R
Dr Allen and his crew are amazing, because of him we now have a baby boy and a baby girl… highly recommend Dr Allen❤️Fertility clinics
Santa Barbara Fertility Center
Santa Barbara, CA · (805) 965-3400
- Phone
- (805) 965-3400
- Website
- santabarbarafertility.com ↗
- Location
- 536 E Arrellaga St Ste 201, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Doctors
Doctor
Rene AllenPhysician
9.6/10 · 19 reviews · Oct 2026
Medical school · U. of California IrvineResidency · U. of California IrvineFellowship · UCLA
Public reviews
Patient reviews
Excerpts come from public listings. Show more reveals the excerpt stored here; the original source has the full review.
28 excerpts on this page11 Google reviews
S
As I write this after a 3am wake up to feed my 2 month old daughter, I cannot be more thankful to Dr. Rene Allen and his team. I started IVF in June 2022, and became pregnant June…As I write this after a 3am wake up to feed my 2 month old daughter, I cannot be more thankful to Dr. Rene Allen and his team. I started IVF in June 2022, and became pregnant June 2024 after one egg retrieval and 5 transfers. This team is so incredibly kind and knowledgeable. Nathali answered every panicked phone call and question I had, and the whole team grieved and celebrated with us each step of the way. I cannot thank them enough. Highly recommend.N
We received excellent, personal care from professional, knowledgeable, and caring staff. Easy process, reasonable price, perfect outcome.
Big waste of our time. Took 3 months just to get an appointment scheduled, once we got our appointment set, they had us fill out a 24 page patient packet, just to to be blown off…Big waste of our time. Took 3 months just to get an appointment scheduled, once we got our appointment set, they had us fill out a 24 page patient packet, just to to be blown off the day of our consultation zoom meeting. Tried calling their office multiple times that we hadn’t received a link to the zoom meeting, that both me and my husband had taken time off of work for. Adding more stress to our situation and feeling completely let down. When finally speaking to Dr. Allen he told us he has meetings every hour. I told him he should not be taking on new patients if he can’t make time for them.L
The staff is very kind, and the doctor is very knowledgeable. We became pregnant after the IUI process and now have a healthy baby girl. Could not recommend this place enough, so…The staff is very kind, and the doctor is very knowledgeable. We became pregnant after the IUI process and now have a healthy baby girl. Could not recommend this place enough, so incredibly thankful for Dr. Allen and his wonderful team!Z
Dr. Allen is fantastic! Very personable, available and professional! We are super thankful! We now have identical twin girls & a baby boy.
This is long, I tried to make it shorter, but they are so wonderful that it is hard to be concise. If you need one word to describe the Doctor and all the staff here, it is Kind.…This is long, I tried to make it shorter, but they are so wonderful that it is hard to be concise. If you need one word to describe the Doctor and all the staff here, it is Kind. This office was a breath of fresh air. They were upfront about what our insurance would cover from the start, before we went in the billing office called to warn us that pretty much everything would be out of pocket. Which we expecting but it was still great that they actually let us know. When we go in, they actually remember us! Everyone is so nice when I call. I had bad experiences at prior OB offices with rude receptionists and poor communication so coming from that, I was shocked at how well everything here is run. I called panicking because I thought I had a cyst, fully expecting to be told I was over reacting or that they wouldn't be able to see me, just wanting to ask someone about it and they got me in to check things out the next day. The receptionists always are so friendly and caring. This office runs like a well oiled machine. You can tell they are very efficient. They have modern equipment, decorations, and a coffee machine/water in the lobby. This is the first office we have been to where they have a screen on the wall that shows the ultrasound imaging, so you can see what they are looking at. No matter how busy it is, Dr. Allen himself always sees us, always takes the time to greet us, ask how we are, explain what is going on, and ask if we have questions. He asks multiple times if you have any questions, answers them, and then tells us to call if we think of anything. (I should add, Dr. Allen does switch patients over to his NP if things are going well. We were sad not to see him anymore but his NP Kirsten is just as kind and caring.) Everyone is just so encouraging and compassionate in their care. They also do the blood draws and the labwork themselves, so you get the results the same day. (Unless it's a holiday since the labs are closed those days which is nothing they control.) My prior office had me driving all over to different towns to do bloodwork, which would then take several days to get the results from, which again, adds a lot of stress when you're already taking time off