Dr. Marie T. McDonald

I took my toddler to see her last week. During the appointment, she was seemingly knowledgeable and semi-compassionate after dropping a bombshell of news about a possible diagnosis that comes with a shortened lifespan. As most parents do, I went home and researched the syndrome and, logically, had several questions. I called her this afternoon and she was blatantly annoyed by my call - then curtly responded that she was in a meeting, doesn't take calls , and snidely added that I could email her if I wanted to ask any questions. I was so shocked. What doctor behaves this way? I suggest that Dr. McDonald take several courses in "Bedside Manner" and perhaps remove the office phone number that is listed on the Duke Genetics website under her name if she doesn't "take calls." Or better yet - don't answer the phone! STUNNING. I will be writing several letters to Duke about her horrific behavior - particularly in response to normal questions from a parent who has just learned that… her baby girl might have syndrome that could shorten her lifespan.