Dr. James Otto, MD

I worked for him for over 25 years and he was the best diagnostician on the planet. I trusted him explicitly. When I was asked what exactly did I do for him I simply replied, “Whatever he asks me to do”.

I am a psychologist and retired professor of criminal justice and psychology at Johns Hopkins And American Universities. In some courses I have taught proper and respectful criteria for doctor-patient relationships (see Szasz and Hollander). Dr Otto has been my primary care physician for over 15 years. I find him highly knowledgeable about medicine, science and disease process. He is kind, professional and friendly. He used to overwork which made him tired and curmudgeonly and he changed years ago once he saw fewer patients via MDVIP. Pay the extra for MDVIP. You will not be sorry. Physical exams are thorough and comprehensive. He does not moralize with patients, he is respectful, and he explains the facts when patient behavior is at risk for unwanted consequences. He lets you know he is a human being and does not hide behind his role as one’s physician. He is well connected withIn the Maryland medical community, he listens carefully to what I say about other experts I have… seen and refers accordingly.

My wife and I are both patients. Dr. Otto has a personal touch, takes time to explain complicated health matters, keeps up with your medical history and testing requirements and follows through on any referrals he makes.

The visit that stands out in my mind is when I was traveling from the west coast back to Maryland and was in a lot of pain. I called Dr. Otto when we landed and got an appointment within the hour and went straight from the airport to his office. He diagnosed shingles immediately and started treatment. The pain was so bad by that time that I had to curl up on the office sofa when I arrived. It was great to know I could get treatment immediately and get a diagnosis and explanation of treatment so quickly.

Dr. Otto is like doctors were years ago. FIRST & FORMOST - he cares for his patient as if the patient was a member of his family. He takes time with the patient so that every avenue of care is evaluated and then he decides what tests to follow up on. To me, he is not only a thorough and caring doctor, but a friend who cares.

Dr. Otto saved my life. He orchestrated my transfer from Pittsburgh to Johns Hopkins to the very best surgeon in the world to have 2/3 of my esophagus removed due to cancer. Dr. Otto got me out of a very bad situation and into his care in a matter of hours. Had I stayed in Pittsburgh, I would have died. Dr. Otto stayed on top of my care at all times and is still on top of my care 24/7! He insisted that an oncology team evaluate me for chemo and radiation and it is a good thing he did! I will be starting chemo and radiation next week. I do not know how anyone else gets by without a doctor like Dr. Otto. I am truly blessed!

Excellent diagnostician. Takes his time and listens. You don’t feel like he’s in a rush to see the next patient. Same day appointments often available. Doesn’t turf you off to an urgent care facility. Other physicians speak highly about him.

I just joined MDVip and Dr. Otto. I read the reviews from years ago and do not agree with most, the staff is very friendly, remembers who you are and are very caring. In todays healthcare world I find it important to have one on one care, I loath big practices. Dr. Otto is getting me in shape , a little tough love here.

We just moved and will have a very hard time finding someone near the quality of Dr. Otto. He was our doctor for about 16 years. Most important was his catch of a 70% blocked carotid artery and his insistence on immediate treatment. This was life saving. He worked my family in for several emergencies throughout this time. Staff is awesome. His open mindedness re: alternative medicine is beneficial. He acknowledges some things to work in good conjunction with traditional medicine.

I've been with Dr. Otto for over 15 years. I see the growing pains associated with a growing practice and it's related issues. The dr is personable and I really feel he cares deeply about my health. Over the years as others have noted it takes longer to get waited on, but I believe he has a lot of older patients and it just takes time. I don't plan to leave.