work for appointments. Having that stress removed is a big relief. Natalie and the other MA's are all so so sweet. They are kind, thoughtful, caring, and I am just so relieved that we came here. They are also the first office to actually treat my partner like a PARTNER in all of this. (I have had prior doctors tell me my husband didn't need to be involved, that he has it easy because he just "makes a deposit", and pretty much refuse to talk to both of us.) They include him, they talk to both of us, they don't act like everything is JUST me. They allow him to be with me, which is also less stressful because having him there makes two of us to hear what the Doctor says, to be able to ask questions, etc. We are so grateful for that. No matter what the outcome is, I feel like we are in great hands. We feel like there is a plan in place no matter what happens, and it's just so much less stressful that way. (Update: We did 3 IUIs, and our 4th IUI we cancelled on Dr. Allens recommendation because I only had 1 follicle. We got pregnant naturally that cycle. We fully believe that this would not have happened without the medicines and care we received at this office.) Update: As of June 2021, our baby was born and is healthy and happy. Our miracle baby truely would not have been possible without the care we received here. We are forever grateful.M
I'm already giving 5 star because of the care I'm receiving.doctor Rene is so concern n caring.He Allows you to ask as many questions n creates room to talk to u patiently on each…I'm already giving 5 star because of the care I'm receiving.doctor Rene is so concern n caring.He Allows you to ask as many questions n creates room to talk to u patiently on each visit.thats a green light fr me.being comfortable is the first step .keeping my finger cross.will do an overall review after all said n done.A
Dr. Allen is the first doctor who has truly made me feel understood and supported. Dr. Allen is not only incredibly knowledgeable about fertility, but he is also incredibly…Dr. Allen is the first doctor who has truly made me feel understood and supported. Dr. Allen is not only incredibly knowledgeable about fertility, but he is also incredibly compassionate. He took the time to listen to my concerns and to answer all of my questions. He also made me feel comfortable talking about my feelings, which was something that I had not been able to do with other doctors. In addition to his excellent medical skills, Dr. Allen also has an incredible bedside manner. He is warm, friendly, and approachable. He made me feel like I was more than just a patient to him but a human being.A
Dr. Allen is sincere and kind. He always takes time to answer any questions you have and doesn’t make you feel like you’re taking too long or that your questions are…Dr. Allen is sincere and kind. He always takes time to answer any questions you have and doesn’t make you feel like you’re taking too long or that your questions are annoying/dumb...He would personally call with news/updates long after normal business hours are over and I never felt like I couldn’t reach out with more questions...He is honest and won’t give false hope, but has these conversations in a compassionate manner. It always felt like he was in our corner and wanted us to succeedA
Dr. Allen is a warm and approachable fertility specialist...formed a collaborative partnership with us to reach our goal of a having another child. He remembered my medical…Dr. Allen is a warm and approachable fertility specialist...formed a collaborative partnership with us to reach our goal of a having another child. He remembered my medical background and did not overly simplify explanations. He always addressed my questions and answered what I was asking...We never felt rushed during our visits...Dr. Allen recommended we transfer a single embryo...A
He [Dr. Allen] was extremely thorough, friendly, and kind. He acknowledged the trauma we had been through and worked with us to help us feel comfortable. He always answered any…He [Dr. Allen] was extremely thorough, friendly, and kind. He acknowledged the trauma we had been through and worked with us to help us feel comfortable. He always answered any questions we had and we never felt pressured into making a decision. Information was explained in a clear way. We felt like he really took into account everything going on with us and looked at the bigger picture...He would only do IUI if there was more than one follicle that had matured, because otherwise the odds were not very good...A
My doctor [Dr. Rene Allen] suggested transferring 1 embryo based on data (which was provided via an informational pamphlet) but afforded us the option of transferring 2...does a…My doctor [Dr. Rene Allen] suggested transferring 1 embryo based on data (which was provided via an informational pamphlet) but afforded us the option of transferring 2...does a great job at managing expectations as well as time...It took me a while to realize that his brevity is intentional, to not only manage expectations but to also manage his time. He has been an excellent provider and I deeply respect him and his practice.A
