MUSC University Hospital 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425

"I cannot begin to describe how horrible my ER experience was at MUSC. Dr. Bapu was rude to my husband and I. She actually told my husband to take me across the street to Roper for a second opinion because I needed help but wasn’t going to get it at MUSC. Only two nurses acted like they cared. I was sent home in excruciating pain and ended up having to go to Roper for surgery because Dr. Virgilio George refused to help me. Worst experience of my life. I cannot believe that they sent me home like I was and did not help me at all!!! I have complained and no follow up has been given. Patient/family liaison is a joke."

"Amidst my ongoing battle with cancer, I feel compelled to share my experience with neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Kalhorn and his team at MUSC, a teaching hospital. This decision, driven by the urgency of my situation and my commitment to patient advocacy, underscores the importance of addressing significant concerns I have regarding patient autonomy, informed decision-making, and the broader implications of medical education on patient care. Throughout my treatment journey, I encountered a profound disregard for patient choice and informed consent. This was most evident in interactions with a group of residents who, under the supervision of Dr. Kalhorn, exerted undue pressure to conform to a specific treatment pathway. Despite expressing my preference for a less invasive option due to the associated risks, I was met with persistent coercion, culminating in a collective insistence on proceeding with an unnecessary and unwanted medical procedure. The climax of this distressing experience was a stark ultimatum from the residents: to accept their preferred treatment "or hit the road." This direct quote not only highlights the coercive tactics employed but also a disturbing lack of empathy and respect for patient autonomy. Dr. Kalhorn himself further exacerbated my concerns when he stated that the procedure for removing my Chordoma had not changed in the last 20 years and would not change in the next five, despite advancements in new technologies. This statement, coming from a practitioner at a teaching hospital, raised serious questions about the institution's commitment to staying current with medical advancements and its willingness to explore alternative, less invasive options. Compounding these issues was the team's handling of my urgent medical condition. Despite the critical need for immediate intervention, their readiness to discharge me without the necessary surgery, simply because I did not acquiesce to their preferred approach, was negligent and indicative of a worrisome prioritization of protocol over patient well-being. Moreover, the residents' demeanor when faced with questions revealed a culture not accustomed to, nor tolerant of, patient engagement. This, coupled with Dr. Kalhorn's dismissal of my treatment preferences, raises concerns about the educational environment at MUSC, where such attitudes towards patient care are modeled. Conclusion: This account is not merely a personal grievance; it is an urgent call for MUSC and Dr. Kalhorn's team to reflect on and reform their approach to patient care and the educational values imparted to emerging medical professionals. The essence of medical practice must always prioritize informed consent, patient autonomy, and the ethical duty to treat individuals with respect and dignity. As I navigate my cancer treatment, sharing this experience serves a dual purpose: to advocate for necessary changes in how patient care is conceptualized and delivered at MUSC, and to empower patients everywhere to demand the care and respect they deserve. It is crucial, especially in a teaching hospital, to ensure that the next generation of healthcare providers understands the importance of empathy, communication, and patient-centered care. P.S. MUSC has my contact information, so a standard response urging me to get in touch would be incongruous. I hope for a response that reflects the seriousness of these issues and the need for genuine change within the institution. Your reply will demonstrate your commitment to addressing these concerns."

"I have not had many experiences with hospitals except for negative ones in Illinois . This hospital is so excellent with a great staff as well as knowledgeable doctors who are not in a blue state . I was here more than once for problems and dealt with seasoned professionals who want to get to the bottom of your problem so they don’t mislabel you just to get your insurance money ., This also is the cleanest hospital I’ve ever been to. Excellent place ! Highly recommended"

"First Stay in june: I was treated very kindly by staff even when I was having mental issues not treating some at times kindly back. Don't see how they could have a 2 start review when the staff put 5 star effort all 3 times been there in each section of the 9th floor. People expect unreasonable times and would complain constantly about silly things. Even with this crazy requests coming left and right as buzzers went off ever few seconds they tried the best they could. Most places are much worse. Just saying be reasonable this not hotel its a understaffed hospital and some things take priority. I do wish they followed through with promises a bit more. Had few times made a promise then passed me off to next shift change to wait for hours to get things done. But to be honest got my self in those situations to start with behavioral issues so can't blame anyone but myself ending up that way to start with. But I wish when they say they do something they do it not toss you under the buss to next staff turn over and take off instead leaving you with new people lost as to why and how things happened to start with. Second stay in july: Can't complain about the stay. Few nurses seemed bit over stressed. Some of doctors seemed to not follow through or communicate well with others on treatment team at times. Which made things not ideal. Didn't have any complaints like most seem to have. Lots of staff that where very friendly and kind actually. I personally am a pain in arsh at times. I have no problems admitting it. To be honest I was still treated well even in those moments. Sure there is waits at time like people mentioned This is a hospital not a 5 star hotel. People in 5 rooms at once hitting help button alarms going off. Old people trying to leap out of bed half naked running for the door while the bed alarm screams away lol... true story!People with health issues where that alarm going off in there rooms, it's bit more down on the priority list then your water bottle request at times. Sucks yes but like I said it's hospital. I do have to say though they really screwed up few things about my personal information being given to people not on my contact list which kind of ticks me off. Information was filed and presented to them. Yet Didn't bother to follow it. What good is a legal, notarized and filed by deed of clerks office document of revocation directive added to poa papers if no one bothers to read it in your file. That is kind of a huge screw up to say the least. Do I think it was done intentionally no. But it did and shouldn't have for any reason. I am the type of person hates hospitals. They make me nervous full of anxiety and will to run but naked like that old lady having a rough time tried to out the door lol. But they all didn't make me feel like I was in that type of situation. Let me stay in my room as i requested in a way to keep me where needed to be so could get in and out and home quickest way possible without any issues as I tend to have behavioral issues at times. Not afraid to admit it we all have are screwed up parts about are selves. But the point is there was no issues and it went well as a result of them taking the time to listen to me. I hope many of interesting staff I meet at my stay follow through with there goals and such since many where kind enough chat while sat there for hours in a bed doing nothing but waiting it seemed at times. Many where very interesting people all with different goals and paths they where going for. Very interesting stay to say the least In that regard. But anyhow I suck writing stuff. I suck at being person at times to care for. If anyone I was there with reads this thanks! For you all complaining about dumb things in reviews I can point you in dire tion of few places that are like state prison compaired to here for you next place to review. Advice is. Be realistic. It's a hospital. Maybe talk to few people taking care of you. Might be suprised. But honestly I can think of 2 that where real aholes as well some reviews may hit on the money!"