Gary S Toig, MD

I had such a great experience with Dr Toig. And it was such a relief because I was having an emergency and I know how difficult it can be to find a good doctor.
I had been having very sever cramping for several days. I was back on the East Coast for Christmas with my family. But I figured — it’s just cramps, what can anyone do? It will go away eventually. The Saturday after Christmas it was getting really bad. I thought I might pass out several times. But I had an early flight back to SFO Sunday morning, so I just dealt with it. Monday night I was up the whole night in pain, nauseous, dizzy, and very close to fainting. I live by myself, so that was a little scary. At this point, something had to be done. I didn’t know what a doctor could do for cramps, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to handle much more of this. I went on zocdoc (I love that app) at 3 am and looked for the first available gynecologist appointment in the area. (I had only moved to the West Coast less than a month ago and hadn’t been to see any doctors yet or figured out my insurance.) Dr Toig had an appointment available for 9 am. I got to the office and didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes (probably because my appointment was likely one of the first that day).
Dr Toig examined me, and determined my situation was bad. He wanted to send me to the ER. I started panicking and so he calmly explained everything to me, which was extremely helpful in calming me down. He was straightforward about it, not overly negative or positive. And he took into account my views and preferences, rather than his own opinions when offering advice, which I highly value in a gynecologist. He explained everything to me in a way that showed he considered me an intelligent adult. He didn’t dumb anything down and I am very grateful for that. He also was very thorough in his examination, which I really really appreciate. Of course, maybe he was more careful because I was in visible pain and something was obviously wrong. So this review may not necessarily pertain to a routine examination by Dr Toig. But in this situation, he was great. Especially for someone like me who wants all the details and hates being in the dark when it comes to medical issues.
He also called ahead to the ER to let them know I was on my way and explain to them everything he’d found in his examination. I appreciate that level of care-​taking in a doctor! Especially being in the state I was in at the time – not completely clear-​headed or fully functional.
When I called back a few weeks later to follow-​up, he even remembered that I had a friend’s wedding the day after I came into his office and asked if I was able to make it! (Then again — who knows — maybe I was a very memorable patient — maybe they know me as the girl who waited until her pain was ridiculously unbearable before seeing a doctor)
I never thought that in the course of my emergency, I’d actually end up at a decent gynecologist’s office! On the first try too! What a blessing.

Probably the most uncomfortable I’ve ever felt at a doctors office. The staff is extremely rude and all they seem to care about is getting money from you. The most previous time I was in there (the last time) was to receive my last gardasil vaccination. When I walk in there are 2 ladies sitting at the front desk. I go up to the one who makes eye contact with me and say, «hi, I’m here for my last gardasil shot my name is Alexandra.» The lady says «ya, that was like last week.» While rolling her eyes at me. I say «I called yesterday and made an appointment.» The other lady sitting at the front desk finally looks up and agrees with me. So, back to the chick with the attitude (I’ll call her joy) Joy starts typing in the computer and then looks at me and says «that will be $ 60» and I say «no, that’s not right» she says «it’s $ 60 for your shot» still looking at me with that blank stare. I kept looking at the other receptionist hoping she would intervene and say I was right, but she just kept staring at her computer. Finally after making my case and stating the reasons why I KNEW I didn’t have to pay for that visit, the other receptionist looked at joy and whispered something to her giving her the ok. It was a weird situation. I just didn’t understand why they were being so rude to me. I’ve been to Dr. Toigs office 3 times and only met with the him once. The one time He did see me, he didn’t seem to be concerned about my problems at all. They couldn’t get me out of there fast enough and I can’t wait to never go back there again

My wife was seeing Dr Toig for her first pregnancy. First we thought that he was nice but then the wait became increasingly longer every appointment. A One to two hour wait was totally normal. We were lucky if our wait was less than an hour. It got very bad so we considered changing the dr, but we felt that we invested in him for several months already and we didn’t feel like switching right before delivery. We talked to the people at the office about the wait. They all had the look on their face like «yeah, we hear this everyday». But, they all were unwilling to bring it up with the doctor like it was his protocol to double book appointments and have patients wait. The baby was breached and it was decided that my wife had to have a c-​section. This being her first pregnancy, She was very nervous. The last few appointments were so terrible (one he actually forgot that we were in the waiting room and another left as we were in the exam room. The front staff had to reschedule it, and this was two weeks before her c-​section) my Wife and I were so upset and frustrated we ended up finding another doctor literally at the last minute who would do her c-​section. (Two weeks before her delivery). He probably would not have showed up for the delivery. Anyway, this doctor should not even have a practice. or deliver babies anyway. When you are getting close to deliver, your problem cannot be whether your doctor is going to actually show up on your day. That’s crazy, and utterly unprofessional. Do not go to this doctor if you are expecting!

I went to see Dr. Toig today for a second opinion on a condition i’ve been having and he was very professional and sincere. Unlike the first physician who saw me, he had took his time to go over what could be causing my condition. His staff were also very professional and really made me feel comfortable. Thanks again for making this experience a great one.

