Steven Nakajima
Stanford University
Available Lines of Communication
Nurse email
Direct line to nurse
Not available by personal cell phone
Medical SchoolSt. Louis U.
ResidencyLoma Linda U.
FellowshipU. of Vermont
Sunnyvale
1195 W. Fremont Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
(650) 498-7911
7 assessments
6
8
Age
37
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IVF, Egg Freezing, 2 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
6
8
Dr. Nakajima's strengths: very knowledgeable, supportive, responsive to questions, encouraging, honest, Dr. Nakajima's weaknesses: always in a hurry and gets straight to the point (which is both good and bad) but it can feel like you are being pushed at times.... We did 2 egg retrieval rounds and fertilized with my partner's sperm immediately after the retrievals. In the first round I was given Follistim, Menopur and Lupron Microdose. With that round I produced 8 eggs, and we ended up with 2 euploid chromasomally normal embryos. In the second round we did the same protocol, but added on HGH (because studies showed this could help improve egg quality). From that round we ended up with 13 eggs and 4 euploid chromasomally normal embryos. We are currently debating whether or not to do a third round.
Clinic [Stanford] strengths: the staff are very nice and work really hard to meet your needs. Being at a prestigious research facility is also comforting. You know the physicians are high quality because of the Stanford reputation Clinic weaknesses: it's a huge patient population and it can be hard to get a hold of someone if you have an emergency or a question
Age
37
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 IVF, Egg Freezing, 2 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
6
8
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Dr. Nakajima's strengths: very knowledgeable, supportive, responsive to questions, encouraging, honest,
Dr. Nakajima's weaknesses: always in a hurry and gets straight to the point (which is both good and bad) but it can feel like you are being pushed at times.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Come to your appointment with your questions prepared.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
The Stanford experience has been overall positive. The negatives are related to the volume of patients they see: they give you a pager to take around the clinic so they know where you are. I've had to wait for a long time and appointments with the doctor have felt rushed. And when we had to fill out our consent forms, Dr. Nakajima really rushed us through that and told us what to agree to without much explanation. On the other hand, they have been responsive to my questions. The doctors have been attentive. The nursing staff is amazing and I have been treated with respect.
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
I was diagnosed with low ovarian reserve based on a low OAR and AMH. I am 37years old. The clinic and Dr. Nakajima were able to see me within a reasonable timeframe and explained the need for IVF based on these results. We did 2 egg retrieval rounds and fertilized with my partner's sperm immediately after the retrievals. In the first round I was given Follistim, Menopur and Lupron Microdose. With that round I produced 8 eggs, and we ended up with 2 euploid chromasomally normal embryos. In the second round we did the same protocol, but added on HGH (because studies showed this could help improve egg quality). From that round we ended up with 13 eggs and 4 euploid chromasomally normal embryos. We are currently debating whether or not to do a third round.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Stanford University. (Assigned nurse: Dorothy)
They are very patient and compassionate. I sometimes trust their opinion more than the doctor's because they are down to earth and very friendly!
Describe your experience with Stanford University.
Clinic strengths: the staff are very nice and work really hard to meet your needs. Being at a prestigious research facility is also comforting. You know the physicians are high quality because of the Stanford reputation
Clinic weaknesses: it's a huge patient population and it can be hard to get a hold of someone if you have an emergency or a question
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Nakajima at Stanford University.
I have incredible insurance through my work that covered the majority of my IVF costs (sooooo lucky!), so I don't have much info to add here
Describe Steven Nakajima's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Stanford University.
When we do a transfer we will only be transferring a single embryo
What specific things went wrong at Stanford University?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Failed to call with results
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0
0
Age
35 - 36
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
4 IUI, 2 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
0
0
I started the treatment very hopeful as this doctor looks great on paper and Stanford has a great reputation. However, Dr. Nakajima would constantly forget about my condition and I would have to remind him of it. He also never expalined the results of the treatment or had the initiative to design an alternate protocol for me. He never explained how could I improve my success rates and failed to explain the course of the treatment. For example, at the end on my first retrieval, I though I was going to have an embryo transfer in my next cycle. When I called the clinic they told me that the clinic would be closed for the Holidays. I had canceled all my travel plans at that point, thinking I had to stay at home during the holidays for the transfer. Nobody at the clinic was able to explain to me the reason to which I wasn't going to do the transfer.
