Dr. Gayan Poovendran, MD

I completed a medical history, on the first visit in 2017 with Dr. Gayan Poovendran, M.D. at Meli Orthopedics. I reported to him that, when the lower lumbar disc(s) in my vertebrae are slipping and the bones in my vertebrae are pinching my nerves, I become totally disabled. The severe pain is debilitating. At those times, and only during those times, I would need medicine for the pain. I related to him my understanding of the tragic and unfortunate opioid misuse in America. I knew it all too well because I am an addiction professional with twenty (20) years of experience counseling persons struggling with addiction. I probed him in order to find out if he would be opposed to prescribing a small quantity of opioid medicine to me and/or my wife, when we experienced severe and fierce pain. I described how I took prescribed pain medication for short time frames periodically throughout my entire life without a problem. He assured me that he was open to prescribing opiated pain relief… medication to us. Four (4) years and many consultations later, my wife's pain in her torn shoulder was too much for her to bear. She asked him for medicinal relief. Dr. Poo said, "You're not in enough pain." I suspected that his counterfeit and disingenuous presentation meant we were not getting a complete continuity of medical care. Anyway, he misrepresented himself and he lied to me. So, I went to another provider of orthopedic services and received an injection for a shoulder tear. I had that other doctor fax medical reports back to him. I was scheduled to return to Dr. Poovendran at 9:30 AM for his referral for physical therapy. Initially, he said to me, "You know, I give injections too." I was surprised to learn this and said so, "I did not know that." Bottom line, he did not recommend an injection. It was more evidence that we were not being managed well for our pain. Then, in his examination room, I waited patiently for him to return for two-and-one-half (2.5) hours. I am a very good patient with great respect for doctors and I waited. Eventually, I walked out to an empty, quiet hallway at noon and inquired from the staff, where was the doctor? They indicated that he went out to lunch, and the receptionist could fit me in afterwards. These behaviors appear to be on his part vindictive, vengeful, and negative. They expose what seems to be a large amount of sick content to his character. Stay away from this guy! He is not only a poor provider of medical services, but also a deceptive practitioner."

I was sure I needed a knee replacement Oh the pain. Dr. Poovendran made physidcal therapy suggestions to try before a surgery and his treatment plan was A+++++ The Therapists were great, (they work you and supervise) I don't need a new knee, I do need to exercise and I will be grateful forever to Dr. Poovendran and Meli Orthapedics. 5 STARS

Dr. Poovendran spent as much time with me as needed to answer all of my questions. I never felt rushed at any time during my visit. He did not jump in to the treatment I was set out to receive, but instead gave me ALL of the options for my rheumatoid, joint deteriorating disease. Thank you!

I’m 63 years old and I injured my left shoulder and the diagnosis after an MRI was a 90% tear of my Rotator cuff. My original orthopedic doctor schedule me for surgery but after researching what the surgery consisted of and the length of recovery time, I searched for an alternative to surgery and found Dr Poovendran. He explained about the benefits of Stem-Cell Therapy and how it could be an alternative to surgery. In Jan 2018 I proceeded with the Stem-Cell option. I will say the injections were very uncomfortable however I did not have to immobilize my shoulder for months in a constrictive sling or sleep in a recliner and did not have to take much pain medication. I start physical therapy right way which is always part of recovery and slowly got better. Like with any surgery and even with the Stem-Cell Therapy, it did take time to heal but I did have a 90% tear, however I didn’t have the restrictions I would have had with regular surgery. Its been 10 months and I went from hardly… being able to get a gallon of milk from the top shelf of the refrigerator and that was with assistance from other arm to doing lateral raises with 20 pound dumbbells. I’m back to doing pull ups which has always been a part of my workout routine. I will say I was skeptical, especially with a 90% tear but it was the best decision I ever made. Thanks Dr. Poovendran.

I was given stem cell therapy by Dr. Poovendran. 24 hours later I was admitted to the hospital with MRSA in the right hip, exactly where I was injected. There was no acknowledgement or sympathy by the doctor. I suffered tremendous pain, 2 surgeries to clean out the infection, and now I have to have a hip replacement, twice. First surgery is to put in a temporary hip bone infused with antibiotics. 8 weeks later I go in for a second surgery to put in a permanent one. I have asked this doctor for some financial remuneration and his clinic, OrthopedixMD, will not speak to me nor give me the name of their attorney. Dr. Poovendran is NOT an Orthopedic doctor, but specializes in Family Medicine and now 'sports medicine'.

This guy was in a hurry from the time I got there till the time I left. Took an x-ray wrote me a prescription told me to return in 1 month and he was out the door. Didn't even examine my problem.

Great job with my son's concussion. Very detailed in his explanation of what happened and made us feel much better