Dr. Rick Buyalos, United States

First, we were referred to Dr. Shamonki by a friend who had a very positive experience—meaning, a baby! After another rather discouraging experience elsewhere, continuing our fertility journey with Dr. Shamonki and his team was a breath of fresh air. We felt well cared for at every step. It is clear that Dr. Shamonki is passionate about giving his patients the best chance of a good outcome. Through every high and low, he and his team handled everything with great sensitivity and understanding. We cannot praise him enough. He has been a blessing, and we are expecting a baby! I also want to recognize LaKeisha at the front desk. She was extremely kind and supportive. During difficult and anxious moments, she always had the right encouraging words to help us keep going. We highly recommend Dr. Shamonki and the entire Fertility & Surgical Associates of California practice.

Good doctors, nurses, and location.

The doctors and staff at Fertility & Surgical Associates are among the best in the field. They helped my wife and me have a child, and the experience was wonderful. My wife loves FSAC so much that she works for them! If you are seeking fertility treatment, regardless of your situation, I strongly recommend calling FSAC. Good luck!

I recently visited Fertility & Surgical Associates twice and had a wonderful experience. Dr. Mehr and the entire staff were excellent to work with. They made me feel at ease and well cared for throughout the process. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone ready to explore fertility options and begin planning their family-building journey. It was very convenient to have ultrasound, blood, and urine testing performed on site and completed right away.

We are extremely grateful to have found Dr. Shamonki and the entire Fertility & Surgical Associates team. They are knowledgeable, helpful, patient, and responsive. We have compared experiences with friends who went through similar fertility treatment, and Dr. Shamonki and his team truly stand out. Dr. Shamonki put us at ease and always made us feel well cared for. Lakeisha is very caring and warm and made us smile at every appointment. Megan is thoughtful, responsive, and always available to help resolve questions. Kaitlin is knowledgeable and kind and kept our entire process so well organized. We also saw Dr. Mehr several times, and she was equally wonderful. She is intelligent, funny, and excellent at explaining concepts. The entire office is exceptional, and we highly recommend them.

I came here for an initial consultation, which went well, but I was very dissatisfied with the follow-up service. My husband and I completed carrier screening and were told the maximum price would be $500 per person, possibly less. A few weeks later, we each received bills exceeding $900. We were also told the initial consultation would require no out-of-pocket payment, yet a bill arrived by mail. Whenever I called the billing department, I received no explanation, only demands to pay or be sent to collections. There is no payment portal, so they expect checks by mail. Finally, after the appointment we were told to create an online account and upload all previous tests because we were transferring from another fertility clinic that was too far away. I had several questions and wanted to know where my results were, but could not reach anyone at the front desk for weeks. We naturally decided to transfer elsewhere. I cannot imagine dealing with this confusion during fertility treatment.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Shamonki. I was previously at PCFLA, where it felt like a fertility factory. FSAC felt completely different. Dr. Shamonki is very kind and patient. She personally called me with test results and always took time to explain everything and discuss the available treatment options in detail. Everyone at the clinic was warm and friendly, and I never felt rushed. Many thanks to all the nurses and to LaKeisha!

Just a warning so others do not make the same mistake I did: FSAC will say they “accept your insurance” and even collect a copay after every visit, but they are not transparent about it. I understood the costs of simple things such as speaking with a doctor and having an ultrasound. Several months after the appointments, I received a bill for hundreds of dollars because FSAC was out of network. Part of this was my fault for not doing more research beforehand, but most other fertility clinics I checked disclosed upfront that their services were self-pay, so I thought accepting my insurance meant something. That said, Dr. Shamanki is a good doctor. The staff are friendly. Dr. Hubert does not have a good bedside manner—just a warning, because infertility is already an exhausting experience. I will not return because I felt deceived throughout the process. They had me undergo some unnecessary ultrasounds, and now I know why ($$$). But if your insurance actually covers FSAC, then go ahead.

Wow...I cannot say enough about Dr. Shamanki and his staff. My sister is not pregnant yet, but they truly treat everyone like a star. Thanks a million.

Highly recommended! Dr. Shamonki and his team helped me through the highest and lowest points of my life. I will always be grateful for the care at FSAC.

I underwent IVF with Dr. Amy S. Dhesi and highly recommend her. She is an excellent, helpful, and attentive doctor. We felt exceptionally cared for under her guidance. We are delighted to share the outcome of our healthy pregnancy, along with the other healthy frozen embryos still waiting for us. We are deeply grateful. ❤️

Dr. Dhesi and her team are wonderful! Communication was excellent from the first online appointment, and scheduling was easy. Their financial coordinator explained everything clearly, and every nurse and staff member was warm and friendly. Dr. Dhesi patiently explained every detail and made us feel fully supported. I am very grateful for her care and guidance throughout. I highly recommend this clinic; everyone is compassionate, professional, and genuinely caring!

