Ratings, Reviews & Testimonials

Read Waleska P.'s review of Asher H Taban, MD on Yelp

Thank you for an excellent job in relieving my pain. I appreciate your talent and professional courtesy...

During my 30 years in practice in Northridge as an ear, nose, throat, and head and neck surgeon it was always most gratifying when another doctor selected me to operate on himself or a member of his family, and I trust that you will feel the respect and compliment in my choosing you...

First, I thank you for your dedication to your vocation. While I frequently meet professional people in many venues where I am involved...

So it was, when I discovered your reputation, expertise and profound commitment to our patients and each ones needed procedure...

Based on your excellent background, I was always certain that you would reach to greatness in neurosurgery...

I would also like to thank your office staff, especially your wonderful office manager Ellen who has always been courteous and kind. Good luck and much more success in your future...

One year and four months ago in constant pain, barely able to walk, sit or stand I told you I would be a good patient...

I am thrilled to share that I have been teaching full time Physical Education all this year and cross training by swimming in a Masters Program, bicycling, weight lifting and running. I have also been doing my full time volunteer Ski Patrol on weekends...

Thanks to your expertise and knowledge, and to God, I was able to overcome successfully that most difficult time of my life.

Last year during a time span of six months I endured vast emotional and mental distress. I was expecting my first child when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. There were so many changes that took place in my life during this time of which some I chose to omit from my mind...

More Testimonials

"Saving our precious mom’s life"

“We would like to express our gratitude and thank you from the bottom of our heart for saving our precious mom’s life. We feel lucky and blessed to have you; the BEST Neurosurgeon in the country to operate on our mom. Your hands perform miracles.”
- Razmik T.

"A gazillion thanks"

Eight months ago you performed a laminectomy and fusion on my spine, which was no longer allowing me the quality of life I had been accustomed to for many years. It was very difficult and depressing being in pain and not able to lead my very active life. I spent more than one year in a quest to alleviate my pain with sports specialists, chiropractics, acupuncturists, masseuses, and even healers. Thanks to your expertise, I am slowing regaining most of my normal activities, even doing pilates and walking hills, and, hallelujah, back doing a little gardening and dancing. A gazillion thanks to you and your very professional and caring staff, who have never been too busy to answer my questions or concerns.
- Gwen M.

"We will always remember you"

It’s been 20 some years since we last saw you when you were our daughter’s surgeon. She was 8 ½ years old and you removed a tumor on the right side of her brain. We are happy to let you know that she is now 31 years old and is still doing fine. We thank you again. We will always remember you.
- Felicia C.

"A watershed event"

I feel most fortunate to have received the attention of such a skilled surgeon given your widespread reputation, particularly given the emergent need I had for surgical attention. I recognize that you, your staff, and others were required to make some sacrifices to attend to me so quickly and for such considerations I am most grateful. Your place in my life will always be a watershed event and I once again sincerely thank you.
- Anthony K.

"Your skill is truly monumental"

Thank you so very much for your skill for helping me recover from my disc compression. God bless you for all you do to help mankind in this part of the world to relieves them from their pain. Your skill is truly monumental.
- James S.

"Wonderful job you performed on our father"

“I would like to thank you and show gratitude from the entire family for the wonderful job you did on performing back surgery on our father. Our dad had three previous back surgeries by other doctors. Then, in the last ten years, we watched him living with pain and agony caused by his lower back; at times, he had difficulty at any positions, sitting down, standing up, walking, or even lying down for more than 15 minutes. It was hard for us watching him go through everyday life with such anguish. After doing research and checking with some of the most competent physicians in California, only one name kept coming up and that was yours…and after the surgery, we found out why. Words are hard to describe the gratitude and appreciation of the wonderful job you performed on our father.
- Eli A.

"A true genius"

After a 5 ½ hour surgery, my dad returned home after 4 days of extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation at the hospital. A very special thanks goes to you Dr. Taban, a true genius, and your staff for your impeccable execution and paramount expertise in the field of neurological spinal medicine. It was your care and compassion that gave my family the education, support, and confidence in bringing dad back home healthy and without compromise. Without your thorough preparation and creative surgical precision, my father could have been left with an additional surgery to complete the tumor removal and other complications. With that, my family holds their glasses high in your honor. God Bless.
- Anthony K.

"Gave new life to my husband"

I thank God for the empowered hands of a valuable surgeon, Dr. Taban, who gave new life to my husband. It’s impossible to show my appreciation in words. I pray to God to give more power to Dr. Taban’s hands that give people a second chance to live and I wish him health and happiness.
- Kazem E.

