Tracey Childs, MD
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4.8
- 215 Ratings
- 133 Comments
Colon and Rectal Surgery, General Surgery
About Tracey Childs, MD, MPH, FACS
Certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery in Colon and Rectal Surgery and by the American Board of Surgery, Tracey R. Childs, MD, MPH, FACS has practiced in the Santa Monica community for the past 25 years, providing a broad spectrum of surgical services. Dr. Childs uses state-of-the-art surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, to provide treatment for benign and malignant conditions.â¯
Besides providing care to patients, Dr. Childs is very active in Medical Staff Leadership and participates in committees that support the hospital and the other physicians. She became the acting President of the Providence Saint John’s Medical Staff in 2018. Dr. Childs has also served as the past Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Southern California Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery. The Venice Family Clinic gave her the Lifetime Achievement Award for many years of providing surgical services to their otherwise underserved patients in need.â¯
Dr. Childs earned her medical degree at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, followed by an internship and residency at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. She completed her fellowship at the Foothill Surgery Center at Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, California.â¯
You may find Dr. Childs volunteering her services for medical missions. Her most recent adventure involves being a team member and lead surgeon for a surgical mission to Retalhuleu, Guatemala, organized by Providence Health International, where she performed over 70 surgeries over the last few years.
Medical Service
Surgical SpecialtiesLocations
2001 Santa Monica Blvd.,
Suite 680W,
Santa Monica,
CA
90404
(310) 829-8272
Education
Medical School
UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Internship
Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Residency
Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Fellowship
Foothill Surgery Center at Sansum Clinic, Santa Barbara, CA
Languages
- Aetna – HMO
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO
- Aetna PPO
- Anthem Blue Cross HMO
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO
- Blue Shield of CA HMO
- Blue Shield of CA HMO – Trio
- Blue Shield of CA Medicare Advantage
- Blue Shield of CA PPO
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- First Health/Coventry PPO
- Health Net – HMO
- Health Net – TriCare
- Health Net PPO
- Health Smart PPO
- Medicare
- Multiplan PPO
- Oscar EPO
- SCAN Medicare Advantage
- United Healthcare HMO
- United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
- United HealthCare PPO
- Vivity by Anthem Blue Cross
- Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Hospital Affiliation
- Saint John’s Physician Partners
Board Certifications
- American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery
- American Board of Surgery, Surgery

Reviews
At Providence, we’re dedicated to providing you quality, personalized health care. We are constantly striving to optimize your experience.
As part of ensuring you have a positive experience with Providence, our online provider directory includes ratings and patient comments for select providers. More about our survey.
-
4.8
- 215 Reviews
- 135 Comments
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5
Dr. Tracey Childs is a wonderful, knowledgeable and caring doctor. She took a lot of time to help me and answered all my questions. Gave me guidance and information to help me recover from my illness.
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent world class
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs is very knowledgeable in her field and makes me feel comfortable and confident that I'm receiving the best care possible.
Providence Patient-
4.66
She's terrific!
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs was very thorough in her assessment and in explaining the issue.
Providence Patient-
4.71
Dr.Tracy Childs was extremely knowledgeable and patient with my endless questions. Thank you!
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs & the entire staff have always provided excellent care with courtesy, compassion and respect. I highly recommend her practice, and am grateful to have found such an excellent doctor.
Providence Patient-
4.37
Cares about my well being
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent doctor. Knowledgeable and kind. Made me feel very comfortable in her care
Providence Patient-
5
Incredibly sorrow, compassionate, and well informed about my medical history. Doctor explained all well gave me details about the options and best bath forward. Her nurse was excellent too with additional professional comments. This is an exemplary doctor.
Providence Patient-
5
I'm beyond happy that I have chosen Dr. Tracey Childs and the Providence practice for my procedure. Dr. Childs and her staff we kind, welcoming, understanding and phenomenal communicators during my visit. T
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent doctor, caring, knowledgeable and compassionate
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is the most responsive and caring doctor I've ever had.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr.Childs and her staff provided highly competent medical services. Dr. Childs thoroughly reviewed my records and condition, clearly explained the Issues and options, and, with her staff, assisted In scheduling an expedited resolution procedure. She and her office demonstrate high quality interpersonal skills and are excellent representatives of St. John's Physician Partners.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs was professional and knowledgeable.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is great. Highly recommended.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr tracy is just outstanding. Very professional. And friendly. Would absolutely recommend and use again. I hope I don't have to.