They [Stanford fertility] have 2 phlebotomists that are unable to get blood samples from me without poking me at least twice. The front desk staff is unable to solve problems such as printer working, rescheduling appointments that are delayed for more than 40 min. Nurses cannot give proper instructions and fail to communicate with doctors about procedures. Specific doctors that I have seen have no sensitivity to what they say. There's a doctor there named Sarah Churchill, I think she is new. At the end of my first retrieval she told me I "didn't have that many eggs" so there was no justification for my severe pain after the retrieval. The only explanation she could come up with was "you are too sensitive to pain". Just now on the phone she said "patients with a low to intermediate response have to trigger with FSH". Finally, today I went in for a blood test. The order was wrong, so I ended up waiting again.....then when I went in the phlebotomist could not find a vein and got blood from my forearm. Later, I got a phone call today from their sta
Age
35 - 36
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Latino
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
3rd of 12 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, 2 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
0
0
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
I started the treatment very hopeful as this doctor looks great on paper and Stanford has a great reputation. However, Dr. Nakajima would constantly forget about my condition and I would have to remind him of it. He also never expalined the results of the treatment or had the initiative to design an alternate protocol for me. He never explained how could I improve my success rates and failed to explain the course of the treatment. For example, at the end on my first retrieval, I though I was going to have an embryo transfer in my next cycle. When I called the clinic they told me that the clinic would be closed for the Holidays. I had canceled all my travel plans at that point, thinking I had to stay at home during the holidays for the transfer. Nobody at the clinic was able to explain to me the reason to which I wasn't going to do the transfer. I had to argue on the phone and demand for a phone consultation with the doctor. He then called and said I couldn't do the transfer because my body had to recover for a longer time?! He then also said that the outcome was poor and I shoudl try and bank more embryos before doing the transfer. Well, that would have been a good information to tell me in the beggining of the treatment. Also because I could decide to do the treatment with a clinic that does bundle packages. Now I am on my second cycle and I haven't seen him once. I have emailed him about 10 times and he never responded to my messages. In a nutshell, I am treated like some woman who is doing IVF in the clinic that he works. He knows nothing about me, how I feel about the treatment and where I stand right now. By far the worst doctor I have ever had.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Find another doctor, because this one will not treat you with the dignity and respect that you deserve.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Dr. Nakajima never listen to me. He never gave me an explanation for why we need IVF or any other treatment. He never addressed any of my concerns and would only answer my questions after I have asked sternly.
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
IVF cycle 1 - 225IU Follistin, 150 Menopour. Follistin increased to 300IU at day 5 of stimulation, trigger with ovidrel and lupron. I have severe reaction after the retrieval. Retrieve 18 eggs, 10 mature and fertilized, 4 made it to blastocyst
IVF cycle 2 - 300Follistin, 150 menopour, trigger with novarel and fsh 400IU. Retrival is in two days.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Nursing staff is very incompetent. Mixed instructions, delay in returning emails/calls, long wait times at the clinic. It is extremely hard to communicate with them.
Describe your experience with Stanford University.
This clinic has no strengths for woman like me who are looking for an outstanding medical practice that will produce success. The clinic is always packed and you can wait between 5 to 45min for your appointment. The front desk can't even give you a receipt. For example, I paid my cycle in November and was told at the day that the printer wasn't working so they couldn't print a receipt. I called many times and asked different people about the receipt, today, 3 months later they were able to give me the receipt! Another example, las Tuesday I had an appointment at 11:45am. I arrived on time and waited for 45 min. I had to return to work. They called me and asked me to return at 4pm. So I did. AS I checked in the receptionist wanted to charge me for the copay again?!
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Stanford University.
Line around the corner every time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Nakajima at Stanford University.
