VEW for Independence - Redland

Pros

• The doctor is praised for excellent bedside manner and taking time to answer questions.
• He is described as thorough, kind, patient, detail-oriented, well-informed, and communicative.
• He has been a primary doctor for over 20 years, earning a reputation as one of the best in the area.
• The staff are described as friendly, responsive, and attentive.
• He explains findings clearly, helps patients feel at ease, and listens carefully.
• The practice is known for offering same-day or next-day appointments and quick access.
• The office environment is welcoming and relaxing.
• He consistently cares about patients' health and demonstrates professionalism.
• He and his team promptly communicate test results and information.
• Patients appreciate that a physician, not a physician assistant, sees them.
• During Covid, the office offered video or phone visits, showing adaptability.

Cons

• He's unprofessional and very arrogant.
• His staff seemed mad, upset, and rude.
• Dawn is lazy and the receptionist hates answering phones.
• The office staff were cold and showed no compassion for patients.
• The doctor seemed cold and heartless, often abrupt with care.
• He replied apathetically and irritably that he had no way to share advice via email.
• One star is too many for him; he does not care for patients.

Review

Patients consistently describe Dr. Villarosa as a physician who combines genuine care with solid medical knowledge, delivering an experience that many would call rare in primary care. Across numerous reviews, the common thread is a doctor who takes his time with patients, explains findings clearly, and answers questions without rushing. Comments like "great doctor, excellent bedside manner," and "takes time with you and never in a hurry" recur, underscoring a calming, personable approach. Several patients emphasize that he is thorough, well informed, and professional, making them feel heard and respected in every visit.

A defining strength highlighted by patients is the doctor's communication. Reviewers repeatedly note that Dr. Villarosa explains health issues and test results in a way that's easy to understand, and he does so with patience. Phrases such as "takes his time to explain everything I need to know" and "Always listens & takes time to address what needs to be done" reflect the emphasis on clarity and reassurance. The office atmosphere is described as relaxing and welcoming, which many say complements the doctor's style. The staff is frequently praised for being friendly, courteous, and helpful, reinforcing a sense of a well-run, patient-centered practice.

Lifelong relationships with the physician are a recurring theme. A number of patients have trusted Dr. Villarosa for two decades or more, describing him as thorough, consistent, and reliable. One review notes he has been the primary doctor for over 20 years, a sentiment echoed by others who describe him as a long-standing, dependable clinician who remains a source of continuity through the years. Several patients highlight the convenience of timely access, with same-day or next-day appointments and prompt communication about test results or referrals. The overall impression is that this is a practice where patients feel supported in managing their health over time.

There are specific instances that illustrate the practical, hands-on care patients remember fondly. For example, a review notes that Dr. Villarosa and his team successfully removed ear wax using several techniques, underscoring a careful, problem-solving approach to even routine issues. Other patients recount how a visit could involve a comprehensive review of their overall health condition and test results, with the doctor offering reassurance and a clear plan. Some praise the practice for avoiding over-reliance on physician assistants, preferring to be seen by Dr. Villarosa himself, which many patients perceive as a mark of personalized attention and accountability.

Family and community ties also figure into the patient experiences. Several reviews mention the physician's role in helping family members and loved ones, with one account describing how honest and direct guidance helped an elderly parent regain independence and mobility. The sense of caring extends to the broader care team, with comments about the front desk and support staff contributing to a positive, supportive environment. In some cases, patients highlight long-term gratitude for the doctor's influence on their health journeys and the health of family members.

No collection of reviews would be complete without acknowledging some negative perspectives and mixed experiences. One review dated November 19, 2023, characterizes the doctor as unprofessional and arrogant, claiming that the physician dismissed mental health concerns and refused to provide sleep medication, while alleging a lack of belief in a patient's disability paperwork. The reviewer's frustration centers on a perception of dismissiveness during a vulnerable time, and they express strong dissatisfaction with staff interactions. Other reviews recall difficult interactions during the COVID era, noting that a doctor's response to requests for advice by email or message could feel apathetic or irritable, forcing patients to seek information in less convenient ways or to seek alternatives for care.

