Angela Culbreth, MD

Was a very rushed appointment, so I don't remember much. Sorry.

My first time visiting Dr. Culbreth was an unsettling and disappointing experience to say the least. I scheduled an appointment to do a routine checkup, in addition to addressing a concern I was having regarding my body's reaction to a prescribed medical device I had been using for 5 months. While I was quite certain the side effects I was experiencing were stemming from this device (as I didn't experience them prior to starting the medication), Dr. Culbreth was dismissive as I tried to explain my reasoning. Rather than fully listening to comprehend the situation and asking a comprehensive list of questions to start, she insisted the issues I was having were not common side effects of the device and that other minor and habitual factors were likely at play. She made assumptions rather than seeking clarity on the front end. Any attempt I made to try to communicate my health was met with what seemed to be a combative undertone trying to assert dominance and rank.It was frustrating… feeling like I wasn't being fully heard or listened to, and as a result, I began to shed a few tears as the visit progressed. Noticing my tears, Dr. Culbreth asked what was wrong. I calmly advocated that I felt like I wasn't being listened to. She responded that she was listening, took pauses to hear me, and that I was upset and made a "judgement" of her simply because she didn't agree with what I believed was the cause of my symptoms. She also claimed I got upset before I even allowed her to finish the exam. I asserted that I wasn't making a judgment of her in which she insisted I did. She then attempted to "educate" me on what a judgement is, saying "Let's bring it back to English here" At that point, I had to correct her telling her she will not speak to me as if I'm uneducated. Needless to say, I had to call a relative (via speaker phone) during the visit to help diffuse the situation and get me through the rest of the exam as I was uncomfortable. Though Dr. Culbreth was eager to speak to my relative and we were able to finish the visit with next steps, I left with more uncertainty about the quality of care received rather than the source of my symptoms.Upon reviewing the visit notes in MyChart, I noticed Dr. Culbreth made notes that did not contextually frame what I attempted to share with her. She also made statements that I neither confirmed nor denied. For example, her notes state I'm still using the device. However, if the exam had started with comprehensive questioning rather than assumptions, she would have known that I had been off the device for 2 weeks by the time of my appointment with her. I was also aware that with the device, it takes 1-3 months for the body to adjust after stopping its use, which is why I believe I was still experiencing my symptoms. My main goal with Dr. Culbreth was, as a preventive measure, making sure there wasn't anything alarming happening internally. Unfortunately, reaching that goal did not yield as much ease, comfort, and trust as I'd hoped. As a past graduate who had worked with the Methodist organization under the Chief Medical Officer at the University Hospital, where the defining and most imperative part of my job was to be a listening ear for patients, noting and reporting any concerns about the quality of care provided; I understand the importance of engaging with empathy and an open mind. While doctors are respected for their knowledge and are much needed for their service, a patient should feel safe to advocate for themselves and trust that the provider truly shows concern for their needs. I share this not to harm but to hold necessary space for accountability, self reflection, and ways to improve.

I haven't had a good provider like this and over 15 years I'm so thankful for her

Dr. Culbreath is very knowledgeable and interested in her patient's health.

I have recommended several friends.

Very good experience. I am veryPleased with Dr Culbreth and allOf her staff.

She was great

Good

I was very pleased withDoctor and staff.

I'm still waiting for a provider to assist me with a referral to help me with my bladder needs.