Dr. Benn E Smith, MD

“Dr.” Benn Smith should be lucky to still have a job and still be treating patients at all. All of these reviews are scarily accurate!! Unfortunately I didn’t see any of these before my EMG with him. As soon as this guy walked in the room he immediately started talking and wouldn’t stop, I couldn’t get a word in to ask any questions or be prepared for the needles that were about to come. The questions I did ask he just patronized me and immediately started the test, dismissive of my concerns and with NO WARNING before jabbing the first needle in my leg. The needle didn’t even hurt while he was moving it around it was the initial jab and disregard for the fact that he saw it was painful, I thought the crying and grabbing on to the bed rail was clear enough but clearly he had no time or care for any of that. He treated me like a child and that my pain was silly, he continued anyway. He completely was rushing everything and I was holding myself back from just yelling at him since he… still had the needle in me and I didn’t want him to mess with anything on my report. I wish I did. ?When I reported him to the patient experience office I thought they cared. I told them the whole story immediately following my incomplete EMG, eyes still red and tearful after crying alone in the room, gathering my things and having to walk out alone and humiliated. No one cared. I was told I would get a call PERSONALLY from Ana Byrd within the next 4 days and that they’d look into getting a new doctor, the best one. Nope. I had to call her after not hearing from anyone. The result was “well they suggest if I’m not able to tolerate the EMG to talk to my primary care physician to see if there is another test I could do.” WRONG, I couldn’t tolerate the pain and disregard for that pain from Mr. Smith. “It’s policy that if the patient experiences pain that the doctor stops which he did.” WRONG AGAIN ANA. He did not stop. He kept the needle jabbed in my leg even though he saw me jump and grab the bed rail and he heard me crying, and he heard me say “I guess no one told you I don’t do well with needles to which he had the audacity to joke “if these didn’t hurt they’d be a lot easier.” He didn’t ask if I was okay, he didn’t stop the test, he kept the needle in my leg. I felt completely unheard and extremely uncomfortable with him treating me in general at that point. He told me if we didn’t finish the test would be incomplete and the doctor would only get a portion. I felt like I had to continue so I tried one more spot. Again he did not give any heads up and no less gentler. Jabbed it into my hip, he left it in there even while I was still crying in pain. He only stopped when I said I couldn’t do anymore and I didn’t feel comfortable. He was quick to pack up his things and leave telling me “that’s fine, you can change and head out that door, I hope they figure out what’s going on and best regards” and without a second though or any empathy whatsoever…you know, maybe asking if I needed any assistance since I’m still laying there crying in pain…he just left. I’ve been going to MAYO for a long time and I’ve NEVER had such a horrible experience! ?When I got home I looked him up and was shocked that others have been treated the exact same way and even more shocked that this guy is still treating patients. I agree with the person who said that he is ruining Mayo’s reputation. I asked that the test be taken off my bill if I’m going to have to re-do it. I plan on escalating this on the grounds that they think he stopped when I was in pain and he absolutely did not. If they want to fight it I am more than willing. No one should have to experience that. I encourage everyone who has a test done with this doctor to have your phone recording audio or video. They let me keep my phone with me while they did the first portion of the test with the nurses present, but when Mr. Smith came in he was by himself and he rushed and did everything so fast I couldn’t even think to hit record and I wish I had. I’d put this “Dr.” on blast immediately. One of Mayo’s values is “Provide the best care, treating patients and family members with sensitivity and empathy.” “Dr.” Smith has absolutely ZERO empathy, you’re just a number, he’s not there to make sure you are okay or taken care of, he clearly had other things to do and other patients to see. Please, it is worth cancelling last minute if you see this “Dr.” Come into your room rather than have to deal with the physical pain and emotions trauma plus stress you’ll have to deal with afterwards.?However, if you do get this doc and most likely have a bad experience I encourage you to report it to the Patient Experience Office by calling or visiting on the concourse level. They may not do anything but I hope the more people report their bad experience the more likely they will have to do something to remove this guy or face lawsuits for hospital malpractice/negligence allowing him to continue.

If I could leave no stars I would. This was our first experience with the Mayo Clinic and I’m so discouraged. As soon as he walked in he seemed to be in a hurry, had no desire to see past tests and findings or hear my history. Talked over me every time I tried to explain what was happening to me, worst bedside manner I’ve ever experienced.

I can’t believe all the negative about Dr Smith. Sure he is somewhat conceited but he is one of the best with tons of research and writing to his credit. Ten years later his diagnosis still stands. One doctor wanted to do a Sural nerve biopsy but he blocked it and I am thankful for that. The VA accepted his diagnosis and granted my claim. I truly appreciate his help.

Dr. Benn E. Smith is extremely condescending, having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority. He downplays your condition of pain, saying "it's mostly in your head." Even, if it's only implied. And devalues the tests, themselves, while not following through with what was ask of him by your referring Physician. Don't let the smile fool you, it's not genuine. He will also slap you with a mental health diagnosis using it, as if it were a lie detector. He should be removed from the practice at MAYO CLINIC as he demeans their reputation. I have to wonder, if he is getting inducements to treat you less-than, who you are as a person.

Dr. Smith was the worst doctor I've ever met. I saw him on referral from my board certified neurologist for 3+ years of peripheral neuropathy with tests. After a full day work up at Mayo, whose techs had awful testing techniques, Dr Smith determined that the numbness and tingling and pain in both of my feet was "all in my head" and referred me to a psychologist. He dismissed my neurologist's 3 tests as "wrong". What a joke!! I was diagnosed last year with Lyme disease!! I was infected in 1995, I had a classic rash then but never tested. This was about 7 years before I saw Dr. Smith. Lyme disease causes nerve damage, including peripheral neuropathy. DO NOT SEE DR. BENN SMITH! He is a terrible excuse for a doctor, arrogant, self-righteous and does not listen or look at FACTS.