Dr. John Joseph Pahira, MD

Was referred to him from a friend. Have been three times to the Georgetown Urology Dept to see him. First time seemed OK, but he did first have a resident come in to review my complaints and reason I was there, etc. then he latercame in after he left the room. He really does not seem that interested or concerned. Ordered some tests to be done. Later did a cystoscopy in the Georgetown Urology Dept. it was much more painful than I was expecting (from what I had read). After few days of feeling lethargic and tired all the time, followed up elsewhere and learned I had a bad urinary tract infection. Was on antibiotics for several days, which did not wipe it out, so had to have another week of antbiotics. Cannot personally recommend.

I have had Dr. Pahira as my urologist for many years. He is professional, kind, and experienced.

My first appointment was all right; he seemed respectful enough, though not very warm. On my second visit, he sent his residents or interns in to "consult" with me; they seemed to be reciting from a script, and nervous that I would go "off script" and ask a question they couldn't answer. At the end of the appointment, Pahira came in for a few minutes. Maybe it was just that day, but he seemed less than thrilled to be there. There was no transition between the first part of the appointment, with the junior doctors, and the second. It was disconcerting. I don't want a doctor who farms out a big chunk of the doctoring to the youngsters who are supposed to learn by practicing on me. And worst of all: I didn't feel I could really talk to anyone there--a bad feeling when you're at the urologist.

Dr John Pahira is the best kidney stone doctor period and also a great person

He ordered a couple of tests, and the results did not match my symptoms. When I later got a second opinion, the new doctor ordered a different test, which did reveal the problem--a potentially urgent one--causing my pain. Dr. Pahira's tests missed the problem, and he hadn't seem interested in investigating further. Also, I had a very common urological condition, and Dr. Pahira told me there were only three drugs that are effective for it. I found out later there was another medication that the FDA had approved for the condition four years earlier and that was safe for me to take--a medication he either forgot to mention or didn't know about. These problems, compounded with the near-impossibility of getting a phone call returned by a nurse, let alone a doctor, made me give up on Georgetown Urology.

He's not a cold doctor, exactly, but he's not at all warm either. He comes in the room, takes charge of the appointment, stands the entire time, and makes it difficult for the patient to ask questions, offer thoughts, or contribute much of anything. He is definitely uninterested in the patient's emotional state, and there were times he was borderline insensitive. You come away feeling like you are only a surgical possibility to him. He's probably happiest in the operating room, when the patient is unconscious and silent.

Have seen several urologists over the years for chronic kidney stones. Dr, Pahira is by far the best I have ever seen. Highly professional, caring and competent. Incredible follow up. Not only did one of his nurses call several times after my surgery, he personally called on a weekend to check on me.