Dr Castellanos is not only a doctor but a healer in the real sense of the word. What strikes you first as you meet him is his sincerity, attentiveness, and passion for the work he does. As you look more closely you are touched by his gentle yet objective presence. You feel his concern and care immediately. This focus has the affect of stimulating your own interest and desire to heal. There is a certain support and encouragement he transmits that becomes contagious. One of the qualities he embodies that is quite rare is a certain sense of maturity. He is not there to play around. He is direct with you concerning your place in the healing process. In other words, he expects you to show up and take responsibility for what you can do to make the changes you need to make in order to support your own health. Part of making these changes has to do with his encouragement but also with the wealth of knowledge he relays. He teaches and informs you of all the newest research available so you can take the lead and implement the strategies and changes you need to make. It really is a team effort. It's hard not to show up for yourself when the other side of the team is so inspiring, supportive and truly cares.

The impact on my professional and personal life has been truly miraculous since working with Dr Castellanos. In my line of work I occasionally found it difficult to stay awake. Since making the changes around diet, exercise and supplements that he suggested I can honestly say I have not fallen asleep on the job since I made these changes. It's so nice to go to work with energy and leave with the same energy - to be able to go for a bike ride or a walk after work. It's wonderful to have the energy to enjoy life! Thanks Dr C. Guide- Teacher - Doctor - translates into healer.

~Nancy

I’m grateful for Dr. Castellanos for helping me clear up my acne without medications. Because of our conversations, he helped me piece together the cause: coffee. Unfortunately, my coffee consumption is very limited now, but with Dr. Castellanos’ encouragement I’ve had the willpower to only occasionally indulge.

- Donna

Andi is self employed in real estate, an artist, mother, wife, daughter, horse enthusiast, and a patient of Dr. Castellanos who brightens up the lobby when she enters. Dr. Castellanos was recommended to Andi several years ago by a patient. She was looking for a doctor who she could trust, and one she could see for a variety of needs. Andi expressed that she was really excited when she finally found Dr. Castellanos, because he specializes in several of the areas that she was looking for, and she trusts him with her healthcare completely. 

      Although Andi did not personally have a health issue coming into the practice, she was acutely aware that cervical screening is a vital part of women's healthcare. She had been disappointed by the healthcare industry in general, and finds that her friends often are not given the standard of care from their doctors which Andi receives in Dr. Castellanos' office. She is concerned for her friends and suggests to them that if they want to continue with their current doctor, they should at least ask if their doctor will perform a colposcopy so she can feel better about them being treated properly. Colposcopy is done in Dr. Castellanos' office with a standard gynecological visit, as a screening for cervical, endocervical cancer, and atypical findings which might lead to cancer. 

      When asked how Dr. Castellanos differs from her previous doctors, Andi responded that “he is thorough, he makes sure I pay attention to my own body, he asks questions during my visits and any questions that I have he thoroughly answers. I feel very confident when I leave that I have had quality care and I'm in good hands.” Dr. Castellanos holds us accountable for our own responsibilities when it comes to our healthcare. When it comes down to it, Dr. Castellanos cannot change the way we live for us, we have to make the lifestyle changes ourselves, and he is good to remind us of it.

      Andi's favorite part of the program is the vascular study. With a family history of heart disease, she is cautious of the contributors toward high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and takes heed of the warnings that come along with the vascular study when it reveals the true state of her arteries. She also appreciates the blood panels that are run routinely on an annual basis, and otherwise as needed. These blood panels give us crucial insight as to what's going on inside our bodies when everything might look fine outside. 

      “You have got to see Dr. Castellanos!” is what Andi tells her friends, especially when she hears they are struggling with a health issue. When she reflects on her personal experiences at Dr. Castellanos' office, Andi sees a better approach from the start with ordering of blood tests and in listening to the patient in order to pinpoint the issues. She will continue to recommend Dr. Castellanos' office to all of her friends. She loves the office, and all of the staff, and she says, “I feel like I'm taken care of…and that's one thing off my list!”

Eric's history lends itself to a life of proactive health. He has always made his health a priority in his life. His profession in the past as a personal trainer kept him acutely aware of his need and the need of others to maintain a healthy lifestyle for longevity. After his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, the need to include health screenings into his healthy lifestyle was brought to his attention. 

      About a year and a half ago, while working out at the gym, Eric was talking with a nurse he'd just met there about who she'd recommend as a physician. The nurse recommended Dr. Castellanos and as Eric puts it, “that got the ball rolling.” 

      The conversation Eric had with Dr. Castellanos at his consult was memorable for him because as Eric says, typical “Western Medicine - here take your pill and go away; let's treat the symptoms and not the causes” is like being at the wrong end of the train, whereas Dr. Castellanos is like being at the front of the train and hitting things head on, preventing them from happening in the first place whenever possible. This is the kind of philosophy Eric shares and had not personally encountered a physician previously who shared this philosophy. 

