Dr. Joanne Lynn Cobler, MD

My recent appointment with Dr. Joanne Cobler at Buffalo Medical Group was one of the most unprofessional and dismissive medical interactions I have experienced, and it ultimately ended with ME terminating the doctor–patient relationship and leaving the appointment. To provide context, I waited several months for this appointment in order to discuss the progression of my mitral valve prolapse and what appears to be an increase in its severity based on recent diagnostic testing. For a patient, especially someone who is not a physician and is trying to understand a potentially serious heart condition, that wait comes with a great deal of anxiety and concern. Sitting down with a cardiologist is supposed to provide clarity, reassurance, and thoughtful guidance. Instead, the interaction I experienced was dismissive, confrontational, and devoid of the basic bedside manner one would reasonably expect from a specialist dealing with potentially life-threatening cardiac issues. Because my wife… was unable to attend the appointment in person, I had her on speakerphone so she could listen while Dr. Cobler reviewed my diagnostic results. She wanted to hear the interpretation directly and ask questions if necessary. This is a very common and reasonable practice when dealing with health issues and would have been no different than if she had simply been sitting in the exam room with me. Before Dr. Cobler even entered the room, her assistant came in and told me that I needed to either turn my phone down or hang up because Dr. Cobler was in the next room and claimed she could not read the notes from my diagnostic report due to my conversation. This request was both surprising and unnecessary. My wife and I were simply speaking quietly while waiting for the doctor to arrive, something that would be entirely normal if a spouse were sitting in the room. When Dr. Cobler finally entered the room, I immediately explained that my wife was on the phone so she could hear the discussion about my diagnostic results and ask questions if needed. Rather than acknowledging this reasonable request, Dr. Cobler dismissed the statement entirely and proceeded as if it had never been said. She did not acknowledge my wife’s presence on the call, did not offer to include her in the conversation, and did not demonstrate any willingness to engage collaboratively in discussing my condition. Instead, the tone of the appointment quickly became confrontational and dismissive. Dr. Cobler began questioning me about previous diagnostic test results and appeared irritated that I could not immediately recall specific numbers and details from prior reports. Rather than simply referencing the information already in my medical record or explaining it, she repeatedly spoke in a condescending and critical tone. When I attempted to ask questions about my condition and the interpretation of my recent diagnostic report, those questions were repeatedly interrupted or dismissed. At one point she stated that she could not continue speaking with me because of “background noise” coming from my phone, despite the fact that there was none. Again, this situation was functionally no different than if my wife had been sitting in the room and participating in the conversation. Equally concerning was the recommendation she made regarding exercise. Dr. Cobler proceeded to lecture me about needing to follow an extremely aggressive workout regimen that sounded more appropriate for elite endurance athletes in their twenties or thirties than for a 52-year-old patient seeking guidance about a cardiac condition. The recommendation was delivered as criticism rather than as thoughtful medical guidance, and no meaningful explanation was provided about how such a regimen related to my specific condition or medical history. By this point the interaction had become increasingly uncomfortable and unproductive. Rather than a professional medical consultation focused on helping a concerned patient understa

rude, doesn't ask questions and she doesn't answer questions well. rushed, will see the nurse on most appoints except one a year with the her. very very unpleasant experience !! Do your research !! the Nurse practitioner doesn't know much but she'll be your care giver!

As a long term patient of the Buffalo Medical Group where I feel some of the finest doctors are, it saddens me to find my experience with her to be so poor. Upon my fist visits, she was fine. After two years in her care, (for routine tests), her demeanor changed. I am one who values and respects my doctors at BMG. She does not fit in their model. After a test, you are quickly ushered to her PA. I thought I understood the results. After the results were put on my chart, I was confused and worried about some of the medical language. I called and asked for a callback...by seconds I missed the call..annoyed I called the office, within 5 minutes told the PA left and no one could speak to me til Tuesday...from that Friday. I was really annoyed. Why couldn’t the doctor call me on Monday? No valid reason. Yes I was truly annoyed. Finally through my chart, I got some curt information. Two weeks later she suspended my care, telling me to find another provider. I was told she has… a zero tolerance in her office for patients who display any displeasure. Finally it dawned on me, after sometimes waiting long periods to see her, and after getting downsized to a PA I didn’t even know.....I realized I was with a doctor that had forgotten that providing care included tolerance of worried patients! I am glad now to be with a doctor in another practice that understands “superiority “ is not necessary.....we as patients already respect the vast knowledge....and caring also includes easing concerns.

I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Dr. Cobler - she listens to her patients and knows that women's symptoms are very different from men'. Thank you Dr. Cobler!

Awesome doctor.

Diagnosis not made yet as I am a new patient to them but I am so pleased after my first visit with Dr. Cobler. This practices staff is well orchestrated,polite, friendly, knowledgeable. I left there feeling like I am in good hands.

Went to Dr Cobler for 5+ years. Mostly see her PA's & NP's. She will spend a couple minutes w/patient once or twice a year. In my case, I complained about palpitations, lethargy. & a sense of feeling unwell. She became irritable & dismissed my complaint. A month later I was back exhibiting classic heart attack symptoms. Her PA set me up for an angio at the end of the week. Was in the ER that night with.. (yes, you guessed it) a Heart Attack.. She even lacked the professionalism to see me in the hospital while she made her rounds the next day. She is too busy, too moody & would definately NOT recommend her.

Dr. Cobler is very caring and interested in your input. She is very knowledgable and has a very caring and uplifting manner. I am very happy to have her as my Cardiologist. Thank you.