Dr. Michele Leanne Garant Smotherman, DO

This was supposed to be my first appointment.....Beware of poor staff at this doctors office. I had an appointment set two months ago, they called the day before to let me know they can't see me due to a "change of software". I said okay, even though I was in severe pain from my pcos and endo. We rescheduled for 2 MONTHS later. I drove 1.5 hours to my appointment. I was running 5-10 min behind so I called the office. They didnt anwser, which I wasnt surprised by, but I left a voicemail letting them know. They didn't clarify which wing the office was in so I ended up in the wrong spot. I had to ask where they were and finally made it. They refused to see me because I was 12 minutes late. Even though I called. I tried to explain why I was late, again another bad pain day. Still refused. They then wanted to reschedule again, for next month. I did, but I promptly canceled. I told them this has been a poor experience and I will look for a different doctor who has time for people. The… office manager, I'm assuming, was trying to prevent me from canceling the appointment, and being rude. No one listened to me. If the staff is dismissive, my thought is so is the doctor. I don't want to deal with unprofessional staff, and a doctor that doesn't have the ability to hire better people. Sad part is, Dr. Garant might have been great. But I won't know and now have to be in pain as severe as it is fpr who knows how long. She's not the first doctor to not be helpful. Just be warned.

Dr. Garant may be one of the best doctors I have ever used, she's kind and knowledgable, concerned and helpful.. Sadly the office staff is the rudest, most unfriendly and unhelpful staff I have ever dealt with anywhere. I don't mean just one bad experience with them, this has been both mine and my daughters experience with them for years. They are rude, unhelpful, and act like you're bothering them all the time no matter how polite you are to them. I have finally decided after many years, to find another Gyno simply based on the office personal.

Worst experience with this one. I had my first pregnancy appointment with Dr. Garant last week. My husband and I felt extremely rushed through the entire 15-minute appointment after we waited in the lobby for over 45 minutes. The doctor thought I was 8-9 weeks pregnant and I corrected her and said, “no, I’m only 6.” She then looked at her nurse who said, “that’s not what I have.” I was embarrassed and said, “well that’s what I thought.” Then she looked at the computer screen and said, “oh you are 6 weeks!” Neither one of them bothered to apologize. She also started doing a papsmear before she even told me what she was doing! Horrible bedside manner. The first thing I brought up to her that day was my concerns regarding extreme cramps and how I had reason to believe that sex may actually make the cramps worse. She literally responded with, “Oh that’s a weird one, never heard of that happening to anyone before!” I was shocked! Then she told me that some women just can’t have sex during… pregnancy. Thanks doctor! That is very comforting of you. Luckily, I had already discussed my concerns with a doctor at a local ER the previous week. The ER doctor was very comforting and explained that cramping can occur and not be dangerous to the baby or me. My appointment with Dr. Garant was so quick and rushed that I didn’t even get to tell her about the ER visit! The bulk of the visit was spent discussing where I would deliver the baby because I know I need to deliver at Saint Joseph’s to get the biggest discount from my insurance. She explained that she can deliver at Saint Joseph’s if needed but that she would prefer to deliver at Scott and White because it is closer. She said she’s fine with agreeing to deliver at Saint Joseph’s but I needed to consider whether an extra $1,000 dollars was worth it if she couldn’t make it across town with traffic in time to deliver the baby. With that, I decided it would just be best to find a new doctor at Saint Joseph’s. I called the receptionist and asked to have my medical document sent over to Saint Joseph’s. She had a ton of questions! "Why? Why are you moving? We take your insurance!" When I told her that I had already made my decision she said she would have to call me back after she checked with Dr. Garant about a fee. She called me back and said I had to pay them $25 to transfer my medical files. The new doctor’s office was shocked. Usually, doctors do not charge to have your medical files moved from doctor to doctor. There is so much more. I could write a book about that appointment.

My appointments and experiences with Dr. Garant have always been great. She took a lot of time with me explaining options and her opinions of each of them, she shoots very straight. I have a huge appreciation for her and her staff. Being new to B/CS area I didn't know who was the recommended one per sai' so I researched and from just reading reviews picked her and now I highly recommend Dr. Garant.

I was really happy with the care I recieved. She was always willing to discuss my concerns. Treated me like a friend rather than a patient. She made me feel completely at ease with her. I hightly reccomend. The only draw back is sometimes you do have to wait a few hours if she had to go deliver a baby, but I didn't mind waiting.

Dr Garant is incredibly comforting and open to any questions. The very best!

I have seen this doctor several times and every time has been a bad experience. She carried on a conversation with her nurse as if I wasn't even there. Paid hardly any attention to me. Didn't ask if I had any concerns or questions. Absolutely no sympathy, no care about treating me as an individual. Kept talking about getting off of work late and how much she wanted to get out early. Well rest assured I will never take any of your time again Dr. Very uncaring and rude.

I absolutely adore Dr. Garant! I would recommend her to any and everyone who is expecting. She's they best!

Would recommend Dr. Garrant to family and friends! Awesome lady.