Providence Patient-
5
Professional. Kind. Good sense of humor
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Child's is one of the most warm, knowledgeable and professional doctors I've ever met in my life. I don't regularly go to her. I saw her about 20 years ago and I never forgot what a wonderful human being she was. Seeing her again for an unpleasant medical situation was a piece of cake because she makes you feel so comfortable and so important to her. Dr. Child is one in 1 million! I would recommend her to anyone. Every doctor should be as amazing as she is.
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent Care, Thank You!
Providence Patient-
5
I very good experiencesTo my care provider
Providence Patient-
5
Great experience. Very knowledgeable and helpful provider.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs made caring for breast cancer easy. She made every appointment I needed for surgery happen within some very limited time restraints. She set up referrals for radiation. She is absolutely wonderful.
Providence Patient-
5
This is a top knotch Doctor. She is very concerned to give you the correct advice and put you at ease. I saw her for a hernia and she told me that I don't have to operate yet unless the hernia starts hurting. At this point it will not rupture so I am safe to wait! I had been worried that it might rupture.
Providence Patient-
5
Post surgery appointmentNumerous communication on My Chart not phoneall very responsive and complete
Providence Patient-
5
Everyone I came into contact with was very nice
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs and staff were exceptionally professional knowledgeable and empathetic.
Providence Patient-
5
Discussing pending surgery.Dr. Childs was cordial, thorough and professional. Her staff was totally attentive and responsive.
Providence Patient-
5
Mine doctor. She was real patient with me. She was real careful, analyzing my Hernia. She took all the time to explain everything.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is really wonderful. I felt safe and knew that I was in the best hands from the very beginning.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs is an excellent doctor. She answered all my questions and addressed all my concerns. Her medical expertise is reassuring.
Providence Patient-
4.71
Best doctor for the job! Can't say enough about the quality of her procedure and care..life changing. Very thankful and wish there were more doctors as skilled and experienced. My sincerest thanks!
Providence Patient-
5
Very caring
Providence Patient-
5
SHE WAS FABULOUS !!!!!
Providence Patient-
5
Very good
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is always exceptionally helpful and courteous. She's also a great doctor! I have only good experiences with Dr. Childs.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is great.
Providence Patient-
5
She gave me the option I wanted to know.She was very clear.
Providence Patient-
5
I had the best experience with her
Providence Patient-
5
Dr.Childs was wonderful, very knowledgeable, encouraging and positive. She is very caring
Providence Patient-
5
Doctor discussed details of surgery, recovery, potential reasons for changes, complications possible, procedure very complete totally satisfied
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs was amazing, patient and very knowledgeable about my situation
Providence Patient-
5
I was there to establish care if I have a problem. I liked the doctor and staff very much.
Providence Patient-
4.94
Great clinician
Providence Patient-
4.94
Dr Childs is always on time and never keeps you waiting. I really appreciate it!
Providence Patient-
5
Very pleasant, knowledgeable, straight forward.
Providence Patient-
5
Everyone was excellent!
Providence Patient-
5
Dr.Childs is phenomenal, I'm already feeling a positive difference post appendix surgery. Her expertise and bedside manner is exquisite
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Child's explain exactly what it is that she is gonna do at my surgery and even explain it with pictures
Providence Patient-
5
The service was absolutely Excellent from beginning to end. The personnel all were very courteous and caring in every way. I was totally impressed with their caring and kind ways..each person I encountered all were totally excellentamazing truly amazing
Providence Patient-
4.71
I felt like I was in good hands and well taken care of.
Providence Patient-
5
The best of the best!
Providence Patient-
5
Always very good care
Providence Patient-
5
My questions were answered, and I was satisfied with the encounter.
Providence Patient-
5
I loved everyone on at Dr Childs office and I loved how comfortable I felt with a situation that feels embarrassing (Dr Childs let me know to not be embarrassed at all!)
Providence Patient-
4.93
Dr. Childs had a clear understanding of my situation and provided good information about a course of action.
