Dr. Mark Michael Zalupski, MD

Dr. Zalupski told me himself how rare my cancer is (cholangiocarcinoma), wasn't open to even looking into anything past "the 2 or 3 standard protocols", didnt know anything about current research or new treatments, had a bad bedside manner, very negative outlook as far as prognosis, symptoms, treatment. Spent 1hr crying to him about being only 27 with two young kids, and being willing to do anything to extend my time as much as possible. Seemed to understand, lots of nodding and patting/rubbing my arms, legs, hands, back, and head (NONE of which were comforting nor was I comfortable with), said he totally understood, then went back to his standard protocols speech and told me he didnt think I should even TRY any chemo at all, because side efforts of chemo can be miserable. Kept trying to convince me to go straight for hospice treatment. Two different visits, same scenario. Also when I said diagnosing general Onc gave me about 6months to live without treatment and about 9 with, he… literally snorted and said HAH, yeah right, more like 3-6 total. Nothing positive to say at all. I go to a different Onc at St. Joe's who had same chemo options, but actually willing to try them, and aware of and explained other immunology and experimental stuff that is current or in the future. Doing chemo and I've had NO side effects, and have had shrinkage and stability. I LOVE my oncologist now, hands down. He doesnt see tons of CC just because its rare, but he's perfectly willing and able to treat it and stay up to date on it. That's how an Oncologist SHOULD be

Dr. Zalupski is very kind and polite. I feel like he knows me as an individual and truly cares about my illness and road to recovery. I have the utmost respect for him, am so happy he was assigned to me, and highly recommend him for others.

I agree with two earlier reviewers. He was fake for sure and not sure if he cares. Was in hospital very sick and left another doctor to take care of me. Finally stepped in when near death even though he knew all along the problem. Gets irritated when asked questions and seems nice enough but rushed out. See someone else!

Unfortunately my first impression of this dr was negative. Heard great thing about uofm research and doctors for cancer but this dr seemed very fake to me. Was acting very compassionate w my mom but was so obviously fake. When I asked questions he actually seemed annoyed. I knew right away this is a dr I did not want my mom to continue with. Not impressed at all.

Dr. Zalupsky was assigned to help my mom after she received surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at The University of Michigan. I was not present for all appointments, but I was there for a great many (enough to form a solid opinion). Dr. Zalupsky's staff were always kind and courteous. The wait time in his office was always minimal. Dr. Zalupsky himself was pleasant enough. When he speaks to patients, he is engaging and does a lot of "touching" on the arm or shoulder, perhaps as a way of transmitting a feeling of warmth and compassion. Unfortunately this is where the positives end. I'm certain he is quite knowledgeable as an expert in his field, but he consistently rushed through the appointments, and seemed "irked" when anyone in the family would ask a question or express a concern. There are times when the patients family can bring valuable insight to these appointments, not to mention we become advocates when someone becomes very sick during the progression of a serious… disease such as Pancreatic Cancer. I always felt blown off by Dr. Zalupski (for lack of a better term). Is Dr. Zalupski "nice"? Sure. Is he someone you want with you during the mother of all battles? Not in my opinion. I felt my mom deserved better care. Bottom line.