I got a message from the Toig office telling me that my previous review (3 stars) was hurting their business and asking me to change my review…
:/​
Lets talk about this seriously. I’m no longer with Toig, because I found him to be a generally inattentive doctor. He’s not a great listener and has a tendency to throw medications at you, not because your conditions demand these medications, but because he insists most of his patient suffer from Disease A so chances are, it’s Disease A.
He repeatedly tried to get me to take allergy medication for vertigo eventhough I had NO history of allergies… rinse, repeat. It’s hard to justify going back with the long wait times and the lack of personalized care.

I believe that I was one of Gary Toig’s first patients upon his arrival to the South Bay around 37 – 39 years ago. Not sure of the exact year but we have been through so much… I started seeing him as a single woman. I moved several times within San Francisco and ended up in Mill Valley (Marin) and have continued the long commute to Redwood City throughout the years. I eventually married and had the «love of my life» daughter and yes, schlepped to his office in the end at least once a week. I wouldn’t have it any other way. He took care of me during my «higher risk» pregnancy and under his watchful care I made it through the delivery which was followed by a one week hospital stay. I was very sick and the Nurses’ remarked how lucky I was to have Dr. Toig as my Ob-​Gyn. He checked on me daily… even after I got home. He has been my Ob-​Gyn, my primary Doctor and my Therapist. He knows me so well and we always share a laugh during office visits. He now takes care of my amazing 26 year old daughter so my trust in him in never ending! While she was far away in the Peace Corps, she had some gynecological problems and he reviewed uItra-​sounds that were conducted and kept in touch with her via email. It really alleviated my worries! I love Veronica, Margery and Page. I have been one of those patients that was kept waiting forever. But currently I am seen very soon after check in. If not, I love to read and relax before the long drive home. I can’t even begin to understand why anyone would write a rotten review… he’s set in his ways but that’s who he is and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

No stars are deserved. Dr. Toig is a pompous, condescending, cruel man. A few years ago, during my annual exam, when I was too young and inexperienced to know that I should have stood up for myself (not to mention in a very awkward and vulnerable position) Dr. Toig was sure to point out how obvious it was that I didn’t have a boyfriend while completing my exam. As a physician who works with women, you would think he would more sensitive to issues like that, let alone bring them up while I am prone. I can’t believe his comments and that he would berate a woman’s lack of sexual activity, especially considering the literal position I was in. His condescending comments continued when my exam was done and he was working on my paperwork, while he decided to let me know that the degree I was pursing was useless. Had I been a bit older and not concerned with treating my doctor as an authority when making such comments, I would have taken this scenario as far as I could have. I think that at least now, it’s important that other patients and prospective patients know just how rude and inconsiderate he can be.

I have been a patient of Dr. Toig for over 5 years and I have not had any complaints. I am very thankful to Dr. Toig for his words of advice and wisdom. He is extremely professional and compassionate. He has been a mentor to me since I want a career in the medical field and his knowledge and experience has taught me a lot. He is always concerned about how I’m doing in school and how I am feeling. My experiences with Dr. Toig have always been wonderful. Yes, the wait used to be really long but that has changed and now sometimes there hardly is a wait! I never feel rushed and he always answers all my questions. His office staff is as wonderful as he is. I often get accommodated for an appointment the same day. All in all I feel like Dr. Toig goes above and beyond for his patients.

I’ve been going to Dr. Toig for 26 years now. Dr. Toig delivered me and then became my primary care physician, as I had medical needs at a young age. I’ve felt so safe and well taken care of throughout my life for different needs. He’s incredibly thorough and always professional. He puts your needs first. You can be sure to have the best medical attention under Dr. Toig. I highly recommend him!

i have been going to Dr Toig for over 20 years yes you have to wait sometimes but when its your turn he does not rush you like some doctors would. He is an excellent doctor always concerned about your well being. He makes sure you do everything right on one visit he even called my pharmacy to make sure my precription was right.
His staff is just as excellent as he is they always treat me great they go out of their way to fit you in when you need to be seen. thank you Dr. Toig and Staff i don’t know what i would have done without you the last 2 months…
Alberta

Dr. Toig is an excellent doctor. I’ve gone to him for many years as both my OBGYN and my general appointments.
In the past there have been long waits to see him which are frustrating. Since he’s moved to his new office my most recent 3 appointments have been on time.
One thing I really appreciate about Dr. Toig is that he does not rush me during my appointments, he answers all my questions, and I feel like he really cares about my overall health (physical & mental).
I had an extremely difficult time getting pregnant and even harder time trying to keep my baby in the womb for as long as possible. Dr. Toig could tell right away (within the first couple months) that my little girl was going to come early. He made sure I came in for appointments often to make sure nothing got past him… he recommended different specialists to also oversee my progress. Even with all the support, specialists, and medical procedures my little girl arrived 3 months early. Without his oversight and recommendations I would not have had my baby born alive or healthy. She is now 10 months old and the love of mine & my husbands lives.
I would recommend Dr. Toig to anyone!
His staff are always friendly and helpful. They try their best to get you the appointment you need (date & time).

