Joaquin C. Brieva, MD

First time seeing this doctor. I’m a medical professional myself, so this perspective should be taken into consideration. He didn’t ask me any questions, & he slapped me a diagnosis right away without considering other factors. I have never felt so rushed during an appointment. Bedside manner, not so nice. Barely made eye contact with me when he spoke to me. He had a resident with him as well—who wasn’t even introduced. I didn’t even see Dr. Brieva for more than 5 minutes...but the patient before me who was being seen by Dr. Brieva—next door, had a full blow conversation that I could hear for around 15 minutes. He gave that patient the time of day, but not me? I felt blown off. I had other underlying dermalogical history that he did not even consider or ask me about, and didn’t even allow me a chance to speak or ask questions. He talked so much and so fast that there was no room for a patient to doctor conversation (vice versa). He seemed SO aside he was right. Ridiculous. Going to… another doctor.

He was very rude. I can't tell you if he is a competent dermatologist or not because the intern actually did all of the work (assessment, diagnosis and even follow-up)-- But. Dr. Brieva is totally unprofessional. Even if it is an emergency and you are near death, look elsewhere.

Do Not Go! A year ago, he diagnosed me with rosacea on face, body and scalp. He gave me metrodonizole to apply to face, chest, back, arms, scalp--wherever I had little inflamed pimples. Yes, I had rosacea on my face (the ONLY place you can have it!!) but I also had a staph skin infection. Luckily for me (and Brieva), he'd also prescribed pill medication that handled both. In another appt., I told him I was losing my hair. Without even looking at my scalp, he said, "No you're not." Now I've just been diagnosed with scarring alopecia in the late stage after having biopsies with a new doctor. If Brieva had caught it back then instead of diagnosing it as rosacea, it might have saved me lots of pain and the loss of most of my hair.

Saved my life ! Compassionate and knowledgeable.

Very good doctor, good bedside manner and lots of experience!

Dr Breiva was able to do more for my rare diagnosis in 3 weeks what a team of doctors couldn't do in 4 months. Do wish it was easier to get that 1st appt but other than that I would be worse off today without his care

Dr. Brieva has been treating me for rosacea for over ten years. Thanks to him my skin is taken care of. He's a good hearted person & doctor. Yes, it's true most visit will be quick but trust me all will be taken care of with patiece.

I was a patient but no longer am because I moved. I have been to dermatologists since I was about 18 months, so I have a lot of experience with them. He is one of the best. He doesn't have a lot of time to spend with you, but that's more Northwestern than him. At least he fixes your problems. I really, really like him. I'm now in the northwest suburbs, and I can't find anyone who can hold a candle to him!

Rude, arrogant. Left me cold. Stick with the suburbs, Northwestern physicians are over rated!

Had a miserable experience getting simple plantar warts removed. I tried on 2 separate occasions to get information ahead of time. Office staff were unable to give any sense of expectations or answer pre-exam questions but never allowed me to talk with a nurse or doctor. Waited for 20 minutes in the waiting room and onother 10 in the exam room. At the exam, Dr. Brieva launched into the procedure without explaining what to expect afterwards. He spoke hardly a word to me but rather talked with his intern the whole time. She bumped into me without comment as I lay face down on the awkward table. The doctor left without providing any care instructions and I ultimately had to have the procedure redone.