12000 per IVF Cyle
Describe Steven Nakajima's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Stanford University.
His words "you are petite, so it is safe to transfer 1 embryo". Sounds like he had to go through a lot of work to decide that. By the way, I am petite by American standards. In my country, I am "regular".
What specific things went wrong at Stanford University?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Lost paperwork
- Lost appointments
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to order appropriate test
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
- Failed to consider drug intolerance
- Scheduled the wrong procedure
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10
10
Age
33
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality
10
10
We used IUI after trying clomid for a while [with Dr. Nakajima]...After trying to conceive naturally and via IVF and after facing many hurdles, we finally turned to Dr Nakajima when we thought all was lost. He was very patient with us and gave us detailed options. He never pushed us into making quick decisions unlike a few other fertility specialists we had tried. He allowed us to take our time in thinking over the various choices calmly without any deadlines. We spent months pondering our choices and improving our health. When we finally decided to try IUI with him, it worked the very first time and we are expecting a child now.
less than $500 for entire IUI out of pocket [at Stanford University]...Clean, modern and comfortable. Most importantly the people are compassionate and caring. They give 24 hour support and answer all calls during critical times. Waiting times are usually around 10 minutes... We are especially grateful to the many nurses in the team who responded to our various concerns and worries in the early days of the pregnancy as well as during the IUI process itself.
Age
33
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
South Asian
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Operations
Order & Number of Docs Seen
4th of 4 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality
10
10
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
The light at the end of the tunnel
--------------------------------------------------
After trying to conceive naturally and via IVF and after facing many hurdles, we finally turned to Dr Nakajima when we thought all was lost. He was very patient with us and gave us detailed options. He never pushed us into making quick decisions unlike a few other fertility specialists we had tried. He allowed us to take our time in thinking over the various choices calmly without any deadlines. We spent months pondering our choices and improving our health. When we finally decided to try IUI with him, it worked the very first time and we are expecting a child now.
Dr Nakajima is serene and his calmness was very comforting when we were going through many emotional roller coasters. He listens carefully and compassionately and offers constructive suggestions.
The facilities used by Dr.Nakajima's team are top notch and better than anything else we had seen (and we had seen quite a few before). Most importantly the entire atmosphere there was positive and encouraging.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Trust him
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
We used IUI after trying clomid for a while
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Along with Nakajima we are grateful to his entire team. The IUI process was very organized and we were given all the information, costs and process details up-front. Everyone in the team starting from the receptionists, nurses and many doctors in his team with whom we interacted were thoroughly professional, understanding and considerate. They took care to make the entire sensitive process as stress-free and dignified as possible. We are especially grateful to the many nurses in the team who responded to our various concerns and worries in the early days of the pregnancy as well as during the IUI process itself.
Describe your experience with Stanford University.
Clean, modern and comfortable.
Most importantly the people are compassionate and caring.
They give 24 hour support and answer all calls during critical times.
Waiting times are usually around 10 minutes.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Nakajima at Stanford University.
less than $500 for entire IUI out of pocket
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10
9
Age
28 - 33
Treated
2006 - 2011
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
9
He's [Dr. Steven Nakajima] the head of the clinic (or was when I was a patient) so he's busy and it took a while for my first appointment. It was worth the wait. It's also a teaching facility so you speak with the fellow then Dr N and that can seem repetitive and annoying initially. You will see/speak with the other RE's in the clinic based on their schedules but Dr N always knew what was happening with me.
The clinic [University of Louisville Women's Healthcare] moved facilities when I was a patient. In fact, I was the first IVF at the new facility. It's nice and provided much more space. As this is a university clinic, there's another side that deals with ob patients. It was very hard for me to see kids (12-15 yrs old) and pregnant in the same office. Most of the time the RE patients aren't on that side, but it does happen occasionally....Dr Nakajima was always patient and kind. He was the head physician over RE students so I had to answer most things multiple times which was annoying at first but was a good learning tool for all of us.
Age
28 - 33
Treated
2006 - 2011
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
9
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare?
