Dr. Adrienne Scheich, MD

My husband and I drove approximately 75 miles one way to Lurie Children’s Grayslake for a GI appointment for our two-year-old daughter who has struggled with slow weight gain since birth after being diagnosed with IUGR in utero. We brought both our toddler and our two-month-old baby because we were hopeful this visit would finally provide guidance and support. Instead, we left feeling judged, dismissed, and deeply upset by the way we were spoken to. The front desk staff and medical assistant Maribel were kind and welcoming. Unfortunately, the experience changed completely once nurse Jennifer Knutzen entered the room. The questioning felt rushed and condescending, with constant interruptions such as “that’s not what I’m asking.” When my husband began explaining that our daughter would be working with a nutritionist through early intervention after being asked about a dietician, he was cut off with “a nutritionist is a dietician,” said sharply before he could finish. When he tried to… list foods she eats, he was interrupted again with “okay, so berries?” before completing his answer. We were also criticized for not bringing toys and repeatedly corrected about gloves our daughter had been given to play with, including being told not to let her put them in her “M O U T H,” which felt unnecessarily condescending considering we were right there supervising her. After the nurse left, we waited over an hour past our scheduled appointment time and were only checked on once while managing two very young children. By the time the physician arrived, our toddler was understandably restless and our infant needed to be changed and fed. When Dr. Adrienne Scheich entered the room, there was no introduction — only a brief, flat apology for being late before immediately shifting into questioning. Within seconds she criticized us because our daughter briefly stood on the exam table while my husband was directly next to her guiding her to sit. The tone from that moment on felt critical and accusatory rather than supportive. Throughout the appointment we felt constantly talked down to. Statements were often prefaced with “don’t take offense,” yet what followed felt judgmental. We were told our daughter’s growth issues were “behavioral” and that we as parents “need to be willing to make changes,” which was extremely upsetting given the years we have spent working with pediatricians, early intervention services, and multiple specialists trying to help our child. Instead of acknowledging our efforts, it felt like immediate criticism. When we explained that leaving snacks available between meals was recommended by our pediatrician and early intervention team to increase calories, we were quickly told “snacks aren’t a solution.” During the discussion about hydration, we explained that after trying numerous types of milk, protein drinks, and alternatives, our daughter reliably drinks only juice mixed with water. Rather than exploring realistic options, we were told to eliminate juice entirely and “just give water,” followed by the comment, “what’s wrong with water?” despite us explaining our past efforts. When we mentioned that chicken nuggets are one of the few meats she will eat, it felt like an assumption was made that we primarily offer processed foods. Attempts to explain that she eats fruits, vegetables, and homemade meals were cut off before we could finish. Many questions felt less related to GI concerns and more focused on critiquing our parenting decisions, including sleep arrangements and neurological history that had already been addressed. At several points the physician said, “I’m trying to explain to you what my job is,” despite me explaining that I am a pediatric nurse myself and fully understand provider roles and expectations — including compassionate bedside manner, which was notably absent. The physical exam felt rushed and impersonal, with repeated commands like “open your mouth” and little attempt to engage our toddler in a ch

Over stepped her bounds. Was incredibly judgey and made my teenager feel awful. Tried psychoanalyzing her rather than looking at symptoms of what was happening. Had me as the parent leave the room just to tell her that it was all in her head. This is after she was diagnosed with a chronic heart issue. It’s not in her head.

We waited over 2 month for the appointment. She did absolutely nothing! When our son got worse she suggested follow up on 8 weeks after her vacation...

We waited for appointment over 2 month. She did absolutely nothing! When our sons condition got worse - she suggested follow up in 8 weeks after her vacation! No heart!!!

Front desk was beyond rude. Waited for two hours to have Scheich tell me my children’s issues are functional and they would have to figure out what is causing it on their own. No tests no labs Nothing. Drove an hour to see her and it was a Complete waste of my day. Needless to say my children are still in excruciating pain. Well done. Medical field at its best.

$550 to tell me my daughter was constipated? No tests, x-rays, or labs, just $550 for an office visit. Come on people!

super nice doctor. did not know about our childs condition and therefore overlooked vital symptoms