Dr. Mohammed Abdul Ahad Athar, MD

Dr Athar was my father's oncologist. After being diagnosed w/cancer a 2nd time, Athar only recommended chemo (and lots of it), even after seeing how sick it made my dad and that it wasn't working. He refused to approve or refer my father for proton therapy (radiation). We had to get approval and referral from another doctor. That doctor told my dad that someone had noted in his patient file that he was a difficult patient (which he wasn't). After my dad completed the proton therapy, Athar refused to conduct any kind of scan or procedure to see if the treatments worked-just recommended more chemo. My dad didn't go back to Athar for over 2 years. When he did, Athar did a PET scan, and from that, told my dad he had 2 months to live. Athar recommended my dad for hospice, and specifically to Amity Hospice. He didn't tell my parents they could chose their provider, and he didn't provide them with a list of providers. We found out Athar has a very good relationship with Amity and they know… him well. Amity was a HORRIBLE hospice that failed to provide the care they promised and charged for. My father was ultimately placed in Vitas hospice where he passed 10 months after his terminal diagnosis. He received much better care and compassion from Vitas than Amity ever hoped to provide. Because of Amity's lack of care, everything fell on my elderly mother, who developed severe pneumonia and a DVT that hospitalized her for a week. Athar and Amity are only out to make a buck.

I was "assigned" to Dr Athar in 2013 after diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer. I had a terrible reaction to the chemo, with the first infusion - I could not breathe! This was my first infusion. It took 4 phone calls, finally demanding to see the Dr because I had a terrible reaction. Mind you, all over TX Oncology, there are signs & pamphlets saying if you have difficulty breathing, immediately contact your Dr. . I was trying to contact him, , but kept being put off by the staff. When I finally did get an appt with Dr Athar 5 days after 1st infusion, still having difficulty breathing, a nurse came out to waiting room and asked why I needed to see him. I explained and she said " Hon, it's just a reaction to the chemo", with a big smile on her face. Then she said "you have a good day" and she walked into the back, behind the locked door. I called, complained, got I to see Athar 2 days later, a full week after my infusion. He said what the nurse said, it's just a… reaction. I said, you are going to do anything? I can't keep on with my chemo schedule if I can't breathe. By then, I had made an appt with UTSW Dallas, Samon's Breast Cancer facility for the next week. I was immediately sent to the Advanced Lung Disease dept, who did a scan & other tests. Apparently the chemo caused some cysts on my lungs. It's 4 yrs later & I'm still being treated by a Pulmonary Dr with medicine, although my symptoms are much better. I never went back to Dr Attar at McKinney TX Oncology. I found him totally useless & they refused to let me change Drs, they had to fill his schedule up because he was a brand new Dr.! I had 2 ins - United Healthcare and BC/BS, but could not change from the very new Dr Athar to a more experienced Onc at TX Oncology, very close to my home. I tried to report Dr Athar and his nurse, but that was difficult. I did & still do let every Dr I go to at Baylor McKinney know what happened. I tell everyone, including the Cancer Support group I was in, about my horrible experience and to stay away from him. He is polite in person, but apparently does not care at all. I had never had cancer, or chemo. I was scared & should not have been treated like that. I finished my regime the next 2 yrs through UTSW Dallas. I only went back to TxOnc to pick up records. I tried to report Dr Athar & his nurse, but that was near impossible, but I'm told she did not work there long after that incident. Hopefully the hospital fired her.

Dr. Athar has diagnosed/treated my husband for a rare NHL and has been ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Dr Athar is a straight shooter with a tough job. He's done a great job taking care of me despite my having terminal cancer. He's doing everything in his power to minimize my pain and prolong my having a good life. Very compassionate and very easy to talk with.