Best/Worst Medical Professionals
Ahh, the best/worst guy is back.
I was reading a recent issue of Portland Monthly recently when I discovered the guide to Portland’s best doctors. I only recognized one name in the long list of various medical professionals which was familiar (Dr. Frank Baumeister, who diagnosed and treated my acid reflux a few years back) and ended up wondering how the magazine came up with its list.
Sure, some methodology was probably followed. But I didn’t bother reading what it was, because I know a few physicians who, in my opinion, deserved to be on the list, and since noone bothered asking me, I chucked the magazine with few further thoughts.
But as my wife and I have gone through pregnancy, childbirth, and other such stuff, I’ve seen more and more doctors at work, lately, and I’ve again thought about that magazine article.
And I thought, what if we created some sort of rudimentary index of our favorite and least-favorite doctors?
So, I’ll start, listing all of the doctors I’ve seen in recent memory, their medical fields, and good or bad things about them. I’m thinking that, someday, if someone’s researching doctors, they might end up finding our list and having some actual testimonials to rely on. To that end, please only leave factual information and don’t rail on anyone if you can’t document, in some way, your reason for doing so.
Dr. Frank Baumeister, Gastroenterology: Very capable, good rapport with patients, pretty no-nonsense without being a stick in the mud. Also seemed very thorough. I’d recommend him.
Dr. Laura Donaghu, Family Practice: The picture doesn’t do her justice, I personally find her quite fetching. Which is beside the point. A friend recommended her to me, and I’ve been seeing her for two years. Very concerned, very thorough, excellent conversational style. Actually prefers to work with women (my wife is seeing her now, and loves her), but I’d recommend her to anybody.
Dr. Robert Heffernan, Pediatrics: When my daughter was born, my wife was every excited to see that her pediatrician was still in practice. I was expecting kindly, frail old man. Heffernan is kindly, but I’ll believe any health advice he offers because he’s fit as a fiddle and looks about 45 (he’s been in practice for over 30 years, which would put him closer to his mid-50’s). He’s a bit stiff, but knows what he’s talking about and is friendly in his own way. Clearly, I’d recommend him.
Dr. Leslie Hulton, OB/GYN: My wife was understandably nervous through her first pregnancy. Dr. Hulton has a terrific way of talking to patients about the realities of pregnancy in a reassuring, friendly manner that leaves you feeling good, even in the midst of the nervousness. She was fantastic through the labor process, actually doing everything she could to stay with us right up until our daughter was born, despite being up against the clock due to an engagement to drive out of town with friends. My wife delivered at 2am, with an hour to spare, and Dr. Hulton showed genuine happiness to have been able to been there. I thought she was terrific.
Dr. David Lichter, Family Practice: Stilted bedside manner at first. Initially, I hated this guy. But he ended up being very capable and concerned, and though he never had the best bedside manner, he was a good doctor. Only stopped seeing him when I changed locations, and would still see him if I was in Salem, or commuting to Salem for work.
Dr. Richard Johnson, Dentistry: Very capable. Good at what he does, and relates well to patients. However, most of my family (we used to all see him) thinks he over-charges. For what that’s worth.
So, join in. Comment. Share your doctor insights with the city.
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I can tell you that my worst doctor experience was with one Dr. Jay Patel, formerly of Kaiser (and now hiding out from the Australian court system somewhere in the West Hills)…!