Dr. James Lilja, MD

I was recommended to Dr Lilja after a gyno exam revealed a large mass outside my cervix. Gyno wasn’t sure if it was cancer so they’d recommended me to the best I was told. Dr Lilja lacks compassion, empathy and overall competence as a doctor. After the exam and biopsy results said fibroids, Dr Lilja said it would be too difficult because of the location and size so everything would need to come out. This is after I expressed desire to have kids and keep my uterus intact. Instead of saying he wasn’t qualified or a fibroid specialist, he said whoever I do see will end up referring me back to him. He spoke of referring me to infertility centers and surrogacy immediately after surgery. Seems like he’s part of a network of doctors just lining their pockets. Highly recommend getting a second opinion. I was very fortunate and lucky to have a husband who’s been through medical horror stories and didn’t take this doctor as the final answer.

Excellent surgeon. Unfortunately, this is negated by his atrocious bedside manners. I strongly regret that he was my physician in any capacity and wish I would have chosen a different surgeon. He was extremely cold, abrupt, harshly and unnecessarily blunt, impatient, completely apathetic regarding both my condition and post op chances of survival, and overall utterly uncaring. I was stunned by his demeanor. Being treated so disdainfully by one’s surgeon, especially when discussing the possibility of a shortened lifespan, was disconcerting and cruel. He demonstrated no compassion or emotional sensitivity whatsoever--incapable of even a modicum of empathy. He should have someone on his staff with adequate communication skills handle conversations with his patients, and only see patients himself when they are already under general anesthesia in an OR where he can’t cause them any emotional trauma or harm. Having cancer is frightening. Lilja’s presence made it one hundred times worse.

Dr. Lilja is direct and to the point with professional bed side mannerisms. My option was explained clearly and my operation was easier than expected. 5 stars

I came to see Dr. Lilja about a month ago and he explained to me my medical conditions that I would need to have hysterectomy as soon as possible. The weeks prior to the surgery was a difficult time as I was so sick, exhausted and despair. Early this week, he performed hysterectomy and other procedures as he indicated to me earlier. I stayed at the hospital for 3 days and on the last day before I was discharged from the hospital, Dr. Lilja came and visited me and explained to me what he did and he gave me great comfort and assurance. He spoke in a way that easy to understand and with humor and optimistic that lift up my hope and spirit. The surgery was a success and I felt much better and healthier several days after the operation. I would like to thank Dr. Lilja for his excellent surgical expertise and his caring manner that both my husband and I always appreciate and treasure. Thank you very much, Dr. Lilja.

Most of the lead up to my procedure was good, and I felt like I understood what was happening. During the consult he did give me a PAP for something I was not referred for. During the procedure he caused damage that led to me being hospitalized for several days, have major surgery to repair the damage, and several weeks of recovery. I fully knew I was a complicated case with my medical history, and in retrospect, I realized there was not enough consideration for that in regards to the procedure. I expressed concerns before I left the outpatient post-op, but he wanted me discharged anyway. They did not document that I expressed those concerns - which means in the eyes of administration and legal entities, it did not happen. Follow up appointments for my major surgery show that the procedure may not have gone as I was told it had gone (beyond the damage). I no longer trust this doctor, nor the doctor who referred me to him.

Do not go to Doctor James Lilja. I went to him at the Natividad Hospital because I had Endometrial Cancer; after he examines me, he decided to do surgery on me by just taking out my Uterus and I sign for that. On the day of my surgery, five minutes before he operated on me, a nurse came to tell me I have to sign a paper for doctor Lilja . This paper is to sign for taking out: my uterus, my ovaries, and my Fallopian Tubes not just my Uterus; he didn’t mention something like that before. What he did is he blackmails. In addition to that, he saw me after one month to tell me he examine the area and find out that cancer has started to spread to the Lymph Nodes on both sides on the left and the right. He said I needed chemo and radiology. I doubt it if he examines the area. Anyway, I went and I did radiology to make sure that the tumor bed is burned for good. This is how bad doctors in Monterey make money because they do not have any conscience what so ever.

I had a complete hysterectomy in 10/16 due to uterine cancer found. No pain at all after surgery due to Dr.Lilja's expertise & solid decisions. I found him to be professional, caring & thorough Iñ explaining the next steps of chemo & radiation. Great doctor, thank you Dr. Lilja you are the best!

He is a highly competent Doctor and he connects well with patients. I have never visited a male gynecologist ever and I was a little apprehensive but Dr. Lilja was very professional and he made me feel very comfortable with his friendly and caring demeanor. He is indeed the best!

My wife has cancer and a G.I. Blockage was life threatening. Local medical team lacked confidence for this complicated issue. Dr. Lilja met with us, listened and discussed fully the range of outcomes and what to expect if we pursued surgery. We went in with eyes wide open. Tough recovery. Wife now has chance for great life. It was hard to get in for that first appointment, but once you are in, he is there day, night, weekends etc. He also has great surgical teammate. DC to San Jose- :-

Great doctor