"Our family was amazed"

I am writing this letter of thanks and appreciation to you after having a successful neck surgery last year. When I found out I needed to have surgery, it was a stressful and scary time, not only for myself, but also for my family. After the surgery, I recovered quicker than anticipated, and our family was amazed at how well I was doing just a week after surgery. I am now free of the tingling and numbness in my arms and fingers and am able to do most tasks as I was before the surgery. It is now a year later and my wife and I have retired to San Diego to spend more time with our children and grandchildren. I am thankful to be able to play with my grandson and am now awaiting the arrival of a second grandson. Thank you again for your care and excellent surgical skills.
- Harry W.

"You have given us hope"

“You probably have not had the opportunity to browse the websites that rate doctors. If you had, you might have noticed mine...”being seen by Dr. Taban is being in a room with pure genius.” When my husband broke his neck, not only did you make it possible for him to walk again, but you have given us hope that we will get our lifestyle back. It is our sincerest wish to thank you for all you have done for us and know we will continue to keep you and yours in our daily prayers. May you live a long and healthy life!
- Roberta & Bill

"The best decisions I ever made"

When I first met with you in consultation, it was your professionalism and medical/surgical knowledge that gave me the confidence to put myself in your capable hands for my surgery. The excellent surgical results that I had serves to confirm that my decision to have you operate on me was one of the best decisions I ever made. Thank you, Dr. Taban, for being such a gifted surgeon and for taking such good care of me.
- Mary Lou S.

"Today I am healthy, agile, and athletic"

6 months ago you performed my lower back surgery. Today I am healthy, agile, and athletic once again thanks to you. I truly appreciate your compassion and support. You made me feel confident about surgery and recovering by explaining everything in detail.
- Brian H.

"Finally living without pain"

On behalf of the entire family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent and competent care you have provided for my father-in-law who had back surgery last month. The successful surgery and your attention has given him back his confidence and a much better quality of life. He is improving every day and finally living without pain. We are truly grateful to you and your wonderful staff.
- Victor S.

"I completed my first marathon"

On January 31st, we first met in your office. I came in with test reports and a problem looking for a solution. You thought I was there for a second opinion. Your manner and style inspired confidence. When I asked how soon the surgery could be performed, your staff immediately made adjustments. On February 5th, a craniotomy was performed and on the evening of February 7th I was out of the hospital, home recovering. The following year, I completed my first marathon. I finished in the upper third of all finishers and upper third for my age group. I was inspired to the effort in part by the recollection of what I had been through the year before. Thank you for what you did.
- John S.

"A Thank You Letter Sent 27 Years Later"

I know this letter comes out of nowhere, but after a discussion with friends this weekend I felt it was necessary. Spring 1985 is a long time ago, but it was the time you performed surgery on my head due to that I believe is known as a subdural hematoma. I was riding my bike, without a helmet, when I collided with our family dog at our Granada Hills home and went head first into concrete right in front of my mother.

I was rushed to Northridge Hospital and from what my mother has explained ever since, you performed the procedure that was necessary to save my life. Now 27 years later, I am writing to say thank you.

We all go about our days, excelling at our careers and raising our families. My life has always had another dimension, and that is to never take a single day for granted. I went through that procedure when I was four and my wife of 10 years is a childhood thyroid cancer survivor. So, we consider ourselves lucky and very grateful for those medical professions who made it all possible.

Thank you Dr. Taban for what you did in Spring 1985, especially since I believe I was the first child you worked on. If it was wasn't for you I do not know if I could say that I am happily married, run a successful financial management practice in the Inland Northwest, and have two beautiful children who happily wear their bike helmets every time they enjoy a bike ride.

Sincere regards,

- Michael J. Jackson
Spokane, WA

Dear Dr. Taban,

As a founding member of Northridge Hospital and having served as Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, and on the Board of Trustees, it was with great satisfaction that I was able to select a Neurosurgeon on the staff to operate on my "Spinal Stenosis" with the reputation and skill that you possessed. It was a pleasure to realize my surgery would take place at Northridge Hospital, and it wasn’t necessary to seek a surgeon "over the hill" at some "ivory tower".

During my 30 years in practice in Northridge as an ear, nose, throat, and head and neck surgeon it was always most gratifying when another doctor selected me to operate on himself or a member of his family, and I trust that you will feel the respect and compliment in my choosing you.

Thank you for an excellent job in relieving my pain. I appreciate your talent and professional courtesy.

Sincerely,
Joseph M. Messina, M.D.