I appreciated Dr N's frankness and honesty. I always felt like I could ask any question even when I knew it must sound silly to him. He was our teammate thru the entire process for both of our children. I was initially concerned that there could be a communication issue, but he's a born and raised American and my worry was unrealized. I'm a huge fan and am grateful for all of his help.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare?
He's the head of the clinic (or was when I was a patient) so he's busy and it took a while for my first appointment. It was worth the wait. It's also a teaching facility so you speak with the fellow then Dr N and that can seem repetitive and annoying initially. You will see/speak with the other RE's in the clinic based on their schedules but Dr N always knew what was happening with me.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Nakajima at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare?
Dr Nakajima was always patient and kind. He was the head physician over RE students so I had to answer most things multiple times which was annoying at first but was a good learning tool for all of us.
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare and their degree of success.
I have PCOS and top line insurance at the time so we skipped multiple IUI procedures since IVF was covered by my insurance. I don't remember specifics now. We were unsuccessful with 6 cycles of Femara and the single IUI round. However, the first IVF round we transferred 2 grade AB embryos. One stuck and I had our oldest son. We froze 3 embryos. Upon thawing, 1 embryo did not make it. The other 2 were transferred. Both stuck, and I miscarried 1 at 10 weeks. The 2nd was fine and I had our younger son.
We were given the option to present an argument to transfer 3 embryos the first time, but we're comfortable with 2.
Describe your experience with your nurse at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare. (Assigned nurse: Angie)
Angie was amazing. In fact, we still keep in touch today. She cried with me at negatives and cried with me at the positive tests.
Describe your experience with University of Louisville Women's Healthcare.
The clinic moved facilities when I was a patient. In fact, I was the first IVF at the new facility. It's nice and provided much more space. As this is a university clinic, there's another side that deals with ob patients. It was very hard for me to see kids (12-15 yrs old) and pregnant in the same office. Most of the time the RE patients aren't on that side, but it does happen occasionally.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Nakajima at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare.
They offered IVF financing but I was very lucky and it was covered by my insurance. My fresh cycle procedures (egg retrieval and transfer) was $15,800. Frozen embryo storage fees were $250 a year. My frozen cycle procedure fees were $11,900. I think the IUI was $125.
What specific things went wrong at University of Louisville Women's Healthcare?
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
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10
9
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2012 - 2013
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Other
10
9
Came in to fertility clinic with ovarian cysts - [Dr. Nakajima] put me on birth control, monitored for 3 months. Had laparoscopic surgery to remove cysts. Birth control for 6 weeks...Was compassionate about our situation. Was clear in our options and he trusted our judgement...He was a very supportive doctor. He walked us through every up and down and stayed positive the entire time. When we skipped Ivf for donor embryos he was all in with us and made the process as easy and smooth as possible. We have a beautiful son now because of him. Couldn’t be happier with our care.
I made the decision to transfer multiples with the embryologist not Dr. [at Stanford University]...Dr made it clear that 1 embryo was not thawing well the day of transfer. Gave % of multiples at less than 1%. Only one embryo took...I had an overall good experience. There were some issues with billing but all got resolved. Excellent doctors and fellows. I would recommend to anyone...They [costs] seemed in line with what was typical for the care
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2012 - 2013
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Other
10
9
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
He was a very supportive doctor. He walked us through every up and down and stayed positive the entire time. When we skipped Ivf for donor embryos he was all in with us and made the process as easy and smooth as possible. We have a beautiful son now because of him. Couldn’t be happier with our care.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
He is very straightforward in his meetings. I love that but I could see where it might catch some off guard. He really does have hour best interests in mind though
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Was compassionate about our situation. Was clear in our options and he trusted our judgement
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
5 rounds of clomid with OBGYN Came in to fertility clinic with ovarian cysts - put me on birth control, monitored for 3 months.
Had laparoscopic surgery to remove cysts. Birth control for 6 weeks
One round of letrezol with iui - no pregnancy but cyst was back. Back on BC
Cyst dissolved. Said we wanted to do embryo donation.
