Dr. Howard David Goldstein, MD

When Dr. Goldstein first came to Annapolis I was his first office nurse. In the time I worked for him, never did he ever have a cross word to say to me. I always saw him as compassionate and caring. I am not going to make excuses for his behavior because people change but we have choices. I have known many doctors and worked for many doctors. I know many patients who absolutely adore him and many who do not. We are human, we all have faults. Of course I do not know what happened to him. I am saddened to hear these things about him. He is a good man but human. We never know what is going on in someone else’s parlor. I owe my career to him. My love for medicine is because of his patience to teach me and encourage me to learn. I wanted to share this part of my relationship with him because I feel that is the real him. Doctors are human, they have bad days, go through bad times and also have issues they are dealing with. That should not transfer to the patients but because we are human it… does unfortunately. He told my mom her flutter was in her head but as a person she adored him and other than that she had nothing but good to say. But she got a second opinion and found to have Afib. Because of the nature of the arrhythmia it does not always present itself when the patient is examined. It takes time and sometimes many events. But fortunately she was able to get it diagnosed. I said all this to say that he is a brilliant doctor, a good teacher and a good friend. I will always love him like a brother. I don’t blame anyone who has a bad experience to do what they have to do. I just wanted to share my side. If you don’t like the care you are receiving then go to someone else. Eventually you will find the right fit for you. It’s a relationship and as in all relationships there are ups and downs. We can’t get along with everyone. I am not minimizing any bad experience just showing there can also be good ones. May God Bless.

This was the rudest doctor I could ever imagine. I had a mole show up that I thought should be looked at. He looked at it, scowled at me and said "there's nothing wrong with that mole!" and that was my visit. I still gave him another chance. A couple of years later I was having some fluttering in my chest that was making me uncomfortable. I went to see him and he checked my heart in his office. He very rudely informed me that "there's nothing wrong with your heart!". Needless to say, I never went back. I have always been a healthy person with little need to see a doctor and to be treated with such rudeness and inconsideration on the rare occasion that I do seek medical advice is inexcusable.

He always has time to listen to my concerns and has always given me and my family first class service. He ocmmunicates very effectively and in simple terms that allow me to completely understand my condition and treatment options. He is always available to give me advise -- be it in person or via his very efficient email system. I recommend him with complete confidence!

Exscellent caring compassionate physician. I would recommend him to every member of my family.

Just, walk away.

After complaining 7 years of a stomach problem that came and went, but got more regular as the years clicked away, and prescribing several tests and medications regarding this; one day he said to me, "What stomach pain? You've never mentioned this to me before and I take meticulous notes." I was so stunned that I said, "You know the pain I've mentioned for the last 7 years." To which he responded, "You seem to have a bad taste in your mouth; find another doctor. I will not treat you any more." I was devasted. I wrote to the Physicians Quality Assurance board because I thought that he had to be accountable to someone. Of course, they could do nothing they said.Many years later, another Doctor referred me to an Endocrinologist (1 of 2 in our city) whom happened to share office space with Dr. Goldstein. This practice has about 8 doctors. We explained the situation of his colleague to this Endocrinologist who responded by saying, "Oh, he gets like that sometimes. I have no… problem seeing you." After being treated for 9 months by the new doctor, Dr. Goldstein learned that I was being seen there. Dr. Goldstein wrote me a letter stating that he would refuse to treat me if ever he was on duty for this new doctor or for an emergency I may have. His excuse was that I had once written to the Physician Quality Assuranace board about him!!!!!! I wonder what ever happened to the hypocratic oath?