Dr. Hope Hamlin Mcdaniel-Desarmes, MD

Not equipped to deal with chronic illness. I felt judged and dismissed instead of cared for. When I explained my diagnosis and why I was there, she questioned its validity and repeatedly interrupted instead of listening. Nearly every question was brushed off as “very complicated,” as if the complexity of my condition was a reason she could not discuss treatment options, refer me to a specialist, or address my concerns. She emphasized side effects for a prescription my PCP described as safe in a way that felt alarmist and discouraged my planned treatment without offering constructive alternatives. Navigating healthcare as someone with a chronic illness is difficult enough, but having an established diagnosis questioned without consideration of my medical history left me concerned that I would not receive appropriate care. Patients with complicated conditions already understand that they are complicated. We live with these conditions every day. We come to doctors for help navigating… them, and being met with more friction makes an already difficult situation harder to manage. I hope this doctor takes the time to better understand chronic illness and the importance of listening to patients. No patient should leave an appointment feeling dismissed or unseen. I am thankful I at least came in with a diagnosis; I cannot imagine how someone without one would be treated.

Did not contact us after sending off strep culture to let us know our son had strep throat. Found out 9 days later because we got a bill in the mail for the strep culture.