Dr. Robert S. Brown

Continuation from last post. Six year post transplant patient. I remained respectful throughout the visit, but felt that my concerns about earlier care were interpreted as criticism of the practice. I left feeling that my perspective had not been fully heard. The only plan I received was to taper predn****e over three months. Since the day after my ER visit, I have continued taking 5 mg predn****e because I was concerned that jaundice was returning. I did not feel I received sufficient guidance concerning the recurrence of symptoms, whether further testing was appropriate, or what steps to take next. I was also told that, if I continued with the practice, my care would be transitioned to a nurse practitioner. Because I sought a hepatology consultation after a serious and unexplained episode, I found this discouraging. Based on my personal experience, I would not recommend Dr. Brown. I had hoped for a more compassionate, attentive, and patient-centered evaluation given my… post-transplant history and recent symptoms.

I am a six-year post–liver transplant patient of Mayo Clinic, who was evaluated and listed through transplant programs in three states within the UNOS system. I had one of the highest MELD Scores in the US recorded and documented in the UNOS system. On July 28, I went to the emergency department at NYP Westchester (formerly Lawrence Hospital) after developing severe jaundice, markedly bloodshot eyes, facial flushing, and difficulty breathing. Before leaving for the hospital, my symptoms were severe enough that I felt I needed to take immediate action. I took 10 mg of predn****e and two Bena***l tablets and by the time I arrived at the ER, the symptoms had begun to improve significantly. Although it was clear that something had triggered a serious reaction, the hospital was unable to determine the cause and advised me to follow up with my physicians. Given my transplant history and the seriousness of this episode, I scheduled a new-patient appointment with Dr. Robert S. Brown because… of his reputation and strong patient reviews. I was hopeful that I would receive a thorough, compassionate, and medically appropriate evaluation. I had previously been a patient of Dr. Catherine Lacero, who practices in the same group. I stopped seeing her after an inexperienced intern contacted me and gave advice that I believed was medically unsafe and potentially life-threatening if I had followed it. My concern was that the advice involved a serious medical issue and came from someone I did not feel had the appropriate experience or supervision to guide a medically complex liver-transplant patient. At my appointment with Dr. Brown, I stood up, shook his hand, and respectfully said, “Nice to meet you, legend.” He was accompanied by a woman whom he did not introduce, so I did not know whether she was a student, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or another staff member. Dr. Brown asked how long it had been since I had seen a liver specialist. I answered honestly that it had been approximately one to one-and-a-half years. When he asked why, I explained that I had lost confidence in the prior care after receiving advice that I believed could have placed my life at risk. I also stated that, had I followed that advice, I might not be here today. After I explained my concerns, Dr. Brown’s demeanor changed noticeably. I experienced his communication as dismissive, confrontational, and demeaning. Rather than asking clarifying questions about what advice had been given, who had given it, what the clinical circumstances were, or why I believed it was unsafe, he appeared to interpret my concerns as an attack on his colleague and staff. Throughout the visit, I felt that he was disengaged from my medical concerns. He made limited eye contact, quickly reviewed prior encounters, and appeared focused on ending the appointment rather than conducting a careful assessment of a transplant patient who had recently experienced jaundice, respiratory symptoms, facial flushing, and eye redness. I did not feel that my symptoms, medical history, or concerns about a potentially serious reaction were taken seriously. Dr. Brown also stated that the predn****e I took did not do anything. I found that response dismissive because it cleared up what I had going on. I expected my observations and concerns to be considered respectfully and evaluated clinically rather than immediately disregarded. He then stated that no one would disrespect him or his staff and said that if I did not like it, I could leave. I did not disrespect Dr. Brown, his colleague, or any member of his staff. I was explaining why I had discontinued care with a prior provider and why I was seeking a new hepatologist. I felt that my statements were misconstrued and that I was treated as though I had acted aggressively or inappropriately when I had remained respectful throughout the encounter. Instead, I left feeling invalidated, spoken down to, and without meaningful guidance regarding symptoms t

Dr. Brown has taken care of me for the Pat 40 years. He has helped me with al liver transplant and liver cancer. He has been a life saver for me and follows up on me annually. He is the best!!!!

Dr Brown is an excellent doctor , the staff is always professional and helpful . Dr Brown is Top in his field and he provides excellent medical care .I highly recommend Dr Brown To anyone seeking excellent medical care and a doctor who really understands and cares for your wellbeing.

I was late to my appt and Dr. Brown actually stayed to see me . I was very impressed with his demeanor . He explained things very well to me in a way I can understand . He listened and answered all my questions and concerns . I highly recommend Dr.Brown . His office staff is amazing as well.

Hello, Dr Brown is the best Liver Dr on the planet as far as i'm concerned. I saw 5 or 6 Doctors before him, and he was the only one who figured out what was wrong. I have been getting healthier ever since. I also want to give Gloria, his NP her props. She ALWAYS gets back to me promptly and always goes the extra mile as far as my health is concerned. She is like a daughter to me. I will not trade these two wonderful people for any other doctor or NP. Thank you Kathy McLean/Happy patient

I have been pleased so far with my care I am getting from Dr Brown and his team.

I was pleasantly surprised with my visit with Dr Brown. My mother died from horrible hepatic care so I know what good care is as a result of her death. I saw another hepatologist a few months back that was dismissive and left a lot of unanswered questions. Dr Brown and his team were wonderful and I feel confident that I will get the care I need there.

Superb

I have been under the care of Dr. Brown since 2003 and am continually impressed by his expertise in the field of liver health. His thorough, patient, and warm demeanor consistently makes me feel at ease and confident in the care I receive. With every visit, I am reassured about my current health status. Dr. Brown's partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine is a fantastic development, as the office layout clearly reflects a focus on patient-centered care. The convenience of having all necessary tests within the same building greatly enhances my overall experience. The streamlined app check-in process also contributes to an efficient and pleasant visit with Dr. Brown. It is truly inspiring to see Dr. Brown mentor fellows who shadow his practice, ensuring that his exceptional standard of patient care will be passed on to future generations of gastroenterologist.