Dr. Toig was excellent. Today I went in as a new patient. I came in for birth control and since I had new insurance he asked if I wanted to do the full check up right then. This was probably the most comfortable I’ve been getting checked by any gynecologist. The office staff was great also. I’m happy to say I’ve found a great new doctor.

Dr. Toig is an excellent doctor.
The one thing I really appreciate about Dr. Toig is that he does not rush me during my appointments. And he makes sure all my questions are answered before I leave. Dr. Toig has always been there for me ! He is one of the best doctors in town!
Everytime I needed to see Dr. Toig the friendly front office staff was able to get me a same day appointment.

After waiting in the waiting room for a short amount of time, I was placed in a patient room to wait for Dr. Toig. This was my first visit with Dr. Toig, and it happened to have been the day before they were moving offices, so I understand a small amount of chaos. However, after waiting 20 minutes for the doctor to actually come in the room, he was asking me questions about why I was there. Then, his receptionist came in to ask him to step out because Comcast was on the phone for him. I had to sit there and listen to him in the other room talk to the Comcast people and discuss contracts and such. After waiting a total of an hour and a half without actually seeing the doctor for what I needed to see him for, in a not busy office I might add, I decided to leave and reschedule. As I was walking to the elevator, Dr. Toig came out and asked me to come back inside so he could write my prescription. As we were walking back in, he snidely remarked, «would you rather go back to planned parenthood?» I felt that this was a very rude and condescending comment to say that honestly had me turn the other way and walk out without my prescription. Him and his office staff were more concerned with moving than the two patients in his office. Do not book patients the day before a move if you cannot handle having them in the office for what they need to be there for.

He’s a great listener, cares about his patients, and never lets you leave until all your questions are answered. Such wonderful staff too, always with a smile on there faces!

I recently visited Dr. Toig the other day for a routine check up. There was no wait time for a check up and the office staff was very nice.
When I met Dr. Toig he was very thorough in asking questions about my families health history and in getting to know me, which I appreciated. He made me feel extremely comfortable. After my check up was complete I felt like I had talked to a friend or mentor that I had known for years. He is a very warm, smart, compassionate and professional doctor, which isn’t so common and especially appreciated for a OB/​GYN.
He also recommended another doctor in the area for something else, which was very helpful and also let me know that he would be flexible to see me during my busy work weeks.
I couldn’t be happier.

My family and I have been patients of Dr. Toig for 10 years. I am a 22 year old woman and I have never been degraded by a Doctor until i started going to Dr. Toig. He is extremely rude, talks to me like a child, and on top of that makes you wait for 2 plus hours. He has treated my family and I with disrespect. On top of that, I have heard many bad things about him. DO NOT GO TO HIM! FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR.

I saw Dr. Toig for many years. As the years went on, the wait time was getting longer and longer — an hour or more, usually. The last time I saw him, I waited MORE THAN 3 HOURS just for a routine checkup. I changed to another OB/​GYN after that, and have been very happy.
FYI, I was told recently that Dr. Toig no longer has privileges at Sequoia Hospital. I was told this by another doctor in the course of casual conversation. I don’t know the story behind that… but just wanted to share that information here.

Yes, the wait can be frustrating, but the truth of the matter is that he never rushes you either. He is one of the rare breed of doctors who still listen to what the patient is saying — whether they can put it into words or not. He’s excellent at asking the right questions to zero in on whatever the problem might be.
After several years of being frustrated with the wait time, I realized I wasn’t going to go to another doctor, and he wasn’t going to change his office routine. So I now just schedule in the extra wait time, or if I’m in a hurry that day will call in to check how far behind schedule he is and see if I need to reschedule.
Dr Toig is also does General Practice and lately I’ve started to take my teenage son and daughter to him as they became too old/​big for the pediatrician. So basically this is a one stop shop for all my family health needs.
I wouldn’t actually put up with this from anyone else, but he’s pretty damn good at what he does — so bring a book, play with your iphone or meditate.

You’ll read reviews from patients complaining about the wait time. Yes, you have to wait for Dr. Toig longer than for other doctors. Yes, sometimes you’ll wait a whole hour.
BUT! The reason you wait for him for so long is because he will take all the time needed with his patients, and some patients need more time than others. He won’t only treat you for whatever you came in for that day but he’ll inquire about your life because he cares about his patients more than any other doctor I’ve ever met.
And after you waited for him and he’s in the room with you — you get his full attention and such personal treatment you won’t get anywhere else.
He’s great, very knowledgeable, thinks outside the box, very personable, and cares to the extent of calling to check on you on a weekend or holidays, if needed.
So my advise — bring a book. You get 30 minutes to 1 hour of quiet time with your book — that’s the only ‘bad’ thing about Dr. Toig’s practice.