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    • 2 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/5/2009

    Five stars for Dr. Selle.  Definitely personable, candid, sensitive to needs of the patient.  Very high tech setup, and prescriptions refilled in a heartbeat!  I like him.  Handsome too.

  • Review from peter d.

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    • 5 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Redwood City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/11/2007

    This guy is great, detail oriented. He is very easy to talk to and wish he was still my doctor but I have since moved.

  • Review from Lisa F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/7/2009

    I want to add my voice to the accolades. Dr. Selle really is every bit as wonderful as everyone says. He is oh-so-human yet professional, spends as much time with you as you need, answers questions, is never condescending, and blends holistic-focused, osteopathic treatment with traditional western treatment. He takes into account what your values are and offers options for health - not just treating sickness. I've never been this happy with a doctor.

  • Review from Elizabeth K.

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    • 24 friends
    • 75 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/19/2009

    What they say is true.  Super nice guy and I know I am in really good hands.

  • Review from Eric B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/23/2010

    Frankly I booked a physical with Dr. Selle because he was a DO (they tend to be more holistic) and most importantly because he was smoking hot in his picture.

    After my appointment I realized that both of those impressions were absolutely true -- and that he was a kind, thorough, conscientious professional who took his time asking the important questions about my health.

    That professionalism and those blue eyes? This one's a keeper.

  • Review from becca k.

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    • 24 friends
    • 321 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/23/2010

    Dr. Selle is warm, friendly, and intelligent. After having my initial PCP appointment with him, he sent me for bloodwork, making a point to check some specific levels because I'm a vegetarian. He called me the night the bloodwork came in and spent over ten minutes discussing them with me, which I was impressed with. Most doctors don't spend that much time with you in-person let alone call you at all. The front desk staff make tons of effort, and I'm really impressed with this practice.

  • Review from Francesca T.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/9/2009

    Absolutely, far and away  the best doctor you will ever go to.  He listens AND understands. He is easy to access by email, how many doctors can you say that about?   I cannot recommend highly enough.  Not only is Dr. Selle great, but his office staff is so friendly and warm. My family and I felt welcome from day one.  You could not pay me to switch to another doctor. If you want a caring and friendly doctor and office, go to Dr. Selle!

  • Review from Maureen M.

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    • 6 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/14/2009

    John A. Selle, is the best Primary Care Physician in the world. I first met him when he was a resident at Saint Mary's Clinic. Dr. Selle was there for me when I had brain surgery in 2007. Then again, when I had two vascular surgeries in the spring and summer, 2009. I am abundantly blessed . John A . Selle , D.O., is a terrific and trustworthy physician.

    I am sure that when viewing the  photos ofDr. John A. Selle's office, you are wondering what kind of coffee does Dr. Selle drink? I feel confident that he will tell you the name of the roasters in Portland, Maine, who created this special blend!!!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      7/24/2009

      Dr. John is the very best Primary Care Physician in the world. He is a good listener and very… Read more »

  • Review from j d.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2010

    I rarely feel compelled to write reviews on here, but this guy is pretty amazing. I've called his office a few times needing advice and he's actually taken the time to call me back after office hours to call in a prescription, etc.  Dr. Selle looks at things from a holistic point of view and isn't so quick to recommend drugs to solve a medical problem, like so many doctors do. He actually seems to care about his patients, which I find to be extremely rare in the healthcare industry.

  • Review from Lisa D.

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    • 10 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/4/2011

    Dr. Selle was fanastic. This was my first visit, and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to wait forever. He office staff are capable and friendly.  He didn't rush through the office visit, but took his time to learn my medical history and conduct the exam.  I highly recommend him.

  • Review from Liv A.

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    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2006

    Wonderful physician! Young, hip and knowlegeable. Easygoing and really explains everything in detail. Takes his time with his patients. Akin to the old-school docs back in the day who really believed in and loved what they were doing- doing it for the love of medicine and truly helping people. Five stars...

  • Review from dj g.

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    • 40 friends
    • 23 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/7/2007

    five stars.  oh loved that he went out of his way to help me out when i needed bunch of tests and stuff to be done in short amount of time. and he also found a doctor for my lil brother. he is a great D.O. he is the man to see if you are someone who've had a bad expiernce with doctors before. he will change your mind.

  • Review from Harmony P.

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    • 7 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2008

    Dr. Selle was awesome. He was through and didn't make me feel rushed at all. Totally down to earth, easy going. He is very clear in his explanations and will answer any questions you have for him. And making an appt with him was a easy and once I was there I didn't wait in the waiting room forever which is always pleasant.

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