Gilboa Ruth MD

Knowledgeable, thorough, and friendly… all that I want in a doctor. I highly recommend Dr Gilboa.

I was referred to see Dr. Gilboa by a Nurse Practicioner for my plethora of freckles/​moles (thanks mom for the Scandinavian part of my skin :). Dr. Gilboa was very thorough and methodical and found 2 questionable moles which she removed for biopsy. She was very professional and easy to talk to, but she’s probably not the most talkative Dr. I’ve seen; so if you are looking for someone to complain about life to, or be your psychologist, I don’t think she’s the right dermatologist for you.

I would not recommend Dr. Gilboa. I went to see her when my other dermatogist in the practice retired. I had no reason to believe I wouldn’t receive the kind of excellent care I have previously received from Dermatology Specialists. To my dismay, I went in to have a spot checked on my back. Dr. Gilboa took a biopsy but assured my husband and I that she didn’t feel it was a melanoma. A week later, for my check up, I was told it was indeed a melanoma and would need further surgery to get clear margins. I was already a bit perturbed by the arguing going on outside the patient room between the nurses station and the front desk. They were unprofessional with one another and using inappropriate words. When Dr. Gilboa was explaining the melanoma she seemed ‘removed’ and distracted. I reminded her that she didn’t feel it was a melanoma… But she quickly said «no, I knew it was a melanoma when I took it out». She then admonished me abruptly to stay out of the sun and wanted to discuss another procedure for my face (even though there were no issues with my face). I was asked to make another appointment for the 2^nd surgery. After thinking about the whole experience, I realized Dr. Gilboa had not even done a full body check to see if there were other issues! I called the office and asked for the records person and asked for a copy of the pathology report. She was rude and short (Murrieta office) and told me I would have to wait a week and I would have to pay $ 7.00 for a copy. I was extremely annoyed and intuitively bothered by this whole experience. I ended up doing my own research and learned I should have had a full body check right away. I also learned that melanomas are typed 1 – 4. When I asked Dr. Gilboa what stage my cancer was, she appeared confused and said this wasn’t typed. Having major concerns, I called the office manager in the Oceanside office and expressed my concerns. She made my pathology report available for pickup immediately. Long story made short… I switched to Dermatology Medical Group where I have received exceptional service and care. I completed 4 surgeries to get clear margins. A full body check was automatically done with the first visit. There is a very professional and courteous environment throughout each of my visits. My new doctor did find another melanoma in situ that will need treatment, but I feel complete confidence in this medical group. Beware of Dr. Gilboa and the Murrieta office. Do your homework and ask lots of questions. Trust your instincts.

office staff was amazing! She on the other hand horrible! We waited in this little room for her for 25 mins, she came in said you have a rash on your face, this should take care of it. She gave me a coupon and said see you in two weeks. She spent maybe 5 mins with me. no handshake no introducing herself nothing! horrible bedside manner. And to top it off the coupon was expired and they no longer manufactured the cream she prescribed! I will never go to her again and will let other people know about her also.

I hate to spread bad karma but I was SO disappointed with my appointment. I went to see her on Vista Road in Oceanside. I had never seen a dermatologist before but I have adult acne and brittle hair and I thought getting over my fear and seeing a doctor would finally help.
Staff were nice enough. But I waited in the room for FORTY FIVE MINUTES (and this was a morning appointment). When she finally came in, she looked at my skin for 5 seconds in regular lighting and gave me a coupon for an over the counter face wash. When I asked about my hair she said, basically genetic.
NO detailed skin analysis using a bright light or mirror, NO talk of diet, stress, hormones. Nothing!
She said if I had more questions to make an appointment with one of their estheticians. To be fair, it would be a free consultation but I would have to come back another day.
If insurance hadn’t covered it I would have been SO ANGRY! So basically, whole morning wasted, 45 minute wait for a 2 minute appointment and no better off than before.
Maybe this is just what dermatologists do but I felt really let down.

I have to admit I was a bit scared to see Dr. Gilboa when I read these two reviews but decided to give it a go and I am so glad that I did. Her office staff could not have been friendlier and more personable, I got lost in the parking lot but was kindly redirected by Nate, Debbie at the front desk was so friendly and professional, and Lisa who escorted me to the examination room was great as well. No one made me weigh myself or get totally undressed, which I appreciated since the issue was specifically a facial one. I didn’t have to sit on the high exam table, which for me is like climbing on a horse and never seems to work out for either of us. Dr. Gilboa came in, was friendly, attentive, professional; she heard my saga and then shared her opinion and prescribed several things. She cautioned me to discuss the medication further with the pharmacist due to my concern re: contraindications, just to make sure I was comfortable, even though she couldn’t find evidence that any existed. She’s submitting a request for a follow up appointment and is recommending a follow up visit even though my insurance reimburses literally pennies on the dollar. She did mention that laser treatment might help one of my concerns, but stated clearly that it was not covered by insurance and only mentioned it because of the worries I had verbalized, which I appreciated.
I am always grateful for the reviews of fellow Unilocalers but I think sometimes you need to venture forth and check it out on your own as well, contingent upon the circumstances. I am glad I did in this instance.

this is the worst dermatologist. does not care about her patients, does not listen to her patients

Watch out for bogus «light therapy» I was told this dubious therapy would be covered by insurance, then received a hefty bill for it, which this office refused to reduce. Dr. Gilboa seemed to know her stuff, but the light therapy seemed like a cash extraction device and their office was very rude in discussing this issue at all. Won’t be recommending or returning