Masterson Michael D, MD

Oh, Dr. Masterson, you took care of me at a very vulnerable time in my life and I am forever grateful. It was actually 10 years ago, and the lessons you taught me about my slightly invasive melanoma are still ones I live by today: get it checked out, don’t sit at home and worry. It’s about doing whatever you need to do to get back to your life! That goes for any medical worry, not just melanoma. It’s also about finding doctors who care and listen, and know their stuff. In my experience, the more compassionate and open a doctor is, the more they actually know. Dr. Masterson and Dr. Kaufman, who referred me to him, are the most compassionate, caring doctors I’ve ever met. I’m not sure how it is now, but 10 years ago, the office would call you with updates on the day of your appointment as to the actual timing of your appointment. Because Dr. Masterson takes his time with each patient, and books people in the same day if they are worried about something, his schedule is usually a few hours off. Relax, be flexible and know that when he sees you, you will have his full attention for as long as you need it. He is amazing!

A TRUE PARTNER IN YOUR CANCER BATTLE — I realize most people won’t look for a physician referral on Unilocal,but in the event you are reading this, here’s what you need to know. Dr. Masterson is the best of the best. When you are with him, you are his only patient. He cares deeply about your health, but also about the psycho-​social impact of your cancer journey on your life.
He does an excellent job of customizing your treatment to your needs. For example, I wanted to consult a leading specialist in my type of cancer at USC Norris Cancer Center. He was completely open to that and worked cooperatively with that specialist from start to finish. I was able to do chemo in his office, close to home, which made an unbelievable difference to my quality of life. I was a patient with a high level of need for control and Dr. Masterson always took that into account in how he treated me. Always ready to answer my questions (even the hard ones). Always ready to hear what my priorities and goals were. Always interested in my thoughts, feelings, fears. Always professional, never emotionally distant.
Will you have to wait to see him? Yes you will. As I said before, when you are with him you are his only patient. His staff does a good job of working with you on the day of your appointment to assess where he is in his schedule. If you give them a call before you leave they can help minimize your wait time.
Dr. Masterson is a humble, compassionate, supernaturally gifted practitioner. I had end stage cancer when I met him. I have had «no evidence of disease» since 2006. He and my husband were my partners in every step of that journey. Together, they held me up and kept me going. I doubt I would be here today without them.