Just finished my first appointment with this AMAZINGLY-FABULOUS physician!!! Dr McNamara has got to be the most detail-oriented, compassionate and knowledgable doctor I have ever met. She took such a good history on me. I am extremely impressed by her open-mindedness as well. She has an excellent bed-side manner, and explains everything she is doing(in layman’s terms), every step of the way. I am over-the-moon excited to start her treatment and feeling hopeful again about my prognosis(after being somewhat dismissed by my previous Rheumatologist — at a very prestigious University Hospital). I likely have Ankylosing Spondylitis, but might be able to heal my body through Dr McNamara’s Integrative Medicine approach. I work in(Western) Medicine but think that Integrative medicine is the best way to go. Integrative Medicine physician’s have a more holistic approach to get to the CORE of the problem and try to FIX it, rather than prescribing a life-sentence worth of meds to manage the symptoms. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Dr McNamara and her staff. I am a new patient and was able to get an appt within a few days of calling her office. If I could give 10 stars I would!!! If you are looking for a awesome Rheumatologist that will take care of you and work with you, then Dr McNamara is the doctor for you.
Joe H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Leandro, CA
I have been to too many doctors over the past four years… And it has been more then frustrating to say the least. Doc Mel is a Godsend. I would take a bullet for her. Crawl threw broken glass. Whatever. She is not only professional, but empathetic, and directs you to other doctors of the same like. She has changed my life and with her recommendations again those doctors have changed my life. All for the better.
Jessica S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Concord, CA
Dr. McNamara is the best! I’ve been to many doctors over the last 6 years since my diagnosis but she is by far the most through. She uncovered multiple causes to my issues that had been overlooked by 4 other specialist! Unfortunately I changed jobs and my new medical coverage won’t allow me to see her anymore, I’m very upset about that! She’s such a great doctor I considered declining the job offer just to keep my coverage & continue to see her! I wish there were more doctors like Dr. McNamara!
Rebekah B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Pleasanton, CA
This is the Doctor I’ve been searching for, the only problem is she isn’t a GP. But, I’m so grateful to have seen her, Dr. McNamara listens, cares, empathizes with your woes. And generally has an answer or a remedy or option for you. Dr McNamara checks it all, from food allergies to vitamins deficiencies. You come away from an appointments better understanding your health, and feeling heard by your Doctor. Couple of other things, Dr McNamara has the policy of seeing new patients within the first two weeks of your call(a lot of other Doctor sometimes can’t see new patients for six weeks). The Doctors waiting room is VERY relaxing, there sometimes can be a wait but you won’t complain because there is candy, WiFI and a tranquil setting, take it from me, you won’t complain. As I mentioned above sometimes there is a wait, but your the only person in the wait room and when it’s your turn, you will be so happy to meet with the Doctor, if a wait did occur you won’t think a thing about it. And trust me, I call them as I see them and complain when I think it’s warranted. But I’ve never felt the need again because Dr. McNamara takes her time with each of the patients. The Doctor is so good, my husband actually ASKED to see Dr. McNamara for himself. Wow, wow! That never happens. Thank you Doctor McNamara. You are the epitome of excellence!
Raq L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Martinez, CA
Dr. McNamara is the only doctor who has listened to my medical issues, acknowledged them without rushing me out and thoughtfully created a healing plan for my hair loss, joint pain, headaches and other symptoms through nutrition. The healing plan began with an ALCAT test. This test identified food, dye and herb intolerances, including gluten. I immediately stopped consuming gluten and the other foods identified in the test. My hair stopped shedding, headaches went away and I feel more alert and less tired! She provided me with preventative reading materials and recommendations for organic vitamin supplements as well. Dr. McNamara also discusses relevant medical research from books she reads and gives me the titles to follow up. Can’t tell you enough how knowledgeable she is in the area of nutrition and how it has a direct impact in overall health! She has positively impacted my life, including my children and diabetic husband. My visits with Dr. McNamara are professional, thoughtful, enlightening and most importantly, I walk away feeling like I matter. The end-to-end client experience is wonderful: from the relaxing, zen motif throughout the office, high-tech examination room(that includes an ultrasound machine) to the consulting room(her private office). It’s a ‘hands down’ wonderful feeling to have such a proactive, reassuring and knowledgeable doctor on my side.
Rose H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Orinda, CA
Dr. Melissa McNamara is a very rare doctor! Not only does she stay up on the latest information regarding health issues, she is also the most caring doctor I have ever met! She is open to alternative health and diet rather than just writing prescriptions and treating symptoms. She looks to treat at a deeper level taking into account the individual patient’s disposition and feelings. She truly cares about her patients from the heart! I LOVEMELISSAMCNAMARA! She is a Godsend!
Tamara S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Pleasanton, CA
Dr. McNamara is the first Rheumatologist that I had seen so I hadn’t much to compare to until she stopped accepting my insurance and I have been on the hunt to find someone comparable. I have yet to find! Dr. McNamara is what we all wish our doctors to be, kind, compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, and most importantly, willing to admit when she needs to research further. What impressed me most about her, she was always coming to me with new information. Our appointments weren’t just the routine stats. She would let me know about new studies, findings, and what alternative medications and/or supplements could work. She was so supportive of the decisions I made, but was very honest about how she felt regarding them.
Craig W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Laguna Hills, CA
I have been to many RA doctors in the past number of years and Dr. McNamara is by far the best. She is patient, explains in detail everything, knowledgeable and brings to the table the latest techniques including musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Julie R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Manteca, CA
Dr McNamara is an exceptional doctor who specializes in Arthritis/Rheumatology. She is very knowledgable and thorough in her explanation of treatment, a quality that seems to not be that common. The environment that is provided to you when you walk through her office doors is welcoming and comfortable. She has a wonderful assistant named Sunip that adds to her professional practice. Dr McNamara is without a doubt a person who clearly shows that she cares for your health and well being. She is amazing! Thank you Dr. McNamara for making me feel like I’m not just another patient. Your passion and your care has not gone unnoticed.
Mary C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Danville, CA
This doctor and is AMAZING! I was referred to Dr. McNamera in March 2012. She took time to listen to my history and quickly assimilated the information. She has a ultrasound machine in her office and discovered a large mass on my thyroid that had gone undetected by blood work and other dr exams. She was also able to diagnose a tear in my meniscus that caused the weakness other drs had diagnosed as arthritis. She organized a plan, connected me to specialist and followed up on the process along the way. She is extremely personable and intelligent. I Highly recommended Dr. McNamera!
Judy P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Leandro, CA
Wonderful Doctor. She listens! She was able to diagnose my problem, ran tests and was able to start administrating medication to ease the pain. I am already feeling like my old self. I would recommend anyone that has rhuematoid issues to see her, you won’t be sorry.
Andriy D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
I have been a patient of Dr. McNamara for over a year. From the very beginning, I was impressed by her knowledge and her ability to explain things in layman terms. She is very professional and respects my personal preferences when designing a treatment(e.g., introducing natural foods in addition to drugs.) I’m very happy with her and my condition has been under control for 12 months, thanks to her care.