Dr. Julie Chen - 2101 Medical Park Dr Silver Spring - Good Recommendation

Dr. Julie Chen
2101 Medical Park Dr Ste 210
Silver Spring MD 20902
(301) 681-8000

I highly recommend Dr Julie Chen in Silver Spring. I recently had issues
with dizziness and decided I needed to finally get a doctor. I went into the
office having done some research about possible causes of dizziness. I got
into the examination room about 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment.
And the doctor came in shortly thereafter. She took my history and asked
questions and actually seemed to REALLY listen to the answers. She
explained some of the possibilities and told me exactly what they were going
to do, including having blood drawn to check for anemia and low blood sugar,
doing an EKG to check for irregular heartbeats. After the nurse (who was
also extremely nice and helpful) finished the tests, Dr. Chen came back in
and explained that most of my stats were healthy suggesting that the cause
was probably a problem with the middle ear (I forget what it was called, but
there was a technical name) where something gets out of balance and cause
dizziness. She gave me a perscription that would help with the dizziness
and suggeested a couple Ears, Nose, and Throat specialists that were nearby
and would accept my insurance. Other blood tests that were appropriate for
my family history were performed and Dr. Chen called me with results the
very next morning.

Overall the people working in the office were very nice. There are two
other doctors in the office and I got the impression that Dr. Chen is
actually very new to this practice (based on the fact that her name wasn't
on some of the stationary).

The only possible complaint was that I got into the exam room 15 minutes
after my scheduled appointment.

Recommended by: Mike

Medical Faculty Associates - 2150 Pennsylvania - Bad Recommendation (convenience not quality)

Medical Faculty Associates
2150 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

I echo Emily about this medical facility. I have a primary care physician at the Medical Faculty Associates on GWproperty. The doctor, Parvinder Khurana, was very nice -- she took the timeto listen and gave me great medical advice. However, it seems impossible tomake an appointment with her! I've had her as my PCP for the past twoyears, and I've only seen her once at the first consultation. Whenever I try to make an appointment, the earliest appointment I can make is usually in "2 to 3 months" away. I tried to make an app. for my physical this year,and the earliest I could get was in a month and a half but with a residency intern under her supervision. As a result, I always end up at the urgent care and never get to see thesame doctor again-- and also missed my physical two years in a row. I could get a referral for a dermatologist over the phone, which was anextremely smooth process, yet the availble date was of course two months away. The appointment date is approaching, but I decided to cancel it and switch my PCP somewhere else. It's about time :) Generally, the staff there is not pleasant at all and finding parking is almost impossible, too!

Disapproved by: Sachi

Dr. Arnold Ratner - Dermatologist - 2141 K st - Good Recommendation

Dr. Arnold C Ratner, MD (dermatologist)

2141 K Street, NW

Dr Ratner is AMAZING. He takes dermatology very seriously and totally has fixed all of my skin issues every time we have had an appointment. He is super professional (even asking patients to wear the paper dress and having office meetings with them before and after examinations). He is through and totally knows what he is talking about. He did recommend a super expensive kind of moisturizer which I couldn't afford and didn't offer any alternatives, but so is life.

Recommended by: Emily

Dr. Avreem Thethi - Allergist - 2141 K St. - Bad recommendation

Dr. Avreem K. Thethi, M.D. (allergist)

2141 K Street, NW St. 801

This woman was NOT helpful. She did not know what was wrong with me but didn't want to say this so just didn't prescribe anything to help me. She was a nice woman and easy to make an appointment with but I really didn't like the way she was unable to recommend another doctor I could see who maybe able to figure out what I was allergic to.

(Disapproved by Emily)

Dr. April Barbour - Internist - 2150 Pennsylvania - good recommendation

Dr. April Barbour, Md, MPH (internist)

Medical Favulty Associates

2150 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Dr Barbour is a great doctor, when you can get an appointment with her. She really took the time to listen to me and put me at ease regarding a few of my major concerns--she is, although, almost impossible to get an appointment with if you need one on short notice. Her office staff is the worst I have ever experienced and the building itself is depressing.

(recommended by: Emily)

Dr. David Ross - Oral Surgeon - Bethesda

dr. David Ross, D.D.S., P.C. (oral surgeon)

4949 battery lane

Bethesda, MD

Dr Ross removed all of my wisdom teeth with NO swelling or pain at all. He is so easy to get along with and has such a pleasant attitude, I was not nervous about the procedure at all. I would recommend him to ANYONE!

