Specialties |
| Laparoscopic Surgery |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery |
| Gallbladder Surgery |
| Benign and Malignant Lumpectomy |
| Appendectomy |
| Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Hernia Repair |
| Injection Sclerotherapy |
| Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy |
Contact Information |
| Telephone: (310) 829-9400 |
| Fax: (310) 829-6764 |
| Address: Suite 685W 2001 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica, California 90404 |
Dr. Steve Kuchenbecker is a general surgeon in Santa Monica, California, where he has been in private practice since 1985. He currently serves as Chief of Surgery at St. John's Health Center and works as a clinical faculty member at the UCLA School of Medicine. He has treated thousands of patients during his surgical career and takes great pride in his work.
Education and Honors
Dr. Kuchenbecker earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Stanford University, where he received an academic achievement scholarship and played on the basketball team. He completed his medical school, internship, and residency at UCLA, and he was on the full-time faculty of the UCLA Gastrointestinal Surgery Department from 1979 to 1985. Dr. Kuchenbecker now teaches at the Colon and Rectal Clinic for UCLA medical students and residents, and he has been honored with the prestigious Golden Scalpel Award six times. He is a board-certified surgeon, a diplomate, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.His expertise has also been recognized in numerous publications, including America's Top Surgeons 2007, Best Doctors in America, and L.A. Magazine.Surgical Skills
Often physicians’ first choice of surgeons for themselves and loved ones, Dr. Kuchenbecker frequently cares for challenging surgical problems including cancers, digestive system diseases, various abdominal wall hernias, and breast diseases. He excels in the use of laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis and diseases of the gallbladder. His goal in treating hemorrhoids is to use less painful treatment alternatives, and he is among the first surgeons to do stapled hemorrhoidectomy.As a physician, he is known for his outstanding clinical diagnostic skills and surgical expertise, particularly with difficult and challenging problems. Doctors and past patients refer cases to him for his conscientious, thorough, and expert work. He is especially appreciated for his ability to explain complicated problems in easy-to-understand terms, which helps patients and families better understand health issues and the available medical and surgical alternatives.