Mark J. Savant, MD
Category: Internal Medicine [Edit]
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA1 Shrader St
Ste 550
(between Fulton St & Grove St)
San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 387-8031
- By Appointment Only: Yes
38 Reviews for Mark J. Savant, MD
One of Mark J. Savant, MD's Favorite Reviews
I have now seen Dr. Savant a few times for a general checkup and when I have some self-inflicted damage to myself. My last trip was somewhat urgent (non-emergency) and they were able to get me in the next day. He is very capable, straightforward, and takes the time to get to know you as a person, not just a meal-ticket. In my experience, I have been shown to an exam room at or damn near the time of my appointment and never waited more than a few minutes fr him to come in. Your wait times may vary, but this place is seems far more efficient than other facilities I've been in (the horror stories I could tell!). Doris is incredible, super sweet, and very helpful. Yea, I sound a bit like a giddy schoolgirl, but as far as doctors and doctor offices go, you are unlikely to have a better experience elsewhere.
I waited almost 4 weeks for my appointment with Dr. Savant for a non-urgent but bothersome issue, so I was ready to rip Yelp another one if he was just another competent but over-hyped person.
Sitting in his dimly lit waiting room for 40 minutes next to a pharmaceutical drug rep and listening to elevator music, I was really considering that idea. But tout au contraire, Dr. Savant lived up to the raves. His Q Q Q Q A A A format, versus Q A Q A Q A (question-answer etc.), initially threw me off and made me wonder whether he was listening or caring, but he had truly excellent bedside manner and asked that rare "Is there anything else?" question at the end. No wonder he runs late.
The only thing that disappointed was when he told me over the phone that my allergy test results indicated I had allergies to "some kind of weed" and "I think it's wheat grass". I requested a copy and googled the scientific names, and it turned out the "weed" (D. pteronyssinus) is the European house dust mite and "wheat grass" (D. farinae) is the American house dust mite.
Oh well. Dr. Savant's no zoologist, that's for sure.
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I saw Mark last week, and the reviews didn't disappoint. He's a cool guy. I hadn't seen a doctor in a while, so I gave him a rundown of some of my concerns. He addressed all of them, explained things to me thoroughly, and gave me a few samples on top of my perscriptions.
We exchanged a few bits about growing up in San Francisco. The conversation was really relaxed. I got the feeling that Mark cares more about a person as a whole than just their ailments. I really appreciated that.
On the flip side, the Yelp recommendation comes at a price. In order to get an appointment with him, I had to book almost a month in advance. I picked the last available appointment on the day I went, and had to wait an extra 40 minutes to see him.
Despite this, he took his time and wasn't in a rush. After we left the examination room, the entire office was empty--he was the last guy to leave the office. That really says something to me about his commitment.
As long as I don't have any immediate medical concerns, I'd like to keep Mark as my doctor.
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Dr. Savant is tremendous in that he is so genuine and easy to communicate with. Looks you straight in the eyes and really listens and gets it. When I told him that I was an artist he was totally interested in that part of me also. I am 55 years old and have developed some real medical challenges. After leaving my first appt. I felt really optimistic and dedicated to staying healthy, feeling younger and stronger and Dr. Savant seems to have the same agenda, quite inspiring. The office staff are really bright and personable and Doris well she is simply fantastic. In this era of money and cynicism you just won't believe guys like this are still around.
I hadn't been to the doctor in a LONG time. The "current" complaints I came up with during my new patient/pysical were all at least 6 months old. I was terrified to go in there but knew it had to be done.
Dr. Savant is the coolest! Young, up-to-date, down-to-earth, and totally caring. No lengthy questionaire to go over your life story--he asks the questions himself. Talks about options and concerns, not pushy about his own opinions or agendas.
Doris is really sweet. Zora is a new assistant and really a bright, young face in the office. Dr. Savant told me that he likes to run the kind of practice you can call and say, "Hey, I need to be seen today," and they'll fit you in. I like a doctor like that. But after all the response from Yelp, he's had to bring in Dr. Kim to help him keep running his practice that way. Hey, that's not a bad thing!
I've never walked away from a doctor's appointment and raved about it. I've ranted plenty of times but raved? I can't think of one. I love this guy.
Oh, and I totally agree with what Clover Dan said--"a doctor you won't hate talking to, no matter what the hell you did to end up there." Well put and spot on!
