Charles J Burke III, MD

I had two knee surgeries prior to seeing Dr. Burke: 1978 torn medial meniscus; 2008 torn lateral meniscus and ACL reconstruction due to severed ACL. I was doing fairly well after the ACL surgery, but because of the lack of cartilage and osteoarthritis I could not be as active as I used to be. I am 55 years old. On March 31 I was hiking. While I was not aware of any injury at the time, it was clear to me subsequently that I had reinjured the affected knee. I had severe swelling, pain, and most importantly, an instability that made walking any distance at all (one block) occasionally impossible, because my knee could bear no weight and I nearly fell on many occasions. I looked into local doctors and chose Dr. Burke, because I was told his partner, Dr. Bradley (highly recommended), was not taking new patients. I went to the appointment well prepared, having written up a history of all events related to my knee problems. I had also prepared specific questions and at the beginning of the visit with Dr. Burke, I made it clear to him my level of concern and how my lifestyle had been compromised by this recent injury. I asked him if I had damaged the replaced ACL and he REFUSED TO TALK ABOUT IT. He said that the ACL had to do with instability of the knee and that I had no instability. Clearly he had not bothered to read my write-up, because I am experiencing severe instability. I don't dare to ride a bike, hike or even walk. I have to be very careful about how I plant my right foot, and I limp on a regular basis. I showed him where I was having pain, and he didn't even pay attention, making a sarcastic comment about the number of "these" he has seen during his career. I was, in his eyes, just another number, not a previously active individual with a desire to have my questions answered to ease my mind. Every time I asked a question, he became very defensive, with comments like, "You don't trust my expertise?!" He was arrogant, rude, condescending, patronizing in his behavior towards me. I had never before been treated badly by a doctor, and as such was appalled by his manner. He told me my problem was caused by arthritis. I have known about my osteoarthritis for YEARS. He was telling me nothing new. I asked him how one hike could take me from hiking, biking, distance walking to no ability for movement at all overnight. He said arthritis can do that. Overnight, when I've had it for YEARS? At this point I simply din't believe him. I have also known that I have no cushioning of cartilage, I had been told this before, that I had no cartilage left. Since I had torn both the medial and lateral meniscus, I had thought that's what the other doctors were talking about. When I mentioned this to Dr. Burke, he YELLED AT ME, saying, "I'm not talking about your meniscus! I'm talking about your ARTICULAR cartilage!!" I am not a doctor, yet he assumed I should know what articular cartilage is. I'm sorry for my ignorance on the subject. That's why I went to a DOCTOR to get information. In the end, his solution was to give me a cortisone shot for the pain and swelling. He had no answer about the instability of my knee, because he insisted that it was not unstable. He said the cortisone takes care of the problem in 80% of patients, and that if the cortisone didn't work, we would look at other options. Well, I still have horrible pain and swelling. There are days when I cannot put any weight at all on my right leg, and I am afraid with every step I take that I am going to fall and do much more severe damage. I wanted to know about knee replacement, and while he did explain the disadvantages at my age, he was angry and rude in his reaction. How dare I question the great Dr. Burke of the Pittsburgh Penguins!!! It goes without saying that I will never see this man again. A doctor's role is to treat the WHOLE patient, to judge their fears, take compassion in how their quality of life has been diminished, to answer a patient's questions with at least a feigned concern--even if he thinks they are stupid questions. When I left the office, I said, "It's no wonder you have a reputation for a terrible bedside manner".

When I was in so much pain he was a life saver.Thank you Doctor Chip.You are the best.You are the most caring doctor who takes his time with his patients.You listened to me.I would recommend you to anyone you are the best

Dr. Burke and staff are great. I have been seeing since June. The staff is polite and courteous. Dr. Burke always has a smile on his face. He anwsers all of my questions. His PA Mark also is great has a smile on face. They called the next day to see how I was doing after my 1st shoulder surgery. They get to me in a timely fashion when I have a question. Kudos to Dr. Burke and staff

I saw Dr. Burke for a shoulder injury. He made the diagnosis at the first office visit, ordered a MRI to confirm his suspicions and scheduled surgery for a date after the MRI in order not to lose time in having the surgery. The surgery for my rotator cuff injury went very well and I have achieved an excellent result.

I wouldnt waste my time with this unprofessional, non caring doctor.