Dr. Harry Hou Lun Shen, MD

Dr. Harry Shen misdiagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when instead I had just tendonitis (inflammation of my fingers' tendons). He did blood test for RA and the test was negative. Nevertheless, he said that in 20% of the cases the RA is not shown by blood test (true) and, based on my symptoms, he prescribe me to take very strong and invasive medication for my whole life. He prescribed me to take methotrexate, a very strong medicine that interferes with the immune system and is sometime give to patients with cancer. He told me to take it for my whole life!! Luckily I did not trust his diagnosis and I have seen another rheumatologist who told me that I just had tendonitis and recommended me physiotherapy (PT). After 6 months of PT my symptoms are gone and I feel good! If I trusted Dr. Harry Shen diagnosis I would have taken strong medication for life with no effect and which would have strongly interfered with my immune system!

Dr Shen was quite at first but after listening to my history of issues he made suggestions. I felt I was really listened to and not rushed. He followed through to emailed questions and responded promptly. I’m really happy I made the drive to NYU Langone and Dr Shen. Would definitely recommend.

Caring, thorough, knowledgeable

So pleased with the care and everything about his practice. Why can't other providers follow suit? Shen raises the bar for medical care. The waiting room is clean and comfortable, and even a bit private. Shen is extremely caring and oh so very thorough. After not having seen him for quite a long time in between problems, he not only remembered me but used it as an opportunity to be all the more detailed in re-reviewing my history. You could see and hear the wheels turning as Shen thinks of what the problem cold be. He asks very specific questions to find out more about the problem at hand. I love his sense of humor and overall bedside manner and kindness. He spent a dedicated hour+ with me during a follow-up appointment. His medical assistant was also lovely and kind, and helpful after the appointment, too. I know I will be able to count on Dr. Shen and recommend him without reservation.

Shen is wonderful! Nothing negative to say in the slightest. Appt. started by being met by an NYU 'greeter" at reception (a sparkling and updated wide open space), provided bottled water by another staffer, and being informed of the approximate time I would be seen -- which was only a 10-15 min wait. First impression: Shen was very straight-laced and not ultra communicative, BUT after spending more than 45 minutes with me, he became extremely compassionate, friendly, kind and downright warm. He understood my problems, offered a new perspective, provided several options with great opinions and even responded promptly to follow up questions weeks later. Post-appointment labs and imaging -- also greeted with the same level of promptness and professionalism. Bottom line: recommend Shen w/o reservations. He's unlike many of the drs. out there who are not in it for the right reasons.

Dr. Shen is very caring and understanding. He takes as much time as you need to make sure you understand your diagnosis. He will also take the time to answer any questions that you may have. The only down side to that offices the secretary Stacey is really not helpful, has a horrible attitude and God forbid you need something out of the norm she just about losses it. If you have any requests your best bet is to ask Mira the office manager, she is always a pleasure to deal with and goes out of her way to help in any way she can. So overall it is a great place with a great doctor, just a really bad secretary.

I would highly recommend Dr. Shen. He is thorough and takes time explaining things to you as well as giving the patient time to ask questions.