VCU Health Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center

"Doctors are great, administrative staff is awful."

"Jillian Phillips, AGAC-NP was the primary clinician taking care of my mom over the weekend. She’s without a doubt, amazing! BEST bedside manner I’ve ever seen. Her intuitive listening skills are remarkable, she made sure she understood what mom was experiencing. It’s sometimes hard to be the patient advocate, especially with symptoms like severe nerve/back pain. We felt her pain got disregarded while in the ER and it made us feel very unsure about the future as mom could not move without tears. Thank God the ED Obs NP knew her pain was too extreme to only be a 24 hr stay with a trial of steroids. The neuro team consulted and reassured us that they were gonna help take care of her and ease the pain. Mom was admitted to the hospital with excruciating right sided nerve pain due to a bulging disc. Jillian and Dr. Greer were both determined to get her surgery done as soon as possible. We couldn’t thank them enough for getting our Mama Murray on the mend. Seeing her move, better yet walk again feels so good. Also a huge shoutout to the WONDERFUL nurses we had while we there, Heather, Jamille, Geana, Ane, and the pretty, pregnant blonde (can’t remember everyone’s names). The nursing care partners were also super helpful. Everyone was wonderful!"

"I was referred from VCU urgent care when I started experiencing severe, excruciating pain in my back. I saw Nurse Practitioner Pankty Desai who was more interested in the sound of her own voice then listening to what I was going through. During my 30 minute appt. I had to fight to be heard. She would literally talk over me the entire visit, checked her watch like she didn't have time for me, dismissed the pain I had been in, and said to me "people with pain problems don't come in here with a notebook" I had brought a notebook that had my questions and concerns so I could remember what she had to say. I felt bullied. After my visit she ordered an MRI, but my insurance denied it based off the fact that Pankty Desai did not convince them it was medically necessary. This happened after a call where I disagreed with her and told her that I didn't believe she understood my situation. It felt like a retaliation from someone who isn't used to being stood up to. If you come to this office - insist that you see a Dr. or at least not to see Pankty Desai."

"I have a difficult case but I'm ok I trust my DR. I been going to Dr Cameron since 2008. I'm one of those high risk patients so Dr Cameron do not want to operate. I'm not mad I never seen a Dr. and nurse team( Maria)that's so beautiful you are not going but comfortable but Dr Cameron don't think about the money he thinks about the patient first. I use to.be mad but he's sincere and he did my first surgery after waiting almost 4yrs and what do I do but die. Its time for surgery number two and I hope and pray he do it I know its risky but living like I'm living is hard. Dr Cameron. Nurse Maria calls me and help me through day by day practices Two beautiful people that cares gfor patients both should receive some kind of reward Both of you please keep caring for patients it helps keep them together at least for me"

"Having to go see a Neurosurgeon is scary enough as it is.....for whatever the reason may be. However, if you do need to see one, Dr. Ward is the best. I have never met any doctor with the perfect mix of being personable and professionalism as Dr. Ward. His nursing team Valerie and Melissa are like true angels on earth. My first appointment I happened to burn my leg pretty bad on my way there. When I got there, Melissa and Valerie (among many others) all got together to soak my leg in sterile saline and gauze. Then pushed me I a wheelchair all the way to the ER. Once I was done in the ER, the nurses and Dr. Ward still saw me even though it was over 6 hours past my actual appointment time. It turned out that I needed surgery for my condition and yet again, Dr. Ward was nothing short of amazing. The surgery itself went well and he took it upon himself to personally visit me in the hospital on 2 separate occasions (outside of rounds/exam time) to check on me. After discharge, Valerie was in constant contact with me to check on me and my progress. I developed a mild infection and she was always checking on me, getting pictures of my incision, etc. Anytime I call or message on the portal, Valerie always answers in a very timely manner. I never have to call or message more than once or "hound" them for a reply. Every time I go to the office, Melissa is always so nice and keeps me "calm." She always asks how I'm doing, what's new with me, etc. She's never "generic" with me. Always makes me feel important and cared for. And Valerie always takes the time to come in to talk to me. I know this is a long review but no one deserves it like Valerie, Melissa and Dr. Ward. If you find yourself in need of a Neurosurgeon, regardless of the reason, this is definitely the "Dream Team." I can say with absolute honesty that these people hold a very special place in my heart and I know they always will!"