      It is refreshing, and that is why he so enthusiastically endorses the practice to other people. Eric has referred several co-workers to Dr. Castellanos who have become patients also, and are following the program wholeheartedly. He says that there are people who are searching for the same thing and they don't really know that someone like Dr. Castellanos exists. They believe that healthcare operates the way we've been programmed to understand how it operates where you go to a doctor when you are ill, he or she writes you a prescription, and sends you on your way, and you may or may not be back. And the unidentifiable searching is exactly why Eric believes that so many people have taken him up on his challenge to meet Dr. Castellanos. 

      Eric values the peace of mind he gets from having Dr. Castellanos as his physician. It's the whole process, the beginning to the end impact of overall better healthcare and screening that gives that peace of mind…it's knowing that if there is some abnormality to be found, that it will show up because there are tests being done to find it as early as it is detectable. And that gives him peace of mind.

      For people who may be considering Dr. Castellanos as their primary care physician, Eric has some advice: 1. If you are serious about your health, then this practice is something you should consider. 2. Please go in to your consult with a very open mind. Dr. Castellanos will be upfront with you about issues in your lifestyle that may require change in order to increase better health and longevity. We don't always like to hear these things, but with an open mind, you will see that it is for your best interest he will say these things. 3. Think about the long term. Keep in mind how you intend to live a functional, long term lifestyle with the goal being: for as long as you can.

September 2007

Interview With A Patient

By Cheryl 

I recently had the pleasure of talking with Stan, a patient who has been committed to better health since April 2003.  When Stan’s wife came to see us in February 2003, she came home and told Stan all about the philosophy of care practiced in Dr. Castellanos’ office.  It made sense to him, so he made an appointment for himself.  Stan’s claim to fame ever since is that he now has “FRIENDS in the medical world.” 

Did you have a health complaint when you first came to us?

No.  I was looking for a new doctor.

How does Dr. Castellanos’ approach to medicine differ from your experience with previous doctors?

It is a lot more personal.  He indicates that he is not only concerned about your health during the visit but he is concerned about the overall health in diet and, exercise-just a life philosophy that I found different from most doctors.  Most doctors say, “Don’t eat fat.  See you later.  Bye.”  And Dr. Castellanos says, “Let me show you some things.”  It makes it easier to lose a few pounds or to get other positive health results.  The thing that really impressed me the most is my vascular study.  When I’ve gone back and had subsequent studies done, looked back at where I started and the progress I’ve made, it really drives home the fact that diet, exercise, and life style really do have a big impact on overall health.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a patient of Dr. Castellanos?

I would encourage them to do it because I believe it will not be a decision that they will regret.  When I am recommending him to my friends, I will often mention my past history with skin lesions and how I had to be really proactive, pushing to have my lesions removed, because doctors wouldn’t remove any suspicious lesions until they were full-on cancer problems, where Dr. Castellanos believes that, when possible, we need to remove them before they can become a problem. 

Is there anything you’d like to add to the interview today?

Just that I use the term “Family Practice” and it feels more like a family.  And I’m sure you feel that way working here.  I know the staff, and the doctor here better than I’ve known any medical professionals I’ve ever visited in my life.  It is a very friendly and a very caring practice.   

April 25, 2002

Dear Future Patients of Dr. Castellanos,

I first started coming to see Alexander F. Castellanos about a year and a half ago. Having started an exercise program that had reached a jogging routine of six miles everyday and a weight loss of 35 pounds over six months, I was anxious to increase my running speed. Since I was in my late 40’s, I was concerned about the strength of my heart. The running book I read was a great source of motivation for me but I learned that the author and long-time runner died because he had a heart attack while running.

I had heard from a co-worker that Dr. Castellanos was a “preventive, total-health care” doctor, who took the time to explain each test he performed and how our bodies operate. I found this to be true in his “partnership” approach to medicine. He has a very thorough list of tests and inspections in his preventive program, which he progresses through step by step. My share of the partnership is to use this information to create a healthier me. We covered diet, tested cholesterol, had a treadmill stress test, blood tests and many other exams.

The doctor is on the cutting edge of the latest medical research and is constantly learning the newest procedures. This is the type of benefit one normally has to go to a university hospital to be privy to and certainly not common in a small town like Templeton, CA. I am very confident that he is doing the very best for me that is available.

Dr. Castellanos’ motivation seems to come from his years working in the trauma center of a large city, where, by the time he saw the patient, it was too late to help many of them repair the damage done to their bodies; many with self-inflicted conditions resulting from years of over-weight or stress or unhealthy practices. His early detection methods are constantly present when he is seeing a patient.
Three other areas he is strong in are dermatology, laser medicine, and gynecology. Having a fair complexion and lots of moles, he is currently removing and testing any skin irregularities.

Since I hit the big birthday last year, it’s a comfort to know as I go through all these changes that the doctor and his concerned staff are there to assist. I quit going to my regular gynecologist all together because Dr. Castellanos is doing colposcopies in addition to Pap Smears and does not depend solely on mammograms, either.

Since I am a person who would more likely take extra vitamins or herbs if I was not feeling well before I would take an aspirin, I like that prescriptions to antibiotics is not his main or only recourse, like so many doctors. He offers lots of information on many health concerns, from pamphlets to videos to hands on displays.

I know that I can go to him for anything from my annual flu shot to much more serious concerns. Both my husband and teenage son also see Dr. Castellanos.
So as I grow older, I have a well-trained medical professional to partnership with on all my health issues, as long as I am willing to take responsibility for my own body and put into application, the information he is providing me with. If you would like to talk to me about any of my experiences with the doctor and his staff, please contact, the office and they well make the necessary arrangements.

Lona L. Christensen

There are many doctors available, just look in the yellow pages. However, very few, if any, take an interest in practicing preventative medicine. More times than not, you walk into your doctor's office with a problem, they ask you what is wrong, take your blood pressure, look in your ears and in your throat and then promptly prescribe a pill. We are instructed that if we do not feel any better in two weeks to return for a further check up.
By the time you reach 50, you are well on your way to filling your medicine chest with a supply of pills for whatever ails you.

When we moved to Paso Robles, one of our concerns was to find a doctor with whom we were comfortable. We were not impressed with our first two choices. It was a relief and a blessing to find Dr. Castellanos who is truly concerned about you and your overall health. We were impressed with his proactive approach to health care. Most doctors will have your records transferred and then pick up where your last doctor left off. His practice of starting from scratch and learning about your health history and then working to reverse some of the damage we may have already done to our bodies is certainly a unique way of practicing medicine. His expertise and knowledge combined with his enthusiasm is encouraging to patients who want to live a happy healthy life. All we need to do is practice what we have learned. We are given the information and then given the opportunity to participate in managing our own health. Our eating habits may have to change and we may have to incorporate exercise in our daily routine, but the end result, a healthy life, will be worth the effort.
We have lost family members to cancer and heart disease and presently dealing with our dad who is in and out of the hospital with clogged arteries requiring surgery and mom who is a diabetic and does not take care of herself. She has just undergone surgery to remove a portion of her leg because of infection. Neither of them would have considered changing their diet or going for a walk. So, the end result, continued poor health and a mound of doctor and prescription bills. It is hard to see this happening to our loved ones, but it should also be a lesson to us.

Thank you Dr. Castellanos for caring about us.

Craig and Alicia

March 16, 2006

Dear Dr. Castellanos and Staff,

It is the intent of this letter to communicate how happy and grateful I am as it relates to the exceptional medical care and advice I've received from your practice.

In November of 2001, I was involved in a serious multiple roll over vehicle accident. Throughout the following four years, I received care from several doctors, specialists, etc., but my symptoms remained unchanged. My symptoms included; difficulty hearing and comprehending noise, anxiety, unable to sleep, choking, no sense of smell and some loss of motor skills and strength. Basically, I had accepted the fact that these symptoms would be with me for the rest of my life. I even took "lip reading" classes to help improve my verbal speech comprehension.

After moving to this area, I chose Dr. Castellanos' practice for medical attention. I was simply looking for a doctor to monitor my symptoms and general health. I received so much more! Dr. Castellanos immediately acquired my medical history and we began several months of testing and treatment. He focused on my symptoms as well as my overall health. He recommended changes to medications, diet and vitamins. He provided guidance every step of the way. The results exceeded my expectations in every way.

My sleeping has improved to a point where I require no medication, I haven't consumed any prescription medication in the past three months (for the first time since the accident), my ability to comprehend noise has improved to a point where I'm less reliant on reading lips, I haven't choked in over eight months, my motor skills and general strength has improved dramatically (and I lost a few pounds), I have very little anxiety, my sense of smell gradually improved over the past several months, and generally speaking I feel the best I have since the accident.

I'm grateful for the professional, courteous and quality care I received from Dr. Castellanos' nursing staff. It's obvious to me that the nursing staff enjoys what they do and they really care about their patients. This is the best quality of nursing care I have ever received.

My current quality of life has greatly exceeded my expectations as a result of the care I received from Dr. Castellanos' practice and I'm confident that this will continue to improve.

Thanks so much!

Mike

For the past six years Dr. Castellanos has been our family doctor. The care my husband and I have received from him has always been excellent. I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Castellanos in our community, as well as his wonderful staff.

Sincerely,

Marla Clay

Here's a letter from a patient who is moving out of the area:

Dear Dr. Castellanos,

I took these pictures of Grace a couple of weeks ago. She was playing doctor. The second picture is a close up of her name tag. The spelling is a little off but it is clear she was pretending to be "Dr. Castellanos".

I hope all is well in your office. Please tell the ladies "Hello". We hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

Thank you for all you have done for us. You have certainly raised our expectation for future doctors. We have not yet found a doctor, but we have a good lead on one which we hope to pursue soon.

Sincerely,

Terry, Katrina and Grace