There are also consistent criticisms about some staff dynamics and administrative processes. A few patients describe certain staff members as unhelpful or cold, with complaints about prescription refills, referrals, and overall responsiveness. Some reviews recount rushed visits where patients felt they weren't fully heard or that time with the doctor was limited. A few accounts mention communication gaps or inconsistent experiences when trying to reach the clinic by phone, and there are mentions of occasions when patients felt the overall experience did not meet the standard they expected from a doctor they had trusted for years. One account even singles out Dawn and other front-desk staff for perceived delays and a lack of compassion, painting a picture of a practice where patient service can vary by staff member.

Despite the negatives, the prevailing tone across the majority of reviews is one of respect and appreciation for Dr. Villarosa's medical abilities, his willingness to listen, and the long-standing relationships many patients have formed with him. For many patients, the care they receive - marked by attentiveness, clear communication, and a thoughtful approach to health - outweighs occasional frustrations with administrative or interpersonal hiccups. The practice appears to offer a strong foundation of clinical competence and compassionate care, with a history of dependable access and a focus on patient education, even as a minority of patients report experiences they found disappointing or difficult.

In sum, Dr. Villarosa's practice seems to be valued by a broad swath of patients for its core strengths: a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, time spent with patients, transparent explanations, and a supportive, friendly office environment. The largest share of feedback highlights trust built over years, effective care, and genuine concern for patients' well-being. At the same time, a minority of reviews point to areas for improvement - especially in staff interactions, communication consistency, and the handling of administrative tasks. For someone considering this practice, the message is clear: expect a physician who cares deeply about your health and is capable and detail-oriented, but be mindful that experiences with staff or administrative processes can vary from visit to visit.

This area of Redlands, California offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living, with a variety of amenities nearby. There are several medical facilities in close proximity, including physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals such as Mountain Vista Optical, Beaver Medical Group, and Loma Linda Ambulatory Care Center. In addition, there are plenty of dining options ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell to cafes such as Starbucks and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Residents can also enjoy entertainment at theaters like Studio Movie Grill or explore the outdoors at parks like Brookside Park. Places of worship such as Trinity Church and Packinghouse Church provide spiritual support, while transportation options like the San Bernardino Transit Center offer easy access to other parts of the city. Overall, this area is a convenient and well-equipped choice for senior living in Redlands.

Physicians

• Mountain Vista Optical (0.2 miles)
• Aesthetic Skin & Laser Medical Center: Steven E. Hodgkin, MD (0.3 miles)
• Beaver Medical Group (0.5 miles)
• Jamron Neil D MD (0.5 miles)
• Clonch, Thomas J DDS: Thomas J Clonch, DDS (0.7 miles)
• In Your Best Interest Medical Clinic (1.4 miles)
• West Dermatology Redlands (2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Aroi Mak Mak (0.3 miles)
• Eating Room (0.3 miles)
• September’s Taproom & Eatery (0.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.7 miles)
• Mr. Taco (1.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Stell Coffee & Tea Company (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Lopez, Kristina - Beaver Medical Group (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• ABC Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Ascend Pharmaceuticals (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Theaters

• Studio Movie Grill (0.4 miles)
• Mountain Grove 16 (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• The Labyrinth At Memorial Chapel. University Of Redlands (0.8 miles)
• The River Christian Reformed Church (1.1 miles)
• Trinity Church (2 miles)
• Packinghouse Church (2.3 miles)
• Crosswalk Church (3.6 miles)
• National Association of Seventh Day Adventist Dentists (5 miles)

Parks

• Brookside Park (2 miles)
• Leonard Bailey Park (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Loma Linda Ambulatory Care Center (3.3 miles)
• Mountain View Surgery Center (3.4 miles)
• Jerry L Pettis Memorial (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• San Bernardino Transit Center (7.4 miles)