Providence Patient-
5
The initial appointment I had was difficult to schedule because it was way out in terms of when I needed it. But the office told me to keep calling in case of a cancellation and I did this and managed to get an appointment sooner. Dr. Tracey Childs was really nice and knowledgeable and she made me feel at ease. It was a good appointment and I will definitely continue going to Dr. Childs.
Providence Patient-
5
This practice was very helpful My visit was very informative I think they were all very professional
Providence Patient-
4.94
Dr. Childs was great, very reassuring.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs was excellent in every way.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is a very efficient, quick to diagnose gastrolenterology specialist/surgeon. She gives very accurate diagnoses and is very confident and reassuring in her surgical specialty of doing hernia mesh insertion surgery. The other great plus is that Dr. Child often keeps to her appointment times and even took me 15 minutes early at my last post-op followup. I would definitely would rely on her services again (if needed), but she reassured me healing on the navel hernia is complete - I would definitely recommend her to others if I knew someone with a similar issue and need. Dr. Childs has a great bedside manner with us patients and is such a great asset to St. Johns Providence Physician Partners Group!
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Child's is absolutely wonderful. She diagnosed my illness, explained and treated it.
Providence Patient-
5
Even though Dr. Childs had an emergency appointment, she still came the room to speak with me.The nurse practitioner was outstanding and very professional. Her exam was very good.
Providence Patient-
5
I was super early for my appointment and Dr. Childs was able to see me earlier. She was very accommodating for my mistake. She's the best.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs was so super informative so professional and even referred me for genetic testing because of my family history had surgery with her this morning and was a wonderful experience or as wonderful as surgery can be
Providence Patient-
5
The doctor was great .
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs is kind, patient and a good listener. I'm glad to be her patient.
Providence Patient-
5
She is top notch
Providence Patient-
5
It was very good experience.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs has been very helpful in managing my acute illness for the last 7 months. She has been readily available for my numerous procedures and treatments.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs is above & beyondBrilliant Dr
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs and her staff are the best
Providence Patient-
5
All good. Dr childs has been very helpful with a somewhat complicated issue
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is a very compassionate & competent surgeon
Providence Patient-
4.94
Dr. Childs was very attentive, professional, and has an aura of confidence that made me feel very reassured and comfortable with opting to proceed with surgery to repair my hernias that she confirmed I had.
Providence Patient-
5
My total experience was excellent in every way.
Providence Patient-
4.71
Dr, Childs was amazing once I saw her. It was just a month to get it or maybe 1 1/2 month. She is a fabulous provider and I wish more doctors had her amazing bedside manner and ability to explain and make you feel comfortable. She is and her staff are fantastic.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Child's was professional and friendly. She answered all of my concerns about my hernia and how it could be repaired. I'm very pleased with the referral and her care.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is the best.
Providence Patient-
4.71
Dr Childs along with ALL the doctors I see St John Providence network are the best. They always listen to my concerns and are very attentive. 5stars to all.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs was extremely thoughtful and caring.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs was very informative and actually advised me to get genetic testing due to family history when no one else has.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs and staff were extremely Knowledgeable andprofessional, which made me feel confident in decision-making
Providence Patient-
4.89
Overall, I had a great experience! I just wish the fees for the surgery center were a bit lower so my out-of-pocket costs wouldn't be as high-then I'd be able to have Dr. Childs complete my hernia repair surgery.
Providence Patient-
5
Your doctor's are great but trying to a refer to do any tests or blood work, needs work. Only one doctor, the rest were great.
Providence Patient-
5
I have already referred Dr.Childs and will continue to do so. Thank you!
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs is very knowledgeable and caring and explains everything.
Providence Patient-
5
She was very kind, patient, attentive and listened to my concerns. She made me feel cared about and safe.
Providence Patient-
5
Already recommended her to a friend.
Providence Patient-
4.2
Even though Dr. Childs spent time with me she seemed rushed
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs has provided me with extraordinary care including surgery, scheduling required tests and evaluations, referrals and most of all, a real personal connection. I would recommend her to anyone needing breast surgery. I could not be more grateful--and lucky. Thank you!
Providence Patient-
5
She is a wonderful knowledgeable Dr
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs was extremely professional and helpful to me and provided realistic Next Steps in my care.
