Dr. James Francis Howard JR., MD

I see all these 5 star reviews and it breaks my heart because I would give anything to have him evaluate me, but he flat out refuses. I have had occular myasthenia gravis for over 10 years. I have seen other neurologist throughout that time and have tried a number of different treatments, none of which have helped me. My occular symptoms have become debilitating affecting most of my daily life activities including my ability to work as a sign language interpreter. I met Dr. Howard once when my neighbor’s daughter was also diagnosed with MG. The mother asked me to attend the appointment with them. When Dr. Howard found out I also had MG, he told his nurse to bill me too. I thought he was joking, he was not. He accused me of trying to get free medical care and from then on refused to acknowledge my presence in the room or shake my hand at the end of the meeting. I was dumfounded, but at the same time impressed with his knowledge of MG. Despite his overt rudeness, I very much wanted to… have an appointment with him to see if he could find some explanation for my body’s lack of response to the treatments. And perhaps find something that would work for me. I have been referred to him twice. Both times have agreed to wait a year to see him, and both times he has “declined to see me as a patient”. I have asked for an explaination, but he refuses to give one... just that he has “declined” to see me. I can only imagine it has to do with the meeting and his irritation over my presence there. Dr. Howard potentially holds to key to improved quality of life for me, but is withholding it for reasons I can’t understand. My understanding of the Hippocratic oath is “first do no harm”. Well, his outright refusal to see me has done, and continues to harm me. My reason for writing this review is not to dissuade anyone from seeing him. If you are fortunate enough to be deemed worthy of his care, you should see him. He does have a wealth of knowledge. The reason for writing this is to let the public know the how insensitive and in my opinion, unethical he truly is. Good luck to all you MG warriors out there!

I have been a pt. Of Dr. Howard since I was 5 Im now 38. I will not see another neurologist until he retires. He's the best at what he does. Keep doing what you do Dr. Howard.

Dr. James F. Howard is so knowledgeable, inquisitive and comforting. I thoroughly enjoy my appts. and even get in some laughs and a smile despite the circumstances. He's "real" and confidently helps each patient with a protocol that meets their own special circumstances. His secretary is great and the nurses in the plasmapheresis area (blood bank) stick to a well thought out protocol and make patients very comfortable. This awesome team makes it much easier to stick to the long-term plan.

I've been to many doctors in my life, but none of them showed the caring and professionalism as Dr. Howard. From the moment I met him, he was honest, but in a way that was comforting. He took his time to make sure he gave me a thorough examination. I was scared and nervous until Dr. Howard introduced himself. Doctors should take a class. "How To Be A Doctor James Howard"

After 4 years of trying to find what was wrong with me Dr. Howard diagnosed me in 10 min. with Myasthenia. I have seen him for 28 years! He is my Dr. my friend! I can see, walk and smile again, thanks to him!

Dr. Howard is always very caring; spending enough time assessing and diagnosing problems, as well as discussing treatment and follow up. His staff is wonderful,including everyone in the apheresis lab. My experience in UNC Chapel Hill's hospitals has been outstanding and the same has been said by many other patients/friends.