Dr. Michael Lee Rappaport, MD

Fortunately, Dr. Rappaport is now retired. I saw him 20+ years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and my referring doctor (Dr. David Ehrenberger, now practising in Colorado) noted lupus-related changes in my blood. I was upset and frightened enough, and though Dr. Rappaport was a decent diagnostician, his bedside manner left lots to be desired. Cold and curt, I will never forget leaving his office and feeling worse in every way. To top it off, my diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) was checked off on the pink billing form we received in the mail ~ not even a telephone call to explain! It's difficult to believe that this doctor practised in the Bay Area for so long and seems to have had no problems with patients. I suppose it was just bad karma with me.

Dr. Rappaport may be retired, but he's putting in hours at Rotacare (a free clinic) and I saw him for unexplained joint pain. I've been terrified and in pain for weeks now. I hardly know where to begin tell you how calming his very presence is. The wait time was long - I don't care a whit. He's a volunteer, and he is VERY thorough. I would have waited all day. From the moment he shook my hand to the end of our visit, he was quick, funny, and extremely adept at allaying my fears about my condition. He sent me over for blood tests immediately, even attempted to stay late in order to give me a cortisone shot (had to have the bloodwork done first) even though his wife would be waiting for him. This man is so dedicated to his profession everyone in the office sort of looks at him in awe. He was not just outstanding as a physician, he was inspiring. I can't even remember the last time I actually had a conversation with my doctor; he was delighted by my scholastic ambitions and… encouraging. He loves life, and after I left, I felt better than I have in weeks just from having spoken with him.