Dear Dr.Taban,

While I might have written sooner, I have deliberately waited to express my deep appreciation to you for this season; at a time when, (1) a more complete outcome has arrived, pursuant to the many processes you and others have administered toward my healing; and also a time when, (2) we would be approaching Thanksgiving Day-a most worthy occasion for writing you as I do now.

First, I thank you for your dedication to your vocation. While I frequently meet professional people in many venues where I am involved, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God for the fact He arranged for my physical crisis to come into the hands of a remarkably accomplished surgeon.

You will, I believe, remember how prior to the surgery, I expressed to you my belief in God is very, very personal in His attentions to and care for each person who puts their trust in Him. So it was, when I discovered your reputation, expertise and profound commitment to our patients and each ones needed procedure, I humbly thanked Him for His kind providence in bringing me under your care. Surely He answered my prayer for blessing upon you-but even more, long before we met or I had need of your professional care, He called you to give yourself to the demands of preparing for a life as a neurosurgeon. Now, having been blessed by your gifting and skill, I say "Thank you, Asher my friend," and, Thank you, God-Creator of the universe-for bestowing on us the gift of Asher Taban!

Second I thank you for your warm, personal manner. From the beginning-when you introduced me to the fact I desperately needed spinal surgery. Little did I know how small the margin of my well-being had become; being both instructive and assuring. From that moment, I have-and will-pray God’s ongoing blessing over your life and service to others.

As you doubtless already know, your name, Asher, derives from the Hebrew eh-sher, and refers to what is "blessed" and brings “happiness.” This letter is to accompany a small plant which, I hope, will find a place in your home or office and remain a token of my respect and great gratitude for you.

May God’s Hand of blessing refresh you, be increasingly sensed as near and upon you, and may He always draw you increasingly to know Him and His best blessing over, around and abounding through you to others.

Your friend, patient and partner in serving a needy world,
Jack W. Hayford, President
The King’s University - Los Angeles

Dear Dr. Taban,

This letter intends to express my thanks and gratitude for your doing a superb surgery on my back.

Based on your excellent background, I was always certain that you would reach to greatness in neurosurgery. I am also proud to know that your fame in your field has dominated wherever one talks about neurosurgery.

I would also like to thank your office staff, especially your wonderful office manager Ellen who has always been courteous and kind.

Good luck and much more success in your future.

With best personal regards,
Bijan Nikakhtarm M.D. FACP
Professor of Clinical Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles

Dear Dr. Taban,

I am thrilled to share that I have been teaching full time Physical Education all this year and cross training by swimming in a Masters Program, bicycling, weight lifting and running. I have also been doing my full time volunteer Ski Patrol on weekends, including the passing of my Certified test in roped and rope rescue. I completed a ski race clinic in November 1995 and had some of my best bump skiing ever in Keystone Colorado. In October 1995 I celebrated, one year after my back surgery, by running in the 10 k Malibu Dolphin Race. I came in 3rd place in my age group with a 7:45 min. average mile time (my best ever). After that I went on to complete a half marathon with my best time ever and a 10 mile race where I also placed 3rd in my age group. Most recently I was thrilled when I completed the L.A. Marathon and felt truly great afterwards! I love my life and appreciate what a fine Doctor you are.

One year and four months ago in constant pain, barely able to walk, sit or stand I told you I would be a good patient and promised to make you look good. In reality, you made me look and feel great and I thank you with all me heart!

Sincerely,
Patty Giebel

Dear Dr. Taban,

Last year during a time span of six months I endured vast emotional and mental distress. I was expecting my first child when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. There were so many changes that took place in my life during this time of which some I chose to omit from my mind; the one thing I will always remember that brought me some comfort was your words. Every time I went to a consultation with you, you would soothe my nerves and allay my fears. I was falling apart physically, mentally, and emotionally but every time I spoke with you you gave me that reassurance and said "Mary, don't worry you will be okay". Even though I first consulted with Dr. Black, renowned neurosurgeon, once I met with you I knew in my heart, without a doubt, that you were the physician that I should entrust with my life.

In about a week, I am about to embark onto a new phase of this chapter in my life. I will be starting radiation at UCLA Medical Center. I now that this too will be a challenge I will have to overcome but I know that I will show resilience and succeed.

Thanks to your expertise and knowledge, and to God, I was able to overcome successfully that most difficult time of my life. Thank you.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of your wonderful staff for always being very helpful and most of all supportive.

Dr. Taban I once read an Irish blessing, which I now would like to say to you:

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sunshine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

With sincere regards,
Mary-Lou Velasquez-Arteta