Dr. Alvin E Friedman-Kien, MD

Outstanding MD

I've been seeing Dr. F-K for about a year for various skin issues. He's remarkable, knowledgeable, and caring. He is old school in the sense that he is not impersonal and cold; he has strong opinions and will express them, and that may not be to everyone's taste. But I like that kind of "bedside manner" and believe it's for my own good. Highly recommended.

I don't often review online, but my experience with Dr. F-K was so bad that I feel that others should be warned about it. All of the one star ratings I gave are because the website won't accept the review with no stars at all, which would have been my preference. I went to see him hoping for a diagnosis and treatment of a skin condition, but was instead berated about my weight and perceived lack of fitness. I was told flat out that unless I lost 40 pounds, hired a trainer, started swimming, and changed my lifestyle that this skin condition would continue to occur. In reality, I have lost 55 pounds in the last two years ( went from 240 pounds to 185) after cutting sugar and flour out of my diet. I have had a trainer for 10 years and run for at least 1/2 hour a day, 6 days a week. It was almost impossible to get a word in to point this out though--when I tried, I was told that I needed to lose more, but that it would be hard for me to swim since I must be embarrassed to wear a bathing… suit. I am not actually. I was also told that I would be attractive if I lost 40 pounds and should ask my GP for an appetite suppressant. Finally the doctor did prescribe 2 creams to apply but would not give oral antibiotics "since this will just reoccur if you don't lose more weight". I was happy to get out of there with the prescriptions but needless to say there will be no follow-up visit. If possible, find another dermatologist in your network and simply avoid him.

I am happy with the expertise of Dr. F-KI don't visit him at the office for a social occasion--- That he seems to allow me less time than I want means that others are not kept waiting.

Very profesional. Friendly, interesting, cultivated has given me different options and even recommended another doctor for a laser light treatment. Good follow up.

In the first few minutes of discussing my medical history, the doctor established that given the rarity of my condition, I would be better off seeing one of his colleagues. After that he proceeded to tell me that the mark of a great doctor is when they are willing to refer you to someone else. He told me that he will most likely never see me again unless I was refered back, however, since I was there he said that he would still proceed with his examination. Being unaware of what this entailed, I didn't think to decline at the time. He proceeded to ask whether specific regions of the body had been affected in the past, after writing my responses, he called in his nurse and suddenly commanded me to standup and open my gown. Before I had even a moment to think things through, he had commanded me to show my entire body. What upset me the most was at the end when I was informed that none of this info would be shared with the next doctor - so why put me through the humiliating experience?

The worst experience with a doctor I have ever had. Got a dismissive diagnosis of acne from 4 ft away (later retracted). Tried to give history of infection (meds, allergies, docs, ref's, steroids) - interrupted; all he wanted was the most recent antibiotic. Repeatedly chastised for following basic advice of other MDs (cover wound, take antibiotics, etc.). Called "hysterical". Though wearing none, was scolded for buying into absurd marketing which tells me I need makeup to be pretty (save that for when youre an old woman - am 32). Prescribed a cream not covered by insur.; asked about cost; he rolled his eyes and said, one less shopping trip to Macys for all that ridiculous junk you put on your face. Told it was ridiculous to stop doxycycline when trying to get pregnant. He intimated that his rudeness was acceptable because he was competent. I guess if youre hungry, and the manager of a restaurant offers you a meal, its acceptable for him to first spit on it in front of you.