Dr. Daniel Mayer Pourshalimi, MD

On 9/1/2023, I visited the UCLA Westside for the very first time with Dr Daniel Pourshalimi to treat my persistent and chronic cough. However, little did I know that I would be experiencing sexual harassment during my very first PCP visit with him. I am updating this review with the fact that my request for a UCLA billing amendment was denied on 11/9/2023. I was billed $589.13 to be sexually harassed instead of being appropriately treated for my chief complaint of chronic cough. Initially, Dr Pourshalimi seemed pleasant. However, just within the first 5 minutes of my visit, he started asking very inappropriate and invasive questions, and joking about my sexual history because I had left that section blank on my new patient questionnaire. He laughed and asked, “What have you been doing”? I’m not sure why this was so amusing to him. Not only did I find it highly unprofessional, but I also found his behavior to be extremely insulting, crass and rude. This was also a verbal form of… sexual harassment. Right after he joked about my sexual history, I became increasingly uncomfortable, upset and wary when he continued to focus on other parts of my filled out questionnaire, such as the section regarding my breast biopsy. I’m not sure why he was focusing on other areas of my body that had nothing to do with my chief complaint of chronic and persistent cough. But his behavior really gave me creepy and suspicious vibes. He started to examine me, first by listening to my breath sounds from the front of my chest, then from my back. He lifted up my shirt in the back so he could place his stethoscope on my back. I didn’t think there was anything weird about that. However, when he moved to the front and proceeded to place his stethoscope under my left breast, I stopped him right there and asked for a chaperone right on the spot because I thought it was really weird that he would even think about placing his stethoscope in an area where my cough was obviously not coming from. Even after the chaperone came in, he asked if he could listen to my chest by placing his stethoscope under my left breast. I refused, and told him that I have never heard of such a strange examination for a persistent and chronic cough. My cough comes from my upper chest area. There was no reason for him to place his stethoscope under my left breast. I requested for the chaperone to stay during the remainder of the visit because I really didn’t trust Dr Pourshalimi at all. His behavior was really strange and weird, and I don’t know what could have possibly happened if I didn’t call in a chaperone right at the moment I did. In the section of my History & Physical report where she wrote about her observation, the chaperone said that what she witnessed was proper conduct by Dr Pourshalimi - that he had proceeded to examine me further, but that I had refused. It’s hard for me to tell whether or not she felt intimidated by the physician when she came into the room. After my unfortunate experience with this physician, my biggest concern is that he could possibly have already and still be inappropriately examining young women, possible college students who attend UCLA or any of the neighboring universities. These young women might not be able to discern what is inappropriate versus what is appropriate, or they might feel that something is off that makes then uncomfortable, but are scared to say anything because they feel that he shouldn’t be questioned. They might not be able to think quickly and summon a chaperone to come in right away. Because of my unfortunate experience with Dr Pourshalimi, I filed a complaint with UCLA Health, and my complaint has been routed to the UCLA Title IX office for review. I would advise any new female patients who are looking for a PCP in the West Los Angeles area to stay away from Dr Pourshalimi. This is my first and last encounter with him because he is really creepy and strange.

Dr. P helped me get off my medications within 6 months! For anyone looking to put in the work and follow a healthy diet, this is definitely the doctor you want to see!

Dr. Pourshalimi is THE BEST primary care doctor I've ever had. He cares about my health, he is compassionate, and I really appreciate that he focuses on plant-based nutrition. He has been a shining light in my care.

Had a good experience

The doctor and staff are very knowledgeable, professional and conscientious.