Dr. Marcelo Ramon Olarte, MD

Courtesy of Dr. Olarte I will be dealing with debilitating migraines, back problems, and assorted other cognitive issues due to his treatment (or lack thereof) of me. He had me on medication doses so high that my insurance company stepped in and STOPPED the pharmacy from filling the higher dosage. He tried putting me on an anti seizure medication at a higher dosage than actual seizure patients. He also had me on the maximum daily dose of intense barbiturates for over 2 years, which I later found out I shouldn’t have been on for more than 2 weeks. The significant overmedicating has caused permanent cognitive damage, his lack of responsibility for dealing with the initial problem has caused permanent “hybrid” migraines that are difficult to treat, and my daily way of life was forever changed.

I saw Dr. Olarte at Columbia many years ago for what turned out to be a very serious inner ear disorder, one which was subsequently diagnosed by another specialist. Dr. Olarte, on the other hand, told me all of my symptoms were a fabrication and I needed to see a psychiatrist at least twice a week. I actually returned for a second consultation, during which he told me I should stop holding my tissue "like a little old lady." He also told me that I should stop complaining - that he had patients who could not even swallow. In the end, a caring and competent neurotologist at NYU diagnosed me with a vestibular disorder (of eyes, ear, and brain) caused by an infection of the inner ear, along with some eye movement dysfunction; prescribed several months of vestibular therapy at NYU RUSK rehab. But not before Dr. Olarte caused those family and friends who might have supported me during a very difficult time to question the validity of my problems. After reading other reviews, it looks as… though I was one of his luckier patients since he allegedly caused serious and chronic pain for several others. My heart breaks for these people. How is it possible that this man is still allowed to practice medicine? Soon after my traumatic experience with him, I saw his son's wedding announcement in the Times. It was so hard for me to imagine that this horribly abusive man was actually someone's father.

I was referred to Doctor Olarte because of my slew of neurological problems. He did a full neurological exam and listened attentively... and then proceeded to ask me if I had a boyfriend. I to,d him that I did not currently have a boyfriend and he then lectured me that women my age need to have a boyfriend and that it is not normal to not have one. I was 27at the time. He told me he had no idea what was wrong with me and then charged me 700 dollars. I left the office flabbergasted by his behavior.

I have MS. Dr. Olarte diagnosed me years ago. He has treated me with wonderful results for many years now. I could not be more pleased with the care given to me by Dr. Olarte.

Saw Dr. Olarte for a vision problem...after a week in the hospital I could see but I couldn't walk and I had the worst most constant migraines I had ever felt. Dr. Olarte refused to take ownership for causing my migraines and simply kept upping my medications. My insurance company and pharmacist finally refused to fill prescriptions because I was taking significantly too much for what the medicine was prescribed for. I took a medication that shouldn't be taken for longer than 2 weeks for nearly two years at the maximum dosage. To this day my short term memory is obliterated. I went to a new neurologist who saw what Dr. Olarte was doing and immediately created a plan to stop. Dr. Olarte destroyed my quality of life but my new neurologist saved me. If you have other options....RUN. Side note: all my office visit records were gone when I tried to get them...except 4 small sheets of paper - I went to him for nearly two years....

Very attentive and caring. Listens and then asks questions unlike other Drs. Highly recommend.

Fantastic care, helped me to a major recovery

He gave us valuable advice as to how to proceed with the treatment for our son.

I went to Dr. Olarte with a minor problem. Because of his treatment I'm always in pain. I would never return to him.

Dr. Olarte insisted on a totally unnecessary procedure which will lead to pain for the rest of my life.