(Recommended by: Emily Goldstein)

Dr. Natalie Korytnyk - Psychologist - Washington Circle - Good Recommendation

dr. Natalie x korytnyk, ph.d

clinical psychologist

3 Washington circle, NW #403

Dr. K is a very professional therapist, she shares no information about herself and strives to keep each session like a conversation. Her sessions are only 45 minutes long and she doesn't take insurance, so financially she is a bit strenuous, but I would recommend her to anyone looking to get some intense work done in a therapy setting.

(Recommended by: Emily Goldstein)

Dermatologist Anita N. Haggstrom - 1120 19th St - Good Recommendation

Haggstrom, Anita N, MD
University Dermatology Associates
1120 19th St, NW #250
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 955-6995

Languages:Indic
Board Certified:Dermatology
Graduate School:University of Nebraska
Internship:University of Nebraska Hospital, Omaha, NE
Residency:Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, WI

While the office staff can be a little cold, Dr. Haggstrom is great.
She’s patient, she listens, she explains, and she takes her time. She’s
all the things a doctor should be.

(Recommended by: Josh)

Eliot Aleskow - Internist - 2141 K St - Good Recommendation

Dr. Eliot Aleskow
2141 K Street NW Suite 701
(202) 466-7266

Dr. Aleskow is a great internist. He isn't the warmest person in the history of the world, but incredibly thorough, which is what you want in an internist.

(Recommended by: Alexandra)

Dr. Carol McNeely and Physicians Asst Mariella Purvis at University Dermatology Associates - Good Recommendation

University Dermatology Associates
1120 Nineteenth St NW
Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 955-6995

I highly recommend both Dr. Carol McNeely and Physicians Asst Mariella Purvis at University Dermatology Associates. I have had some skin cancer scares, and they are both thorough and firm - they aren’t out to scare you, but will tell you in a steely voice when you need to have something taken care of. They don't approach dermatology as a beauty issue, but rather a medical one - they are great for anyone with skin concerns.

(Recommended by: Alexandra)

GP/Internist Alice L. Fuisz - Neutral Recommendation

There is a lot that I like about her- she is very professional, and was interested in talking to me about all areas of my health - the routine things, and do I get enough calcium, and excercise, etc. I know others who like her. My only reservation is that she is a bit cold and brusque, which makes me feel put in the spotlight as a specimen or in the doctor-patient relationship, (unlike Sedghi and others I've been to, who make me feel like a partner in getting me to good health). I think I'm biased against chilly yet professional and otherwise good doctors- my family has had some issues with neglectful doctors and so I feel automatically uncomfortable and on the defense when I visit them and it takes a different kind of doc to make me feel at ease. I would recommend her to anyone who appreciates a professional but distant doctor, but if you're like me and need someone warmer and more calming, then choose another.

1140 19th St., Suite 500 202-728-9630

(Noted by: Julie)

Gynecologist Shiva Sedghi - Good Recommendation

I think she's no longer doing Ob, just Gyn, but she's fantastic. She takes the time to talk to me every time I go in, to discuss my sexual history and birth control, make sure I don't need anything different or new tests, and is a very calming and personable person. When I had cysts, she did a very thorough job of monitoring the problem without making me feel like she was just doing it to cover her ass, and explained the situation to me in a way that made me feel taken care of and less panicky than I might have been with another doctor. I know many women who see her and all of them love her.

(1145 19th Street, Suite 410., 202- 331-1740)

(Recommended by: Julie)

Dentist Tom Sokoly - Good Recommendation

He's friendly and cheery in a non-scary way, staff is nice, no yelling about flossing, and he has a vibrating chair! Talks to me about maintaining good dental hygeine and has never once mentioned tooth whitening. My insurance changed and I still go to him, despite the slightly higher cost- good recommendation.

1119 19th Street, Suite 210., 202-298-7251

Dermatologist Marilyn Berzin - Bad Recommendation

I have mild eczema and a family history of skin cancer, so I wanted to find a good dermatologist in DC to keep an eye on things. When she saw me, I told her about my conditions, showed her prescriptions I had from a previous doctor and was going to ask her questions about whether I needed them, whether any came in generic brands, etc. She did not even examine my skin, but asked if I was interested in botox or skin peels or some such disgusting thing that a (then-)28 year old shouldn't even be thinking about. Once she saw that I wasn't interested in them, she was halfway out the door and I literally had to grab her arm to ask her a question. NOT worth it. Avoid her unless you're interested in Botox.

(Disapproved by: Julie)

GWU - Medical Faculty Associates - OB/GYN - Bad Recommendation

This office has a problem with confidentiality. When I was attempting to make an appointment, the receptionist refused to schedule me unless I told her exactly why I was making the appointment. While my concern was not a big deal, it was still not a regular annual. I still felt more comfortable remaining private about my reasoning. The receptionist, while making a huge fuss about my difficultness, directed me to speak with a Triage nurse, who was not much better. This nurse did close the door to the main lobby, but kept the adjoining door to her own receptionist open, which was once again open to the lobby! What's the point in that!? After this ordeal, the next available appointment anyway was a month away. By this time I told the nurse that I would not like to be seen by this hospital because I was worried about their lack of confidentiality and empathy towards the patients. The nurse smirked at me and said, "You can always close my other door." With a mixture of rage and embarrassment, I smiled, thanked her for her time and was on my way. Not only do I not recommend this office, I would also encourage anyone who feels more private about their issues to phone for appointments rather than make them in person. This might sound obvious to most people but I have lived and worked in a hospital environment my whole life and never have I come across a problem like this. Anyone in the medical field is completely aware of confidentiality issues and I was surprised that in a University setting like George Washington Hospital employees were not adhering to this ethically important issue.

(Disapproved by: Heather)

Nicholas Mendjuk - 2100 Pennsylvania Ave

I like my guy, even though i've never really been sick:

Nicholas Mendjuk
Office Address:
West End Medical Center, 2100-W Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington DC 20037

Primary Office Telephone: 202-872-7213
Primary Office Fax: 202-872-7133
Medical School: Universidad de Madrid, 1964
Internship: Mercy Hospital Medical Center, 1966
Fellowship: Freedmens Hospital-Howard University Hospital, 1969

Recommended by: Andrew

Dr. Schaffel - OBGYN - 19th St

Go to Dr. Schaffel on 19th. She is just excellent.
She recommended Bridges in the first place when she changed her insurance policy. One thing I will say is that it is becoming harder and harder to find a good obgyn in DC because malpractice
insurance is so high. If you are prepared to travel to MD or VA, your choice widens.

Recommended by: Jamia

Russell Bridges - OBGYN - 24th and M St

Russell Bridges (OBGYN) at 24th and M street. He takes CIGNA and is very thorough. Many Mums on the DC Urban Mums group seem to think highly of him as well. He is also a resident at GW so you can choose what option you prefer.

his biggest drawback is that he is a guy, and justdoesn't understand labor -- although he does of course realize that it is a lot of pain :) I should also tell you that I had some frustrations about him going on frequent holidays when I got to term but that is a problem you probably can't avoid in a single person practice. He does all the tests in his office and has sonogram equipment so you won't have to go different places to get stuff done.

www.ctr4dermatology.com - Dermatology

If you have some blingity bling go to the www.ctr4dermatology.com. The supermodel doctors there will make you look almost as hot as them. they cured my ecezma and stress caused adult break outs. they are also funny and nice and will hook you up with SAMPLES. holla!

Recommended by: Jamia

Dr. Fenton and Dr. Patel - Dupont Circle

Dr Patel and Dr Fenton at R and 19th are lovely men, who have always
been helpful and pleasant. The first is a shy, skinny, young Indian who
blushes if he's got to lift your shirt. Fenton is older, a crusty
Aussie. (I think the practice is under Fenton's name.)

I get extra prescriptions for migraine meds because they know I've got
an aunt overseas who needs the drugs; and I can get prescriptions over
the phone, any time, because they know me.

I know at least four or five other people who go to Patel & Fenton.
The docs are an odd couple, but good doctors. I've switched jobs and
insurance companies a number of times since I moved to DC in 1999, but
have been a patient of these guys all along.

NOTE: The front desk women there are bitches on wheels! But get past
them, and that doctor's office is perfect :)

(Recommended by: Kristina)

Devra Marcus - Internist (NW DC)

Devra Marcus - her office number is 296-7722.

One of the things I like about her is she knows all the docs in town and
is careful about who she refers to. One of the bad things is she
doesn't participate with BCBS so I pay a lot for her. I think it's worth
it to have good medicine.

(Recommended by: Chuck)

Capital Medical Associates - Dr. Bruce Rauschbaum and Dr. Sylvia Medley

Looking for a good GP (General Prac.)?

Dr. Bruce Rauschbaum and Dr. Sylvia Medley ROCK.
No long waiting period.
They will get you in as soon as they can.
Its in the cool HRC building.
They often have golden retrievers to greet you.
It is awesome.

Capital Medical Associates
1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW
HRC buildin 800
202 822 6311 x 111
202-822-6311

If anyone knows a painless dentist I can go to to get some cavities filled... let me know.

(Recommended by: Jamia)

Dr. Pineda - Dupont Circle - Bad Recommendation

Dr. Pineda in Dupont.

She is a good doctor and gives good print outs of your ins and outs but she told me I was getting fat and needed to exercize and eat better after I went from 105-109 or something while ON my period... She is a hater of skinny women... More women at my job who went to her reported the same thing and bigger women had no problems...

if you're skinny.
don't see pineda... or else you might need to see a shrink for your newly acquired eating disorder.

(Disapproved by: Jamia)

Washington Free Clinic

Good for quick free/cheap AIDs tests.

(Recommended by: Jamia)

Whitman-Walker Clinic

Good for quick free/cheap AIDS tests.

(recommended by: Jamia)

Dr. Yolanda Holmes - 1643 I St NW - Dermatology

Dr. Yolanda Holmes
1643 I Street NW
#402

202-737-6800

Don't show up late because they WILL reschedule you for later... but she's worth it. a little quick in her visit time but she'll hook you up with what you need/ask for. ") i love her because i now have prescription stuff to zap zits with and eliminate scarring and i love her for giving it to me... sigh... all hail the pretty skin. ooh and she has SAMPLE parties... i am STILL using differin samples and aveeno samples I got months ago. love her.
(Recommended by: Jamia)

Dr. Richard Footer-- Obstetrics and Gynecology near Dupont/Georgetown

(Smart and informative. Great staff. Not the BEST coziest bed side manner but smart and will know how to help you): 202-659-4917 (2440 M Street NW, Suite 718)
He also has an MD location at 301-215-7778

Recommended by: Jamia

Dr. Martha Cole: Gynecology in Bethesda

(She has knitted feet on her stirrups and a great comforting spirit and attitude - very motherly.) (301)-656-3456
4701 Willard Avenue, Suite 215

Recommended by: Jamia

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington

Need an OBGYN? Are you broke/have no insurance/need a pap and you're broke/ need birth control/want to ensure medical privacy when you get an AIDS test/did you have unprotected sex or the condom broke and you need the morning after pill/do you need an unplanned pregnancy terminated?

-www.ppmw.org (Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington)
Your income will not have you turned away and you'll get quality, non-judgemental, respectful service.

(Recommended by: Jamia)

I got the elixer for you...

Need an OBGYN?
Are you broke/have no insurance/need a pap and you're broke/ need birth control/want to ensure medical privacy when you get an AIDS test/did you have unprotected sex or the condom broke and you need the morning after pill/do you need an unplanned pregnancy terminated?

-www.ppmw.org (Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington)
Your income will not have you turned away and you'll get quality, non-judgemental, respectful service.

-Whitman Walker Clinic (Get your AIDS test quick.)

-Washington Free Clinic.

Have insurance?

--Dr. Martha Cole: Gynecology in Bethesda (She has knitted feet on her
stirrups and a great comforting spirit and attitude.) (301)-656-3456
4701 Willard Avenue, Suite 215

Dr. Richard Footer-- Obstetrics and Gynecology (Smart and informative. Great staff. Not the BEST coziest bed side manner but smart and will know how to help you): 202-659-4917 (2440 M Street NW, Suite 718)
He also has an MD location at 301-215-7778

John Theobalds, MD - 3636 16th St., Family Practice

Theobalds, John B, MD
Family Practice
3636 16th St, NW AG-69
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 667-8701
Languages: Spanish
Graduate School: State University NY Buffalo, NY
Internship: Deaconess Hospital Division, Buffalo, NY
Residency: Deaconess Hospital Division, Buffalo, NY

I went to John Theobald's office to get some antibiotics for an infected cut on my foot. It's at the end of some long and wandering corridors in a big apartment building complex on 16th St. in upper Columbia Heights. The waiting room is rather close and dirty with no windows, the receptionist asked for the co-pay up front (only cash, no credit card accepted the first time!). All of the waiting rooms seemed dingy and in disarray, with plastic folding chairs and seemingly forgotten pieces of furniture in the corner. When I finally saw John Theobald, he was quite friendly (although fat and had bad posture, feeding my suspicions about his practical knowledge of health.) He agreed to prescribe me antibiotics.

and then closed the door of the examining room.

"Are you sexually active?" he asked me.

"Uh - yeah. Uh, why?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I also offer gynaecology services," he said with a smile, leaning a little closer.

"No thanks!"

He must have seen a sketched-out look on my face, because he launched into some story about how some former patient had sued him because she got cervical cancer and he hadn't checked, even though she used a different person for gynaecology. But as my friend Jaiva pointed out, women who are not sexually active still need gynaecological services. So his question was inappropriate anyway.

As I left he told me not to drink with the antibiotics. "I should also drink yoghurt for the friendly stomach bacteria, right?" I asked.

"Yes, if you want to," he said non-committally. He didn't give me any other information about the various things you can do to protect your system from the negative side effects of antibiotics (or, for women, to prevent thrush.) Luckily I'd done my internet research myself.

From my brief visit, I was not impressed with this doctor's office - either its cleanliness or competence - and would not recommend it to a friend.

(Disapproved by: Zoe)