I was referred to Dr. Drossner years ago during one of the most frightening health experiences of my life. I arrived to her office alone at age 21, my body already covered in lesions that were rapidly spreading and that would later be diagnosed as a rare and potentially serious inflammatory skin disease.
From the moment she opened the door, I was met with dismissal and detachment. She took one glance at me, and said flatly, " Relax, I don't think you have anything terrible. You don't need to look so scared."
It was not said gently. It was not meant to comfort. It set the tone.
During the exam she made almost no effort to explain what she was seeing. as a matter of fact, she raised her eyebrows so frequently. I finally felt compelled to ask her thoughts. She replied with almost a chuckle
" it's just very extensive."
She biopsied one area on my stomach and warned me the scar would be "visible on the beach in a bikini", as if that was my most major concern and left it at that.
I was never called personally with the results. A staff member read them to me coldly. This is stunningly unprofessional. I did not realize that a biopsy is a lost UPS package. It is a diagnosis that could alter someone's self image and future. This was negligence in any humanistic sense.
However, I was booked for a follow up appointment. I had requested on my own to be put on a certain medication to which she did agree. She prescribed it, but offered no further care or education.
At the next appointment, I asked if the condition would resolve and she did not answer. I recall vividly that she placed her hand down firmly near the sink and finally said "you'll have this for the rest of your nothing you can do to stop it."
But she was wrong.
I saw a different dermatologist, one who did not treat me like I was wasting their time, and received care that was both effective and humane. The contrast was stark. The outcome was different.
I am not writing this to debate a diagnosis or hold a grudge.
I am writing this because NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BEG FOR CARE WHEN THEY ARE TERRIFIED. No one should have to walk out of a specialist's office more traumatized than when they went in.
My condition ultimately improved and resolved completely.
My memory of how I was treated never has. read more
