Alia Lilienstein, MD

Oh my goodness, I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Lilienstein. I have been going to Sutter East Bay doctors for the past 4 years almost. However, I have never come across such an outstanding physician such as Dr. L. She is extremely thorough, caring, empathetic, and relatable– qualities I didn’t realize actually existed in a doctor.
I get sick A LOT, meaning I go to the doctor at least once a week. I’ve had 2 – 3 primary care physicians in the past few years through Sutter East Bay. I don’t want to name any names (read my other Unilocal reviews if you’re curious) because I’m sure those doctors may appeal to some people with their «traditional» practice, but I prefer a doctor with bedside manners. My past doctors always made me second guess my symptoms or they were completely unsympathetic and made me feel as if I were being judged…
Then I was lucky enough to come across Dr. Lilienstein. She has excellent manners, when I’m not feeling well I prefer a doctor who can put a smile on my face with her friendliness and overall caring demeanor, which is exactly how Dr. L treats her patients. She’s younger which makes her more relatable, but that does not prevent her from being a phenomenal doctor. Other doctors may rush patients or not listen to their concerns fully. Dr. L always makes time to see her patients and every single time I have called her office, I have gotten same-​day appointments, and twice those appts. happened with only an hour notice. The office closes at 5 – 5:30 but the other day, I had a few concerns and instead of rushing me or telling me to come back another day, Dr. L and her two medical assistants stayed well over 6pm after everyone else had cleared out to run tests on me even though it was a Friday evening. I appreciated the fact that she put her job as a doctor first and took the time to make sure my needs were tended to without making me feel rushed or anything. Not only is Dr. L extremely patient and polite, she also is the most nonjudgmental doctor ever. I’ve had previous doctors make me feel uncomfortable and at times even afraid to talk about my symptoms because of their judgmental demeanor. However, Dr. Lilienstein has never made me feel judged, and actually takes every symptom seriously and goes out of her way to explain and understand the possible causes. After my first visit, I switched my primary care doctor to Dr. L immediately. I have no regrets and go to the doctor a lot less now than I used to because I am finally taken seriously and taken care of by a PCP and that has been a blessing. If you’re considering a new PCP, don’t even hesitate for a second to make an appointment with Dr. L because she will take care of your current medical concerns and guide you towards avoiding health problems in the future. Dr. L is obviously passionate about her career and you can see that the second you meet her. She’s trustworthy and I am so thankful to have her as a part of my medical team.

Something awesome happened to me today! I met this great doctor! As a clinician myself, I have high standards.
1. Be curious, relaxed, non judgemental, and engaged.
2. Ask me what I need to help manage my health.
3. Try to blend research and real life.
4. Be present.
5. All of this! And more! Confronted me when Dr. Lilienstein walked into my exam room.
I came in expecting another burned out clinician to see me and street me, hopefully with refills in hand. Instead I left feeling grateful that I have the opportunity to work proactively on my health with this person of kindness, talent, and integrity. The way health care SHOULD be!