Dr. Kelly Whitson Mcalarney

I was referred for a mammogram by my GYN. I had already had breast surgery and was a high-risk patient requiring yearly screenings even though I was in my early 30s. I have a strong family history of breast cancer, a relevant genetic mutation, and a history of multiple benign tumors in both breasts. Dr. McAlarney gave me a hard time when I showed up for my appointment. She apparently thought that I was too young, and told me that I had to wait while she decided if I was "allowed" to have a mammogram. She pelted me with questions about my medical history (which she had access to in my chart and failed to read) and explained how unhappy she was with the idea of giving me a mammogram. She appeared to think she was being "helpful" by trying to avoid any extra exposure to radiation. However, given that I was a documented high-risk patient, she should have instead been focused on my health and emotional state, as it is both necessary and always emotionally difficult to undergo a mammogram. … After being drilled, made to wait, and finally grudgingly allowed to get my mammogram (with some complaining on her part), I was extremely hesitant to go through the rigmarole again. Thus, I waited over a year and a half to get another. I was afraid of having to fight my way through the process again. Because it's already terrifying to be there, it was easy to avoid. Finally, my GYN pushed me to go back. I asked for a referral to a different office. The new place gave me no trouble, clearly seeing my medical history before my appointment and accustomed to working with high-risk patients. They also found a small mass, which I might have discovered earlier if Dr. McAlarney's bedside manner wasn't so terrible that she frightened me off for almost two years. I believe she also stated that I could/should wait longer for my next one, still holding on to her poorly-informed concept of what a high-risk patent should do. I would never recommend anyone go to this doctor for a mammogram. Her bedside manner and advice are lacking. I believe her ego got in the way of common sense and compassion.