Began fet cycle
Transferred 3 embryos
Pregnancy with 1
Successful birth
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Very good. They were changing over to digital records at the time so it was a little hectic at times
Describe your experience with Stanford University.
I had an overall good experience. There were some issues with billing but all got resolved. Excellent doctors and fellows. I would recommend to anyone. Keep in mind this is Dr Nakajimas old clinic in Louisville
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Nakajima at Stanford University.
I really don’t remember. They seemed in line with what was typical for the care
Describe Steven Nakajima's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Stanford University.
I made the decision to transfer multiples with the embryologist not Dr. Dr made it clear that 1 embryo was not thawing well the day of transfer. Gave % of multiples at less than 1%. Only one embryo took
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8
7
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2014 - 2015
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
IVF, Surrogacy
Diagnosis
—
8
7
Strengths [on Dr Nakajima]: Very scientific, which I appreciated. Very experienced. Did NOT sugar coat anything, which I also appreciated. Explained everything thoroughly, went through my charts and even made observations on my treatment from previous doctor. Weaknesses: At the time, he was new, and seemed to be getting settled, did not remember I did not get a period second time we met... Made a negative comment about my previous treatment during our first meeting (they apparently mis-timed my cycle)
[Nurses at Stanford Fertility] returns calls/text promptly, even on weekends. Very organized in coordinating my surrogate's trip out west....They were in the process of renovating... may be better in the future
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2014 - 2015
Success with this Doc
No
Race
East Asian
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Entrepreneur
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
IVF, Surrogacy
Diagnosis
—
8
7
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Strengths: Very scientific, which I appreciated. Very experienced. Did NOT sugar coat anything, which I also appreciated. Explained everything thoroughly, went through my charts and even made observations on my treatment from previous doctor.
Weaknesses: At the time, he was new, and seemed to be getting settled, did not remember I did not get a period second time we met... Made a negative comment about my previous treatment during our first meeting (they apparently mis-timed my cycle)
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
He will tell you the way it is. He will not comfort you if that is OK with you. He is positive in general, but will not give false hope. Ask questions, he will spend as much time answering as needed.
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
I did not respond to the meds (gonatropin + menapur) so my cycle was extended and more meds were given for a longer period of time. Dr. Hakajima did not want to increase meds too much.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Stanford University. (Assigned nurse: Cristina Vidal)
Returns calls/text promptly, even on weekends. Very organized in coordinating my surrogate's trip out west.
Describe your experience with Stanford University.
They were in the process of renovating... may be better in the future
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10
10
Age
39
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
10
10
[Dr Nakajima has a] fantastic bedside manner. Very warm and friendly to both me and my husband. Genuinely excited for our success. Never rushed through any appointment. Always available...I already had three frozen embryos so he only had me do a saline water test to make sure no damage in the uterus from a past birth, blood work to make sure no new issues had surfaced such as thyroid, the implant, the follow-up visits.
This happened to me twice, where I was about ready to start the transfer process and the doctor realized I hadn't been vaccinated for chicken pox so it delayed the transfer by two months. the second time around with dr. nakajima [at Stanford], just before we started the transfer process, they wanted me to be tested for varicela again and it turns out the first time around the vaccine did not take and again I was delayed by two months. Both times I could have had the chicken pox vaccine done months ahead of go-time if someone had remembered to check.
Age
39
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$500K
Occupation
Operations
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
10
10
How was your experience with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Fantastic bedside manner. Very warm and friendly to both me and my husband. Genuinely excited for our success. Never rushed through any appointment. Always available.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
Hire him!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Nakajima at Stanford University?
he always took his time to explain all steps in the process. he was inclusive of my husband as well. he had a warm bedside manner and was empathetic.
Describe the protocols Steven Nakajima used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
I already had three frozen embryos so he only had me do a saline water test to make sure no damage in the uterus from a past birth, blood work to make sure no new issues had surfaced such as thyroid, the implant, the follow-up visits.
What specific things went wrong at Stanford University?
- Failed to order appropriate test
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