Dr. Juliet Widoff, MD

She seemed very confident and capable, but no matter what condition I came in with, this doctor kept trying to put me on anti-depressants, when I don't have depression and no matter how many times I said I wasn't interested, and she is a GP not a psychiatrist. She also once prescribed me something that is relatively addictive and gave me a very condescending lecture about it.

I saw Dr. Widdoff 12 years ago while she was practicing at Callen Lorde. I was (and still am) HIV negative but had been exposed to HIV. While I came in with feelings of shame and embarrassment, Dr. Widoff was completely non-judgemental and simply wanted to ensure that I would not contract the virus. She tested me for all STDs, and prescribed PEP. She proactively called me when my blood tests came in to let me know that at that point I was STD clear and arranged for additional testing after finishing my course of PEP. During the call I expressed the shame that I was feeling, and her response was interesting and has stayed with me forever. She told me that there is no point in feeling shame, as it is unproductive. She went on to explain that we all make decisions in life, and when we do we need to deal with the results of our decisions. Her point was quote profound. It is true that I had made a poor decision which led to my exposure, but I also made a decision to come in… and seek help. It also taught me that by being completely up front with my doctor (or with her at any rate) that she would not judge me, she would only help. She may well have saved my life, but she also changed my outlook. I am grateful for both.

I was assigned to this doctor by the office she works at. I am a Woman of Color. The doctor is white and made a low key racist comment regarding one of a my health condition. I will be asking the office to send me to a new doctor.