Providence Patient-
5
This is a wonderful doctor she's brilliant attentive caring and very compassionate
Providence Patient-
5
I was extremely pleased with the time and care that Dr. Childs provided.
Providence Patient-
4.6
Good experience getting information for a possible surgery. First visit.
Providence Patient-
4.71
Dr. Childs is a superb physician. She has a calm but commanding presence, and instills confidence with calmness. Very happy that I found her for my procedure
Providence Patient-
5
Great professional, friendly staff. Dr. Childs was very attentive and thorough.
Providence Patient-
5
One of the best doctors! No nonsense. Gets things done. Life changing care. I appreciate Dr Childs so much!
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs is great!
Providence Patient-
5
Tracy Chikds the best surgeon ever - highly skilled,compassionate and caring !
Providence Patient-
5
Tracey was amazing.
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent MD - thorough, answered all of my questions. I trust her!!
Providence Patient-
5
I had a good meeting, very relaxing, the Doctors were easy to talk to
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs communicates well. I trust her with my healthcare.
Providence Patient-
4.94
Lovely physician with a much-needed sense of humor.
Providence Patient-
5
I had a very good experience with this appointment. I arrived early and was admitted and taken to an exam room before my scheduled appointment. The doctor was professional, caring, and understood my issues very well. All of the staff were very courteous and Attentive. I would definitely recommend Childs to others
Providence Patient-
5
Extraordinary doctor
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent doctor. I don't like to recommend doctors, but she was excellent.
Providence Patient-
5
My wife and I are very [;eased and satisfied with the treatment I have received.
Providence Patient-
5
Very professional staff and the doctor was smart, nice and professional
Providence Patient-
4.94
Very informative and friendly.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs and her staff were wonderful
Providence Patient-
5
Answers all questions and clarifies any concerns that arise. Very thoughtful and understanding.
Providence Patient-
5
I cannot express enough how superb my care has been. Every person in my treatment of breast cancer has been efficient, professional and kind. Thank you Dr. Childs and St. John's.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Childs was incredibly knowledgeable and listen to all of my concerns. I booked this appointment before knowing I was pregnant and she was able to adapt the appointment with that new information in mind. She's also able to work within the network and I was appreciative that she can speak with my OB
Providence Patient-
5
She was exceptional!
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent doctor
Providence Patient-
5
She is an excellent surgeon and a thoughtful medical professional - with a good sense of humor!
Providence Patient-
5
All good
Providence Patient-
5
I have the utmost respect for Dr Child's.
Providence Patient-
4.71
I had the good luck to see Dr. Childs for a minor Colorectal issue. Unrelated to that, I mentioned that my family physician had ordered a CT Urogram test, with the results being sent to himself. Dr. Childs thought that this test should go directly to my Urologist, whom she knew and had a very good opinion of. She rescheduled the test, and answered some very important questions about a Colonoscopy. My point is is that Dr. Childs does not limit herself to the condition I was visiting her for, she made my overall health her concern. I am grateful to have made this appointment.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs did an excellent surgery, and she and her PA did a great job during and on my post op checkup.
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent doctor. Did her best to help my cndition.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs went above and beyond making me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. She is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, compassionate and considerate. She even phoned me at home to follow up on further appointments calling for me to ensure that my issues were dealt with in a timely manner. I feel very confident going further with Dr. Child's.
Providence Patient-
5
It was all good.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Childs and the entire staff treated me with respect and professionalism. Thank you very much.
Providence Patient-
5
All good
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Tracey Childs performed left inguinal hernia on me and this was the follow up visit 3 weeks after surgery. Tracey removed the bandages and answered all my questions/concerns. A friendly and caring professional.
Providence Patient-
5
Dr Child's was seen as a consultant for a surgical need. The appointment was expedited timely with an immediate diagnosis and treatment plan. Surgery followed within 2-3 weeks as it was non-emergent. Recovery was outstanding, no complications, no pain and no further symptoms
Providence Patient-
5
Dr. Child was professional caring and explained my postop information. I highly recommend her. She and her staff did an excellent job I felt very cared for.
Providence Patient-
5
Loved Dr. Childs - not just professional, respectful and clearly with excellent experience, but friendly and compassionate!!!!
Providence Patient-
5
Excellent doctor
Providence Patient