Kunjan S. Bhakta, MD

I had a deeply disappointing experience with Northwestern Medicine Grayslake and Dr. Bhakta, and I feel compelled to warn others about the substandard post-surgical care and negligence I encountered. I underwent axillary surgery on January 31, 2024 at Northwestern Medicine Grayslake. On February 17, I noticed my wound was opening and immediately scheduled an appointment with Dr. Bhakta. He examined it and dismissed my concerns, reassuring me it was not an issue. The very next day, my wound worsened significantly, forcing me to seek emergency care. Despite this, Dr. Bhakta performed a suture procedure on February 20, telling me the wound was unlikely to reopen. Four days later, it reopened again, and another physician later confirmed that the wound could no longer be sutured and would have to heal naturally. This unnecessary intervention not only failed but prolonged my pain and suffering. Beyond the failed treatment, the lack of proper post-operative instructions was shocking. I… later learned that after axillary surgery, restricted movement is crucial to prevent wound dehiscence, yet I was given no such guidance. When I raised these concerns with Northwestern Medicine’s Patient Relations, they outright dismissed the issue, blaming it on "individual healing differences" rather than acknowledging the possibility of medical mismanagement. This experience raises serious concerns about Northwestern Medicine’s medical standards and accountability. If complications are simply attributed to "patient-specific factors," does this mean they take no responsibility for early intervention and proper post-surgical care? I strongly urge others to seek medical care elsewhere if they expect a facility that takes patient concerns seriously and prioritizes responsible post-surgical care. I will be filing a formal complaint with the Illinois Medical Board regarding Dr. Bhakta’s handling of my case and Northwestern Medicine’s dismissive response to patient concerns. Think twice before trusting your health to this facility.

Rude doctor.