Dr. Stephen H. Livingston, MD

"This experience is from a couple years ago and at a different office than he currently works but I finally feel like I should share because my experience is relevant. In March of 2019, I experienced severe pain that a local Med Express couldn't figure out so I was referred to Dr. Livingston. I arrived to the office 30 minutes early as I was instructed to do the day before when my appointment was confirmed. I arrived when I was told to and I waited. And waited. And waited. During this time, several women came in to check in for their respective appointments and were told that their doctor was delivering a baby and they would have to come back another day. They weren't called and told ahead of time and I watched several women leave frustrated that they took time off work for a doctor's appointment that was cancelled without any notice. This alone was a red flag but I needed to see a doctor who could help with my issues so I stayed. In hindsight, I should've left but I was scared and worried about my health. After 90 minutes of waiting, I finally got called back to my appointment. Dr. Livingston and a nurse walked in and I received almost 0 introduction from him, he only spoke with his nurse. He then proceeded to press on my stomach and within a few seconds he said "yep, that's a tumor". No lead in, no hesitation. Do you have any idea how devastating that is to hear? I have never experienced someone with so little bedside manner before. He followed it up by letting me know they're usually benign but does that even matter? I was just told I had a tumor. That's terrifying to hear whether it ends up being benign or not. The rest of the appointment is a complete blur because I just went to the parking lot and cried in my car. A day or 2 after the appointment, I ended up receiving an online survey to complete and very honestly explained how traumatic the experience was to be 24 years old and have a stranger not even look me in the eyes to tell me I have a tumor inside me. A few days later, I received a phone call that they had a blood test to check for ovarian cancer variants and asked if I wanted to take it. I figured a trip back into the office for something where I wouldn't have to see Dr. Livingston would be perfectly fine but I was wrong. After I finished the blood test, I was escorted to his office where he confronted me about the survey I filled out. It felt like being a child called into the principal's office. He told me that since I clearly didn't have trust for him, he wouldn't be performing the surgery to remove the tumor. Okay, no worries. Not sure I would've wanted him to do so in that moment anyways. I left and hoped to God I would never return to that office again (and thankfully haven't). Fast forward 2 weeks and I'm in the ER in Sebastian, FL due to severe pain from the tumor. The hospital I was at was small and didn't have an OBGYN Oncologist on call so they reached out to Dr. Livingston's office to perform the emergency surgery. He declined. Even in an emergency. Even after the doctor attending to me explained that my white blood cell count was low and she was worried. None of that mattered, he wouldn't take me. Thankfully, I ended up being transferred to an incredible doctor in Melbourne by the name of John Bomalaski. He was kind, he was gentle, he explained everything in a way that made me feel safe. Ultimately, I have to thank Dr. Livingston for being so awful that he led me to an incredible doctor. And Stephen, if you happen to see this and are curious: It wasn't benign. I had ovarian cancer. July marked 4 years since I finished chemotherapy and was declared cancer free - at no help to you. I hope no one else has the experience I had with you and has to suffer at your hands."

"I'm so happy with my experience with Dr Livingston and his team. Thank you!!"