Dr. Stephen Robert Paul, MD

I am the father and legal guardian of a child with sickle cell who was treated at WVU Children's Hospital. My daughter’s care under Dr. Stephan R. Paul, MD was dismissive, unsafe, and unacceptable. The first major incident happened in June, when Dr. Paul attempted to discharge my daughter while she was still in unresolved severe pain from a life-threatening condition. When I calmly asked for an explanation, he told me: “There’s nothing else we can do, and there’s nothing else we will do,” then turned his back and walked out of the room. After he left, another physician — Dr. Lindsey Phillips — stepped in, provided the appropriate care, and resolved my daughter’s pain. That was part of the reason I did not report Dr. Paul at the time. I am not someone who goes looking for problems, and I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Months later, in late September, my daughter was admitted again. She had already been in the hospital for one week with Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) — a… life-threatening sickle cell complication that can deteriorate within hours if not properly treated. On September 30th, Dr. Paul called me while I was at work and gave a false report, claiming my daughter had said she was “feeling good” and ready to go home. She never said this. That false documentation could have jeopardized her care. On October 1st, while she was still in severe pain and actively battling ACS, Dr. Paul again attempted to discharge her prematurely. When I confronted him about the risks, he dismissively said, “We’re not going through this today,” and then hung up on me. After multiple encounters like this, the pattern is undeniable: dismissive, lacking empathy, and unwilling to respect a parent advocating for his child. I do not use words like prejudice lightly, but the repeated conduct speaks for itself. This is not just unprofessional — it is dangerous. I have filed a formal complaint and requested records. Parents should be warned: always verify what is documented in the chart and never accept dismissiveness when your child is dealing with a life-threatening condition like ACS

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was 15. I was sent here to get surgery and treatment. Paul became my doctor after. He is so loving and caring to his patients. Always knew how to make someone smile and laugh no matter the situation they were in. Couldn’t ask for a better place to go. I looked forward to seeing him, and that’s not something you normally say when going to the hospital. Wish I could see him again and just catch up on life.

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Got sent to Morgantown to get surgery. After, Paul became my doctor because I was only 15 years old. Couldn’t ask for anyone better! He is so loving and caring to his patients. Always knew how to make someone laugh and smile no matter what the circumstance they were in. I looked forward to seeing him, and that’s not something you normally say when going to the hospital. Just wish I could see him again to catch up on life.

I had brain cancer and after my surgery Paul became my doctor I was only 15 years old. He is so loving and caring to his patients. Always knew how to make someone laugh or smile. I looked forward to seeing him, and that’s not normally something you’d say going into a hospital. Wish I could see him again just to catch up on life.

Dr. Paul brings laughter to those children facing adversity and a battle for their lives. He treats each patient with kindness and tenderness, as well as professionalism.

Best Doctor at WVU hospital! Compassionate caring and determined to help all children!

Love Dr. Paul, there is absolutely nothing I can say negative about him!!