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It's that time of year... time to get checked out.
Luckily, I've finally been having a streak of fantastic luck finding good health care providers! Dr. Savant is one of them.
Really knowledgeable and down to earth and super techy - at least more so than any doctor I've had before! No more scribbly notes and yellow copy this and pink copy that... everything I need is printed out nice and neat for me.
The wait wasn't bad and the office staff were actually really friendly - I know, can you imagine?
There was no rushed feeling and no playing the game of "which door is the doctor behind now". I didn't have brain freeze when I had the chance to ask any questions because I felt like I knew that I could always ask later! At last a doctor that I can actually have a conversation with and maybe even shoot the breeze a bit with. Hooray!!!
The final thing that convinced me to end my search for a SF doc was the decorative plate of The Simpsons on his office bookshelf. Done deal.
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He was a nice Dr. but i didn't feel like he followed up the way he should have. His nurse called me and left me a message on the phone about my condition, and i though that was so impersonal. I also feel like he overcharged me for a 20 min consult. But that is all. I think he was really nice and i bet he is a great doctor. It just wasn't what i was looking for.
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Dr. Savant was recommended to me by a close friend. It was a good choice. From first impression, you can tell he really wants to get to know patients (their lifestyle, concerns etc.). He gave some useful and beneficial tips on health and fitness.
The office procedures seem very organized, which is a plus. You don't see files and papers all around. They're all about using laptops and computers at this place. It's reassuring.
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Dr Savant is an amazing doctor! He listens, he cares, he makes suggestions and asks questions. He spends time with you (instead of sending someone else in). He'll rush you in if it's an emergency and he always does what he says. Everyone that works there is extremely friendly. It's a small office and he takes his time with you so you have to make an appointment in advance. I highly recommend him.
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Dr. Savant has been treating me for high blood pressure. He is non-judgemental, knowledgable and clear. He also didn't rush to place me on medication but is working with me on lifestyle and stress relief to help bring my pressure down. Doris didn't freak out when I missed an appointment (sorry!).
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Dr. Kim was great. Really on top of his game. I saw 3 doctor's until I found Dr. Kim.
Great Dr., very caring, very nice. Wait times for appts seem longer with all the yelp attention, but he is worth the wait. Dr. Kim will see you if Dr. Savant is out, and he seems just as nice.
I've been a patient for 3+ years, and I could not imagine trying to find another dr. as good as Dr. Savant.
Dr. Savant is a stand up guy. I came to him with a sensitive problem and not only did he listen carefully he really worked with me to come up with a short term and long term solution. He was extremely sensitive and made me feel very comfortable talking to him. My only regret is that I didn't find him sooner!
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Found this doctor off of Yelp and love him so far - I can tell that he cares about his patients and is a dedicated practitioner...
Pros: Really sits down and listens to you share all of your symptoms, thinks holistically, will stay late to call back patients, high tech - maintains patient files on the computer and will give you a computerized printout of your prescription - or call it in the pharmacy for you!
Cons: His office staff workers are a little bit busy - but only because he is so popular - I have no problem with that because you can tell that they are doing the best they can and care about the patients as well - they provide high quality service.
His office is really close to the University of San Francisco campus - enter in from the entrance at Stanyan & Fulton St (same intersection as Fulton & Parker) - all you have to do is go down one floor and you're there.
Also note - because this office is part of the hospital, they don't have their own labs in office - if you have to do a urine test or any blood work you'll have to visit the Lab on the 4th floor - they might not stay open late even if his office does!
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I have allergies that no OTC medication can beat down. I can't sleep if I don't take care of it. I've learned to live with it, though, I seek no sympathy about it. I'm all Brett Favre about it, I'm going back into the game with my broken arm cuz I got a JOB to do, sir.
(As long as I've got my Nasonex handy.)
I noticed that when I mention my allergy symptoms to younger doctors, they give me a sympathetic look and murmur, like I was a wee little puppy with a hurt paw. For dust allergies! The most mundane of health afflictions! I don't get this kind of coddling from my own mother.
Anyway, Dr Savant is part of this new breed. Congenial, professional, and thorough. I recommend.
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Quite a challenge to find a Dr. who accepts new patients! I am very happy I found Dr. Savant and even more happy he consults in French too. Makes it way easier for me to talk about my health issues... He and his staff are great. Oh, and there is a parking in the building.
