Dr. John Russell Fernandez, MD

My daughter is in FL on vacation with some close friends. She had an accident at the beach while body surfing, a wave came up behind her and bashed her into the sand. She had a bloody & swollen nose, and left eye. She was assessed at the beach by the lifeguards who recommended she go to an ED for further evaluation. She came to Sebastian River Medical Center. She was taken to the back, given a CT scan, and promptly discharged. (She was there for about 3 hours) Her nurse never introduced herself, only took a blood pressure-no other vital signs-temp, pulse ox, heart rate, respirations… Dr. Fernandez came in to see her. He told her she had a hairline fracture (didn’t tell her where… nose? Orbital bone? She was unclear. No one said anything about her pain-it was never addressed. No one said anything about a possible concussion-when she asked, the nurse said “I guess you could call it a mild concussion if you want.” This made her feel stupid for asking about her signs/symptoms. Her D/C… paperwork said she had an x-ray not a CT scan. My daughter said that Dr. Fernandez spent a total of 30 seconds with her and explained nothing. I called this ED to find more out about what diagnosis she had and what instructions she was given. The lovely Dr. Fernandez asked me, “If you are so concerned, as her mother, why weren’t you with her? Where are you?” That is absolutely NONE of his business! I happen to be in Colorado and unfortunately not able to be with her during this time. I mention this only to paint a picture of the terrible bedside manner this doctor has. He then offered to read me the CT scan report, which he did, so quickly that it was nearly impossible to comprehend. He then asked me if there was anything else I needed. I let him know that I myself am an RN who works closely with patients and doctors every day and that improving on his bedside manner could help him with his future encounters. To which he replied, “I’m glad you’re happy.” And just like that, he hung up the phone on me.

He was extremely rude, telling me to, "Shut up," when I screamed out in pain from muscle spasms in my lower back, and then telling me after I apologized and said I could not help it, "You can help it! Shut up or I will leave the room!"

Dr.Fernandez is one of the best doctors I have ever seen.Though I had to encounter him through emergency situations,many yrs ago in Tallahassee Fla. It was such a pleasant experience I will always remember! He truly is a great doctor & caring man that I will never forget..