I’m in south Orange County and was referred by my dermatologist to UCI (Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center), and James Jakowatz specifically. UCI/Chao is considered a center of excellence, and is designated a National Cancer Institute.
Dr. J is down to earth, compassionate and makes me laugh. He immediately put me at ease, and he has a world-wide reputation for his expertise. He takes his time, answers my questions, and explains things in a way I can understand them. The staff at the Center have always been helpful, and return my calls.
There are other faculty members there who are also considered melanoma specialists. It looks like their website is undergoing some changes, but here’s the link to the home page that can at least get you started.
http://www.cancer.uci.edu/index.asp
Hope this helps – we are so lucky to live in an area that has so many centers of excellence! When my friends ask why I didn’t go to Mission or Hoag, I always answer with something I read here, and that is “I’d rather be seen by someone who sees five melanoma patients in one morning than one who sees five melanoma patients in one year.”
Best wishes.
Cathy