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yay. yay yay yay.
A painless doctor's visit!
Hardly any wait, easy street parking, I think insurance pays for all of it, friendly staff, and Dr. Savant is personable and answered all my silly questions. He even referred me to another doctor who is located close by.
Thank you!
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I am essentially torn between keeping a good thing secret and getting the word out. Nothing can ruin a great practice quicker than too many clients, but I have to have faith in the wisdom of Dr. Savant and his office to balance responsibly.
I am sure most have had frustrating experiences with doctors and the current state of our national medical condition. Dr. Savant and his office are a unique and refreshing change to my experiences.
I recommend this practice highly. I trust this doctor and have the highest regard for his staff. Dr. Savant is devoid of the arrogance and flash diagnosis I have experienced in many other practices. He has a sincerity that is refreshing, a kindness lacking in modern medicine and bedside manner that is very reassuring.
If I were a Viking I'd say "to Greenland fools!", but I am not. You will find this doctor and his practice a welcome relief to what I am sure many of us know is out there.
Stay healthy!
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My experience at Dr. Savant's office has been outstanding. The staff is helpful, caring, competent and efficient. Visiting Dr. Savant for a consultation is pleasant and useful. He solves problems and offers long-term advice, rather than only prescribe tests and drugs.
So I moved from Fremont to Oakland and while I could have kept my old doctor, I was a bit reluctant to drive to Mtn View. So like so many others I turned to Yelp for guidance. One doctor had no available until August, but the 3 month running pain in my back dictated I see a doctor now.
With 5 star ratings and a sports interest, Dr. Savant seemed like a very good alternative. I was ushered into the exam room shortly after arriving. Then I took a nap for 30 minutes, and while I will admit the wait was long, he did apologize for the delay and who was I to complain my back was/is killing me any time I get to be prone during the day is welcome.
Understands my need to run. Takes notes on laptop. Prescribed drugs to ease my pain. Wrote prescription from laptop, print at desk. How cool is that!!! Doris only required that I work for one hour in lieu of copay.
Schweet!
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Mark has been my doctor for over six years. I came to Dr. Savant when he worked at UCSF Medical Center. He has remained my doctor through many jobs and, more recently, through a move to the East Bay. I still come to Dr. Savant because he has always provided genuine empathy in dealing with my health issues. He is a fantastic doctor and exhibits a wonderful bed-side manner that helps to alleviate patient concerns. In addition to being a wonderful physician, Dr. Savant's maintains a well-organized (and now, highly computerized) office with the help of Doris, his assistant. Mark continues to stay abreast of the newest technologies and treatments. As such, he always ensures that his patients receive the best care possible.
I am extremely glad that I have been able to keep Dr. Savant as my physician for all these years. Both he and Doris are truly wonderful. They make a great team!
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So you move to a new city and start over, besides food and drink there are certain other necessities you need, a doctor and dentist being two.
After much procrastinated physicals,my wife and I went to yelp and found him, made new patient appts and got in there pretty quickly.
He's pretty chill (I bet he puffs a bit on the side) and sits with you with his apple notebook.
Bedside manner makes you feel comfortable and he gave me all the referrals you could ask for (since our HMO, Aetna, requires referrals for specialists)
There was a bit of a wait, I had a 2pm appt, showed up at 205, got seen at 245, my chagrin as I shoulda showed up 15mins early to fill out paperwork.
(Was also bit sweaty, rode bicycle there, many hills on Fulton, not the best idea, take Fell or the bus or drive)
There is cheap parking in the builidng itself, which is on top of a hill
There's something to be said about giant medical complexes in general, it's nice to have a 1 stop shop
After his visit, I walked downstairs and had blood work 15mins later
Booked an apt w/ Dr Murray (in same office for the next day) and made 2 more apts for Fri for other stuff, so that's 5 medical appts knocked out in 3 days, not too shabby
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I needed a new primary care physician, read Yelp, and everybody was right: Dr. Savant is kickass!
The receptionist was warm and friendly. Made an appointment within a week.
When I met Dr. Savant, he immediately made me feel comfortable. He was cool, friendly, and a great listener: He let me blather on for about twenty minutes, told me what he was thinking, and didn't just give me a diagnosis and kick me out.