don't expect someone with a warm bedside manner. Otherwise, know that you are in good hands with a good doctor [Dr. Rene Allen]...I was on a standard antagonist protocol...once my…don't expect someone with a warm bedside manner. Otherwise, know that you are in good hands with a good doctor [Dr. Rene Allen]...I was on a standard antagonist protocol...once my follicles got big enough...Dr. Allen tweaked the dosage after every visit and blood test results. I responded very well so I didn't end up having to be on as high of a dosage as he expected...will really work with you and for the most part, will go along with your requests. For example, while he recommends PGS for the over 40 crowd, he will do fresh transfers of multiple untested blasts if that's what you want. On the flip side, sometimes I felt like he was a little too open - I wanted him to tell me what the best path was.A
Dr. Allen strongly advises against DET with PGS tested embryos but will allow it if the patient is adamant. Beyond that, it’s age dependent. I felt he definitely took my age into…Dr. Allen strongly advises against DET with PGS tested embryos but will allow it if the patient is adamant. Beyond that, it’s age dependent. I felt he definitely took my age into account when allowing us to transfer four embryos, which resulted in my current first pregnancy at almost 42 years old...From the beginning, Dr. Allen was confident we could conceive using my own eggs, and he was right. In addition to the little girl I'm carrying, we made 7 PGS normal embryos and one segmental mosaic, remarkable results given my age.A
[Dr. Rene Allen] He is very quiet. He gives all the info you need to know if you ask the right questions. I have left his office a few times confused and would have to call to get…[Dr. Rene Allen] He is very quiet. He gives all the info you need to know if you ask the right questions. I have left his office a few times confused and would have to call to get things clarified by the nurses...We started with a physical exam, blood work, genetic testing and a HSG. We did three rounds of IUI with clomid and a trigger shot. The dosage of clomid was different the last two rounds. Then we moved on to IVF after all the IUIs failedA
Dr Allen has been an open book since the first visit, he has helped guide us through the transition from our first dr to his office, along with letting us determine the path that…Dr Allen has been an open book since the first visit, he has helped guide us through the transition from our first dr to his office, along with letting us determine the path that we could take to embryo transfer. He always takes time to make sure we understand everything he’s explaining during our visits and he’s even personally returned our calls over the weekend.... He works with the natural cycle of my wife rather than trying to manipulate her cycle.A
Dr. Allen and his staff remember not only my name but my husbands and go above and beyond to make the process as easy and gentle as possible...makes sure to answer EVERY single…Dr. Allen and his staff remember not only my name but my husbands and go above and beyond to make the process as easy and gentle as possible...makes sure to answer EVERY single question you have and the follows up with, do you have any more questions?...genuinely cares about his patients and wants what’s best for them and is emotionally involved as well. He makes us feel like VIPs every visit.A
Dr. Allen is warm and easy to confide in. He makes you feel comfortable. I have been going to him for two year now. He guided me through a miscarriage and was very supportive. He…Dr. Allen is warm and easy to confide in. He makes you feel comfortable. I have been going to him for two year now. He guided me through a miscarriage and was very supportive. He is also doesn’t sugar coat anything. He will be honest about risks and the probability of treatments working or not...[he] will do what you feel comfortable with. He never recommended or even brought up a multiple transfer to me.A
I have been extremely pleased with the care I have received so far from Dr. Allen. He is so kind, so attentive and makes sure you are at ease, even on the hardest days. He is…I have been extremely pleased with the care I have received so far from Dr. Allen. He is so kind, so attentive and makes sure you are at ease, even on the hardest days. He is honest without being harsh, direct without being rude and has always made me feel like I am important and addresses my concerns. ... He has also never pushed me off on an NP or nurse: he is always at my appointments and always attentive to me and my husband.A
Dr. Allen was always super attentive, kind, and answered every possible question my partner or I had. He always welcomed us with a smile and even when the news wasn't so good, he…Dr. Allen was always super attentive, kind, and answered every possible question my partner or I had. He always welcomed us with a smile and even when the news wasn't so good, he would sit with us instead of rushing out and onto the next patient...As an LGBT couple, I was worried about having to answer uncomfortable questions or ask awkward questions but with Dr. Allen, that was never the caseA
