Dr. Cecilia M. Maccallum, MD

"I am disheartened by the treatment, or lack thereof by Dr. Maccallum. She came to me highly recommended as someone who is patient, listens well and will make sure you feel comfortable and understand your condition, any side effects from treatment, etc. My experience has been anything but that. And I'm not sure if it is because she was not the oncologist I saw when I was first diagnosed so she does not feel as invested, or something else. I moved to lynchburg after my chemo and radiation were complete but have had many side effects and medical issues that are directly related to the cancer therapies I received. It has been a very distressing situation and to not have a doctor or clinic that cares if you do t see them from the onset is so difficult. I get the impression through the 2 appointments I've had with Dr. Maccallum that my concerns do not matter, I'm finished with active treatment and anything that was a result of that active treatment so my case doesnt matter anymore. The problem for me, i had cancer treatment. Only a few years ago. I have repercussions from that treatment that still are ongoing, challenging, fear producing and I'm left really not knowing what to do or how to navigate this so I can move forward. I have been left with debilitating nerve pain and cognition issues that no one want to address. I was assured by friends who have Dr. MacCallum that she will see those through. Today, my second encounter with Dr. MacCallum, which is slightly worse than the first, she barely made eye contact with me, no smile, didn't ask if I had any concerns to address, didn't follow up to ask if the concerns I had metioned last time had cleared up or were being taken care of. I tried to engage with her to update her with a rheumatology appointment she was going to refer me to, but then i was called by her office to say that she decided to not go ahead with the referral and I needed to get the referral elsewhere. She did not give me my bloodwork results, which I have never been to an oncologist that does not give you a printout of your bloodwork that you do while there and go over it. And, I realized when I left that she had not given me a script for my comprehensive mammogram that is due in August. How many of you, no matter which type of doctor you visit, does not personally discuss any follow up testing, and when they want to see you back? And then judge for yourself...is that someone who was deserving of a Bed Side Manner Award? So maybe if you are seeing Dr. Maccallum as a brand new diagnosed patient she will provide you exceptional care from what I hear. But if you need to change providers for whatever reason and are post chemotherapy you may want to choose a different doctor."

"Wonderful Dr. Takes the time to listen and follows thru on concerns. Heartfelt person. I totally trust her."

"Dear Dr. McCallum, I am sure that you must receive thousands of thank you letters or cards, but I simply could not hold back my need to tell you in these words how much both your medical knowledge and the beautiful way you showed genuine care for our only son, Tristan, mattered. From the moment you consulted with the ER doctors to the way you smiled and encouraged us during the Chemo Treatments, you made it possible for us to find just enough strength to keep moving and to have hope. You save lives but you also changed them through the person that you are in this world. Tristan is now in New York City enjoying what he should be at 23 years old, working on his master’s degree on his way to a Ph.D. I just wanted to write a quick note to let you know that you make a difference and pass back a little of that encouragement to you because I know that all lives cannot be saved. Thank You Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning"