I took my teenage daughter to Dr. O'Hanlon for what should have been a routine visit for two ingrown toenails and a small plantar wart. Instead, it became the most upsetting medical appointment my daughter and I have ever experienced.
Within minutes, he was recommending three procedures that same day: surgery on both ingrown toenails and surgical removal of the small plantar wart. There was no discussion of conservative treatment, no meaningful explanation of alternatives, and relentless pressure to consent to surgery immediately.
When I asked whether the ingrown toenails could resolve on their own, explaining that mine had in the past, he didn't even answer my question. When I asked whether there were any other treatment options, he never gave me a direct answer. Every conversation led right back to surgery.
I also asked how painful these procedures would be, and Dr. O'Hanlon told me he "can't say" and when I asked again l, trying to at least prepare my daughter, he said, "everyone's pain tolerance is different."
I found that especially concerning given that he was recommending immediate surgery without being able to discuss what the pain intensity and recovery might involve. And he was dealing with a child.
He warned that she could spread HPV "all over the place" and that the plantar wart could multiply into several more if we didn't proceed immediately, which felt like another fear-mongering tactic designed to shame my daughter and pressure us into consenting to surgery that day.
Thankfully, we sought two additional medical opinions immediately. Our pediatrician recommended conservative treatment with Epsom salt soaks and antibiotics rather than surgery. My daughter's dermatologist told us she NEVER surgically removes plantar warts on or near the bottom of the foot because they can leave painful scars that bother people for years or more and are better treated with conservative methods. Both physicians felt these invasive procedures were completely unnecessary.
What disturbed me most was how my daughter was treated. She became increasingly upset throughout the appointment, and rather than trying to reassure her, Dr. O'Hanlon simply continued pushing for three same-day procedures. There was no compassion, no patience, and no reassurance. His bedside manner, especially with children, is absolutely terrible. My daughter left the appointment in tears. When he sensed I was not going to agree to same-day treatment, he said "you're making a big mistake." This comment is even more shocking in retrospect now that I know the appropriate course of medical care.
Also troubling was his discussion about reimbursement. He explained he would only be paid about a quarter as much if the procedures were performed that day. Bringing up his own compensation while aggressively recommending three same-day procedures was completely inappropriate and only reinforced the pressure we were already feeling.
The office itself appeared somewhat rundown, and there were dirty bottles containing some type of solution sitting on the exam room countertop.
After reading other reviews, I noticed one reviewer described Dr. O'Hanlon as "a butcher." After our visit, I can absolutely understand what that reviewer was saying.
I shudder to think how many patients have felt the same pressure we did and agreed to invasive procedures they otherwise may have questioned.
I regret bringing my daughter to this doctor. What should have been a straightforward office visit turned into a frightening and completely unnecessary ordeal. We were pressured toward three invasive procedures that two other physicians later advised were unnecessary.
I have never taken one of my children to a specialist without first going through our pediatrician. Lesson learned. I will never make that mistake again.
Dr. O'Hanlon has the worst bedside manner of any doctor I have ever encountered. I would never trust him with one of my children again, and I strongly encourage patients to seek a second opinion before agreeing to any invasive procedure he recommends. read more