Dr. Allen shows empathy, gives you your options, and let’s you direct your care. He is genuine and kind...He treated me like an individual and made a type of treatment that most…Dr. Allen shows empathy, gives you your options, and let’s you direct your care. He is genuine and kind...He treated me like an individual and made a type of treatment that most people would be nervous about as comfortable as possible. He was very respectful during examinations and always made sure I was comfortable. I never had any unnecessary pain or discomfort after procedures from him. I always felt I was getting advice on the safest course of action when applicable. He asked great questions to collaborate on direction of care and always answered my questions thoroughly and honestly. He was very compassionate when we had setbacks and celebrated our successes with us.A
He [Dr. Rene Allen] makes you feel very comfortable and takes the time to answer all questions you may have. He also explains everything he is doing during procedures...He takes…He [Dr. Rene Allen] makes you feel very comfortable and takes the time to answer all questions you may have. He also explains everything he is doing during procedures...He takes all the time needed to answer all questions. He is very nice and down to earth which makes being in the office very comfortable. Also gives you his cell number should anything come up. Also never pressures me to jump to the next step or do something i don’t want to. He discusses all possibilities and let’s me think about decisions at home and call him when i am ready to proceed.A
[Dr. Kenneth Wong] Not very friendly. Very blunt but looked at results and computer while talking to us instead of looking at us and understanding our feelings...Very skillful and…[Dr. Kenneth Wong] Not very friendly. Very blunt but looked at results and computer while talking to us instead of looking at us and understanding our feelings...Very skillful and knew what he was talking about. But did not show compassion towards us. Did not see him every visit. But he is very smart and I do trust him and know that his job is to just help us get pregnant and not a therapist...Clomid for 10 days beginning on day 3.A
Dr. Allen is a kind doctor with an excellent bedside manner. He is empathetic and always professional...My husband and I both think very highly of Dr. Allen...never made me feel…Dr. Allen is a kind doctor with an excellent bedside manner. He is empathetic and always professional...My husband and I both think very highly of Dr. Allen...never made me feel uncomfortable, even during the most personal exams. I feel like he presents all information from a scientific and fact-based position, and does not try to embellish your chances...waits to give all bad news himself, so you can be waiting until the end of the day to hear a negative test result.A
Dr. Allen is incredible . He manages to always be accessible and answer ANY question we have . He is always thorough when explaining treatments and following procedures . He has…Dr. Allen is incredible . He manages to always be accessible and answer ANY question we have . He is always thorough when explaining treatments and following procedures . He has always been attentive with us and has made us feel important . Never has he rushed us . He is very compassionate and is able to be honest without adding more to the already stressful and painful situation we have been experiencing . He always has a solution and is quick to act on anything to get the process moving along . He is also a great surgeon , my recovery was quick and not as painful as I imagined . Overall, Dr. Allen is just an amazing person , you can tell he loves what he does and treats everyone like family.A
Dr Allen would explain things to me that I fully understood (for example, how a menstrual cycle works) and I also felt pressure to start treatments more aggressively than I…Dr Allen would explain things to me that I fully understood (for example, how a menstrual cycle works) and I also felt pressure to start treatments more aggressively than I wanted. In the end, we did two treatments the way I wanted (just Clomid w/o IUI) without success and then had success with what Dr Allen had recommended (Clomid w IUI). We did the latter treatment again several years later with immediate success (twins even). So I suppose he was right to start more aggressively because of statistics but emotionally I just wasn’t there.A
Dr. Allen was very polite and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining what to expect for each treatment/procedure. I felt comfortable asking questions regarding any concerns…Dr. Allen was very polite and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining what to expect for each treatment/procedure. I felt comfortable asking questions regarding any concerns I had. I felt supported after the loss of my first pregnancy. He was very patient and understanding of the whole process. I returned for another attempt and was able to get pregnant right away and gave birth to my first child.Clinic route
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Provider
Santa Barbara Fertility Center
Role
Fertility clinics
State
California
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