Tingting and Catalina from FSAC are the most unprofessional, rude, and irresponsible people I encountered during my surrogacy journey. They took a share of the service fee I paid to the surrogacy agency they recommended, yet refused to fulfill their responsibilities. Whenever a problem arose, they immediately denied involvement, shifted the blame to the other company, and told me, ‘Ask them; we weren't involved.’ This led to endless blame-shifting between the two companies, with no one taking responsibility or genuinely willing to help. As an intended parent facing serious problems during the surrogacy process, I had no one to turn to. Tingting and Catalina repeatedly told me they ‘weren't involved,’ even though I had clearly been told that: • They received part of the fee to manage me as a client • The other agency was responsible for managing the surrogate • This was why the service fee was split equally between the two companies When I challenged them, instead of addressing the issue professionally, they became hostile, blocked me, and threatened legal action, claiming that my contract prohibited me from discussing my experience. That behavior alone speaks volumes about how they operate. Even worse was their bullying and discriminatory attitude. If you are Chinese and not fluent in English, they treat you as if you know nothing and can be pushed around. I am a living example of how they treat clients they believe will not fight back. Their tone was arrogant, aggressive, and intimidating, with no respect or compassion for intended parents going through the physically and emotionally exhausting surrogacy process. From the start of IVF treatment through delivery, the entire process was extremely painful, stressful, and overwhelming, largely because of their conduct, attitude, and refusal to take responsibility. If you value transparency, accountability, and basic humanity, stay away from FSAC's IVF and surrogacy services. No one should have to go through what I experienced.

Dr. Desai is one of the best doctors I have ever met! I am now 7 weeks pregnant and highly recommend her. We chose this clinic specifically because of her reputation, and I am so glad we did. We are extremely grateful! From our first appointment, she made us feel heard and supported. No matter how many questions I asked, she answered patiently and explained everything clearly. Dr. Desai is gentle, understanding, and genuinely cares about her patients. She treats patients as people, not just cases. All the nurses are also very kind. The entire team is wonderful—A+! If you are looking for a compassionate, highly skilled, and dedicated doctor, Dr. Desai is an excellent choice. I would not hesitate—and already have—to recommend this clinic to others!

I highly recommend Dr. Rick Buyalos and his team. Compared with other doctors I consulted, Dr. Buyalos demonstrated exceptional expertise in interpreting hormonal changes and follicular development, and consistently tailored thoughtful, personalized treatment plans to my lab results. Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Buyalos showed genuine compassion and integrity. He supported me with patience and honesty, helping me regain confidence even though I was still young at the time. When I faced financial difficulties, he even worked to reduce costs so I could continue treatment, for which I am deeply grateful. Although I did not ultimately achieve the outcome I hoped for, his guidance—especially our discussions about considering donor eggs—has stayed with me. Looking back, I realize that I struggled to accept that reality at one point, but he remained supportive and encouraging. I am grateful for his attentive care and professionalism, and for treating me like family rather than just a patient.

Dr. Buyalos is simply the best. After 19 years as my doctor, his gentle warmth and unparalleled knowledge continue to delight and amaze me.

Dr. Buyalos changed our lives in a way no one else could. At 39, we conceived our first child through IVF. Our first transfer was successful. Dr. Buyalos handled our case with great care from beginning to end. He performed flawlessly, guided us through everything, explained every step, celebrated our success with us, treated every concern urgently and as a priority, treated us kindly, and is the most compassionate doctor I have ever met. It was an honor to work with Dr. Buyalos. His fertility expertise and experience are unmatched! Stephanie and Tanisha were our nurses, and they were exceptional. Christine in billing was also incredible. This team is outstanding, and we are deeply grateful for everything they did for us. Thank you for everything, always!

I pray for Dr. Buyalos and his staff every day. My husband and I are grateful to have been in his care during this journey. I cannot express how important it is to trust that you are receiving excellent care from good people.

If you are considering California Fertility & Surgical Associates, I assure you that it may be the best decision you could make. Dr. Buyalos and his team are absolutely incredible. They are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and careful during sensitive conversations, leading with facts and empathy. Dr. B is very reassuring and calm, and he is truly a highly skilled surgeon. We will always be grateful to this team of doctors and nurses.