I have been very wary of the medical profession for a very long time. As individual people, doctors…read moreare fine, but I've had quite a few problems with doctors AS doctors -- including when I worked in an OB/GYN office. I've found them to be arrogant, to make me feel judged, and some have just not known what they were doing. Because of this, I have avoided going to doctors for years, going only to urgent care when absolutely necessary. But, I needed a prescription refill and there was not another way for me to get it, other than to go to a regular medical doctor.
Dr. Lerner is the doctor my sister and nephew go to, and I've always preferred going to "known" entities. So, I sucked up my courage and made an appointment.
The first thing I liked it is that she is a D.O. To me, that means that she cares about the "whole" person and not just specialization. The second thing is that hers is a family practice; I rather loved that the first thing I saw when I walked into her office was a teddy bear. I've always felt I'd do better if, even at my age, I could go to a pediatrician because they understand the fear and apprehension. I also liked that, with the sole exception of Dr. Lerner, nobody wore a white coat. And, the office did not have that antiseptic smell that so many offices have.
Contrary to what others here have said, I did not find her staff to be difficult. Everyone was very friendly, quick to make a joke and (try to) put me at ease.
Dr. Lerner herself is very personable. She has a wonderful manner and put me at as much ease as I could be in that situation. I noticed and liked that, contrary to most doctors, she did not stand over me while talking, but rather, took a chair that was actually lower than where I was sitting. For those who know about psychology, that speaks VOLUMES about how she views her patients.
After my initial appointment a month ago, I had to go back for a consultation. Except for being weighed (which I HATE!), it was *almost* a pleasant experience; while explaining what the situation was, Dr. Lerner was very conversational. She smiled, seemed to be of good humor and was genuinely interested. I left the office thinking that she's actually very sweet, and that if she weren't my doctor and we'd met in a different place, we could be friends.