Jeanah Kim, MD

My March 2 appointment with Dr. Kim was the most discouraging medical experience I have had, and I feel it raises concerns about how patients who are already struggling are treated. I arrived at the appointment visibly emotional and had just completed a GAD-7 screening indicating significant anxiety. Despite this, I did not feel acknowledged or supported during the visit. Several comments during the appointment felt dismissive and unprofessional. When I explained that walking causes severe knee pain that leaves me unable to function for several days, I was told, “Well, you have arms.” I was also told multiple times that the doctor does not have a “magic wand,” even though I was simply trying to explain my symptoms and ask for help finding solutions. When I could not recall the exact date of a previous mammogram—something that has been difficult for me due to recent brain fog and memory concerns—the response felt condescending rather than understanding. I was in tears for much of… this appointment, yet the tone of the interaction did not change. Eventually I shut down emotionally and asked what else was needed so the visit could end. Patients deserve respectful, compassionate communication, especially when they are clearly struggling. My hope in sharing this experience is that the practice reflects on how patients in vulnerable situations are treated so that others do not leave a medical appointment feeling the way I did.