Spectrum Family Medicine

"I no longer go to Spectrum Family Medicine office. This feedback is for patients’ awareness. I saw Dr. Small once and she was impatient with my questions. I thought Dr. O’Connor was good but made inappropriate comment when I asked for family planning recommendations. It wasn’t her place to tell me what a family arrangement should be. Dr. O’Connor also didn’t refer me to a specialist promptly even though there was note in my file of potential issues (I found out later). I basically self-diagnosed and brought the issue to the specialist and had a surgery shortly after. When I went back for annual check up with Dr O’Connor it was then I found out the issue was noted in my record. I believe it’s an oversight but it could be dangerous for some."

"Ms Swan was borderline negligent in my opinion. I’ve been seeing her for a few years, but just went in for my first physical since Covid hit. Ms Swan immediately set the tone by saying she hoped I didn’t have a long list of issues to discuss. She didn’t ask me about the wrist brace I was wearing (prescribed by another doctor for tendinitis, in case she’s reading this and wondering) I mentioned I’m trans and identifying differently now, and she did not change pronouns or even ask if I wanted to be referred to by something different. I’m 6ft tall and 250 pounds, and my weight has been stable for years. I also have a large chest that probably accounts for 20-30 pounds. Ms Swan insisted I needed to lose weight for no clear reason, simply repeating that it could be a problem. When I told her I’m an active person she seemed disbelieving. When I told her I’m not interested in weight loss as a goal, but rather focused on eating well and staying active, she scoffed and reiterated the need to lose weight. She recomended I lose “1-2 pounds a month” but had no advice or time frame or goal weight? Which I didn’t even want anyway but at least show some follow through in your own bad advice! She advised me that she’d call me if the results of my blood panel were an issue in a tone that seemed to imply she expected them to be, but then I never received a call so? Guess I’m fine after all. Funny how that goes. Basically none of the issues I came to the doctor to address were addressed, and I left feeling dehumanized and angry. Some of this can be attributed to a bad day, and to the fact that I went to the wrong location first and was running late. BUT Ms Swan needs to take an honest look at the fatphobia she brings to her treatment of patients. The fact is that weight alone is simply not an indicator of overall health. I did not felt fully seen or heard as a patient and person. I did not feel that Ms Swan had a grasp on any of my actual health concerns, because her own biases ruled the appointment. As I mentioned, I have been seeing Ms Swan for years, as have other members of my family, and this is a pattern with her. I hope she is reading this. Betsy, I hope you think about this very seriously. You are failing your fat patients by reducing them to one attribute. I am a professional farm worker, dog walker, and avid hiker who does cardio for a living and as a hobby, but you didn’t seem to care about that. You see my parents too, and you must know that body weight is genetic. Also, a patient could have an eating disorder or other mental health issue that can be severely exacerbated by interactions like this with medical professionals. Universally advising patients lose weight in such vague terms is unhelpful and irresponsible. I know you’ve had your own weight loss journey. I urge you to do the mental and emotional work, for yourself and others, to unlearn medical fatphobia and become a better person and practitioner. I will be finding a new physician. I’d like to add that Kevin has always been professional, friendly, and competent. The woman who took my blood whose name I didn’t catch was also professional, extremely capable, and pleasant, too."

"I have been seeing Jennifer Small and am very happy with her attitude and knowledge. She is quite efficient and knowledgeable. The front desk staff are also very efficient and knowledgeable and friendly. I am happy I switched to this office."

"The front desk staff lacks professionalism and warmth. The women are always nonchalant and rude. I am never greeted or welcomed upon my arrival; in fact, I have to always initiate the conversation and offer hospitality which is absurd and ridiculous. Even when I pay my bill, I am never thanked or showed gratitude. Service is inadequate and very limited, and it just frustrates me to know employees are not trained to execute customer service in their roles. Providers need to understand how significant administrative service is in the healthcare industry because these members maintain a vital part in the overall patient experience. Their behavior represents the establishment and can poorly affect the image of credible doctors and nurses. As a result, I am highly considering switching doctors because I am tired of the constant mistreatment and lack of service from mean, unprofessionally rude, front desk staff members."

"I had Dr. Bell and she has zero bedside manner. Very rude, curt, belittling and unfriendly. Doesn't care what you have to say, disagrees with anything you try to explain. If you are someone who is already not feeling well, the last thing you need is someone who is supposed to be "helping" you to make you feel worse. Looking for a new doctor now, even though this office can be quick, I'd rather wait for a doctor who actually cares and is willing to hear me out so I can get better than deal with this P.O.S. again."