Finding a doctor you actually trust feels like trying to find a parking spot at the Americana on a Saturday night. It’s stressful. If you’ve lived in Glendale for a while, you’ve probably heard the name Dr. Shirley Chan. She’s basically a fixture in the local medical scene, especially if you’re looking into women’s health.
But here’s the thing: when you search for "Dr. Shirley Chan Glendale CA," you get a ton of confusing results. Is she the pediatrician? The dentist? The OB-GYN? Honestly, it’s easy to get mixed up because "Chan" isn't exactly a rare name in the 818.
Let’s clear the air. The Dr. Shirley Chan most people are talking about in Glendale is Shirley M. Chan, MD, a veteran Obstetrician-Gynecologist who has been practicing in the area for over 30 years. She isn't just a doctor; she's the person who has delivered half the kids in some local neighborhoods.
The Real Dr. Shirley Chan
Dr. Shirley Chan is a board-certified OB-GYN affiliated with Adventist Health Glendale. Her office is located at 1505 Wilson Terrace, right in the heart of the medical district.
She’s been around.
She graduated from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai back in 1984 and did her residency at the LAC+USC Medical Center. That’s decades of experience. We aren't talking about a fresh-out-of-med-school resident here. We’re talking about someone who has seen almost every complication and every "miracle" birth you can imagine.
Why Patients Keep Coming Back
If you read the reviews, there’s a recurring theme. People don’t just say she’s "good." They say she’s "like family."
In a world of 15-minute appointments where the doctor spends 12 of those minutes typing on a laptop, Dr. Chan is a bit of a throwback. Patients often mention that she actually sits down and talks. She listens. That’s a rarity in 2026.
- She speaks English, Chinese, and Cantonese.
- She handles high-risk pregnancies.
- She’s known for a "warm and upbeat" personality.
Common Misconceptions and the "Name Game"
This is where the confusion starts. If you Google her name, you might see a "Dr. Shirley Chan" who is a dentist or a pediatrician.
Don't get them confused.
- The Dentist: There is a Dr. Ivan Chan in Glendale who runs Glendale Dental Wellness. Great guy, but not Shirley.
- The Pediatrician: There’s a Dr. Shirley Chan-Ramirez, but she’s out in Texas.
- The Other Dr. Chans: There is a Dr. Virginia Chan who works in Emergency Medicine in Glendale.
If you are looking for prenatal care or gynecological surgery, you want Shirley M. Chan, MD. It’s important to check the NPI (National Provider Identifier) or just make sure you’re calling the office on Wilson Terrace.
What to Expect at the Office
Let’s be real for a second. No medical practice is perfect. While Dr. Chan herself gets rave reviews, some patients have mentioned that the wait times can be... well, a bit much.
That’s the trade-off.
Because she takes her time with every patient, things can get backed up. If you’re looking for a "run-in, run-out" experience, this might not be it. But if you want a doctor who won't rush you out the door when you have a serious concern, the wait is usually worth it.
Services Offered
She isn't just about delivering babies. Her practice covers a huge range of women’s health issues:
- Annual Exams and Pap Smears: The basic stuff that keeps you healthy.
- Uterine Fibroids: Management and surgical options.
- Menopause Management: Helping women navigate that "second act" of life.
- Infertility Support: Helping couples understand their options before heading to a specialist.
Is She Right for You?
Choosing an OB-GYN is deeply personal. You're literally trusting this person with your life or the life of your future child.
If you value experience over everything, Dr. Chan is a top-tier choice. She’s seen the evolution of women's healthcare over four decades. She’s board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which is the gold standard.
However, if you are someone who gets incredibly frustrated by administrative hurdles or office wait times, you might want to call and ask about their busiest hours before booking.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you decide to book with Dr. Shirley Chan, here is how to make it a smooth experience.
First, check your insurance. She accepts major plans like Blue Cross, Aetna, and Cigna, but things change. Call the office at (818) 243-8431 to confirm. Don't rely on a website that might be six months out of date.
Second, bring your history. Since she’s been in practice so long, she appreciates a patient who knows their numbers. If you’ve had previous surgeries or complications, have those records ready.
Lastly, ask the "dumb" questions. Honestly, those are usually the most important ones. Whether it's about birth control, pelvic pain, or a weird symptom you found on Reddit, just ask. Dr. Chan is known for her clear explanations, so take advantage of that expertise.
Next Steps for Your Health
- Verify the Address: Ensure you are heading to 1505 Wilson Terrace, Ste 130 or 350.
- Call Ahead: Confirm they are still in-network with your specific insurance sub-plan.
- Prepare Questions: Write down at least three specific concerns before your appointment so you don't forget them in the moment.
- Check Hospital Affiliation: If you are pregnant, confirm you are comfortable with Adventist Health Glendale, as that is where she primarily performs deliveries.
Taking charge of your reproductive health shouldn't be a guessing game. By knowing exactly which Dr. Shirley Chan you're looking for, you're already one step ahead.