It was such a pleasant experience that I'm actually not dreading my next appointment. Even if needles will be involved.
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aight yelp people; you were right again. 'dr. mark' is on point. in a world of medical professionals who seem more interested in bmws than the hippocratic oath, dr. savant stands out as a practitioner of healing and well-being (my words).
without taking anything away from dr. savant, isn't it pitiful that we've come to expect arrogance and poor service from doctors? sigh.
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Went to take my wife to see Dr Savant for the first time, and was pleasantly surprised that all the reviews on this board was totally accurate. Good doctor, great personality, extremely knowledgable, straight forward, and does not BS you. He says it like it is, and you've got to appreciate a person who can do that regardless if it is good news or bad news. He is definitely a doctor I can trust to handle the heathcare for my family and I.
When I changed jobs and switched from Kaiser to Blue Cross a few years ago, I had to select a new primary care physician. I'd rarely needed to see a doctor for anything (knock wood), so I didn't take the task of choosing one very seriously. If memory serves, I just randomly picked Dr. Savant from a list on the Blue Cross website.
I lucked out.
I've had to visit him a handful of times over the past few years, and I've had nothing but the most positive experiences. He has an amazing ability to educate without talking down or dumbing down. Like most doctors, he's probably very busy, but you'd never know it. He gives you his full attention, spends as much time with you as you need and never gives the impression he's in a hurry.
I highly recommend Dr. Savant.
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Well, after not having been to a doctor in many years, I was relieved to find Dr. Savant to be so welcoming and thorough. I went in with a bit of a medical dilemma, and he spent a lot of time talking about my medical background and other ongoing problems I have that need to be addressed and perhaps could have been linked to my current issue.
I really enjoyed the experience and I'm happy to have found a primary care doctor that I can feel good about seeing regularly.
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Dr. Savant is the best primary care physician that I've ever had. He definitely has the 'whole body' approach and actually takes the time to talk to you. A friend recommended him to me five years ago- thankfully! Take the advice listed in all these reviews, he's great!
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Dr. Savant has been my primary care physician for nearly six years and I have nothing but good things to say about him. And, unlike many of my past doctors, he's actually cool!
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I have to agree with Todd J but also say that I think he is a fantastic doctor. I've lived in SF for 6 years now and have had some very poor primary care doctors in that time. Dr Savant was referred to me by a friend and I have not been disappointed. His knowledge and casual manner is very relaxing.
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Very friendly doctor that listens and is "patient". This is my first doctor in SF and I will continue with Dr. Savant as my choice Primary Care Doc.
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If you need a new doc, stop looking cuz Dr. Savant is pretty awesome. Don't be deterred by the last name.. he's half Chinese! He is understanding, tells it like it is, and sympathetic to pain. There is no "suck it up" attitude, and he is great at explaining what medication and therapies will do for you. My previous doc was nice, cared, but I never knew why he was doing what he was doing. Dr. Savant is a very good change.
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Fantastic doctor. Very nice guy and great communicator.
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I just moved to SF about 2 months ago, and I didn't have a doctor, and didn't know where to find one. So I came on yelp and started looking for GPs close to my house, and Dr. Savant was the closest one with such a good rating.
So, I made an appointment. I only had to wait one week to get in to see him. I saw him today, and I can't recommend him highly enough. He spent a long time going over my medical history with me and the specifics of the treatments I am on (from my previous doctor, before I moved here), and he had a lot of good suggestions and was supportive.
Anyway, if you are on here looking for a doctor because you don't have one, go see Dr. Savant.
Yup.
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I've been seeing Dr. Savant for over three years now and he is top notch. Sound knowledge and great bedside manner to communicate it. Growing up w/both parents as doctors, I think I have a little bit of credibility in this area.
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Really good doctor. Saw him when I had a terrible flu. Office staff was ok too but not amazing.
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Best primary care doctor I've ever had, hands down. The practice is organized-- if you call, you get a call back quickly. If you're acutely sick, they fit you in. Dr. Savant sends prescriptions from his laptop to his printer wirelessly and there you go. Both he and his assistant Doris are down-to-earth, friendly, and knowledgeable. If you're shopping for a doctor, stop shopping. This is your man.
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a doctor you won't hate talking to, no matter what the hell you did to end up there.
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