Dr. Heather Susan Tick, MD

Like others, I too, had a bad experience. It was immediately clear to me that Dr. Tick (nor her staff) had read my chart. Dr. Tick spent less than 5 minutes in the room with me and seemed to be irritated/annoyed to even be in the building, much less my exam room. She recommended that I try a "gluten-free, dairy-free diet" (which I basically already do), that I "push (myself) harder" (I'm in right-sided heart failure, have CTEPH, and 16 other chronic illnesses- I already do push myself), suggested that somehow my PTSD was the root of all my pain (I'm in ongoing therapy and my PTSD is very well managed) and then suggested a medication that could've literally caused me to die if I had not read what the medication was for and ended up taking it. If this was my first visit to UW's Pain Clinic, I would never go back. Dr. Tick completely dismissed my pain and was extremely rude to me; she walked out of the room as soon as I told her that I have already have tried most of her suggestions,… but was still feeling a bit lost. And heaven forbid that a person who is actively trying not to die takes the lowest dose opioid available- she treated me like I was less than human and offered zero realistic alternatives for serious life-threatening conditions that cause crippling pain. Because of her, my PCP is now restricting my pain med use, solely based on Dr. Tick's inhumane recommendation to discontinue use- even though she hadn't read my chart or spent any real time with me. Based on my personal experience, I would never recommend anyone I know or care about to seek treatment from Dr. Tick. I'm sure she's great for some people who are not complex patients, but persons with multiple co-morbid conditions should exercise caution- especially where medication recommendations are concerned. I wish I had done more research on her before my appointment- had I done so, I would have cancelled immediately.

She gave me hope and has helped to reduce my pain

I am so grateful to Dr. Tick for her vast knowledge and compassion. I have learned so much from her and continue to do so. It is a relief to find a professional in her position with a holistic approach to well-being and a commitment to helping patients.

We waited for this appointment for 2 months. Today, we were turned away because the doctor overbooked her appointments. Extremely disappointed. It's always their convenience.

She told me to do things that totally conflicted with what my family medicine doctor prescribed. She recommended I get off of all medication and make changes in my diet. She seems to think she's a nutritionist rather than a pain specialist. Her in-office treatment left me in crippling pain and her poor bedside manner had me in tears.

I was referred to Dr Tick by my physical therapist, I had heard that she was an amazing physician and I would have good luck with her regarding my complicated condition. While she is a brilliant woman who undoubtedly knows medicine inside and out, I was made to feel like an object, not a person, when she was examining me and discussing my anatomy and her findings with who I assume was an intern (she never asked for my permission before allowing a random neurology student or doctor into my room) and was obviously annoyed when I asked her to explain what she was talking about in laymen's terms. Additionally, while I appreciate a doctor who didn't immediately use narcotics to treat pain and instead uses a more natural or holistic approach to chronic pain, I felt bullied by Dr. Tick when I pushed back on some of her suggestions. In a nutshell, she told me to stop eating foods with gluten. I told her I didn't want to give up foods I loved and there needed to be a realistic expectation if… she expected me to follow her guidelines. I also told her if I didn't get my carb fix, I would be grumpy and I didn't want to be the mean coworker at work. She was stunned and asked me if "anger was the first place I go" and then suggested I see a psychologist. It was very apparent it was because I refuses to budge on her dietary suggestion. This was the last time I saw Dr Tick for IMS treatment. She believes gluten can irritate the body. While I am not a med student, I am attending law school in the fall and pride myself on my research ability, what I found was that her theory isn't substantiated by medical studies or scientific proof. It doesn't mean she's completely out of touch, but just that her theory is just that, a theory and I don't believe she has a right to bully her patients into saying yes to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Additionally, she is never on time. The only appointment I had that began on time was my initial visit, when I was the first appointment of the day. She was between 20-30 minutes late for my other appointments and never apologized for her tardiness. From my first appointment I felt belittled by her. I felt like my opinion on my own care didn't matter and insights I had were insignificant. It never seemed like I could be honest and vulnerable with her about my treatment and frustrations I was feeling. UW doesn't allow patients to switch physicians once they start at the clinic. I was told that malpractice was the only reason they would let me change providers. Based off of my last appointment with her, I was able to get an exception from the office manager to see different physician in the same clinic. I wish anyone who sees her luck in their endeavors. She's a very talented physician but her interpersonal skills could use a tune up.

I was referred to Dr. Tick by a friend for my fibromyalgia. From the first visit she made me feel that I was her only concern. I couldn't ask for a better MD and healthy lifestyle coach. Recently, when ill, she did everything in her power to get me to the right people. Her staff was also professional and courteous. I am so glad to have found Dr. Tick in Tucson, AZ. If only every doctor had her bedside manner, care, concern and professional expertise, we would all be better off. Thank you is just not enough to say!