Dr. Rolf Freter, MD

Failed to recognize and diagnose a life threatening hematological condition. Would not accept that my menstrual flow was not causing my severely low hemoglobin levels after repeatedly telling him it was never a heavy flow. If anything, it was abnormally light. I was discharged as his patient and ended up needing a blood transfusion less than a year later. Oncologists are not always the best hematologists!

Dr Freter is the reason my husband is alive and well today. He left no stone unturned in finding the best treatment.

I had a family member who was a patient of his. Not only was he AWFUL with bedside manners, he wouldn’t even fill the family or his patient in on risks, etc. I wish I had taken my family member to another doctor, at least a second opinion. Perhaps they would still be with us. Please do not go to the doctor. He’s horrible.

I have been a patient of Dr. Freter for 16 years. His research-based approach to cancer care is without doubt a main reason why I am still living. He is compassionate and always encouraging. I have total faith and confidence in his care and so grateful to him.

I went with a family member this week for a follow up appointment on tests that Dr. Freter had ordered. I am still in shock as to how poor his bedside manner is. I am amazed that he actually works with the public after witnessing his delivery. He delivered the news of stage four cancer with a smile on his face (which I actually had to ask for; throughout the entire appointment he did not voluntarily offer what stage she is at). No, I am not kidding. It was awful. He never once offered ANY type of human compassion whatsoever, not even a "sorry". He blankly stared at her as she was crying, couldn't even hand her a tissue. He was rude, arrogant, condescending and the actual time with him felt rushed and hurried. Another patient below asked whether people want to be coddled or receive top notch care. I am sorry, I really disagree with this statement. When you are delivering life and death news to sick people, a little compassion and sensitivity is in order. My mouth was… practically hanging open when he left the room. I have heard Dr. Freter is very good at what he does, but that does not excuse his horrible bedside manner. If you are looking for a human doctor that is capable of displaying emotion, look elsewhere. The majority of reviews I have read on him all have the same common thread... rotten bedside manner, now I know why.

I was sent to Dr. Freter by my PCP. While knowledgeable, I found Dr. Freter's bedside manner awful. He did not listen to me nor did he take into consideration my input as to how my body reacts to treatment. When I asked questions he did answer them, but when I questioned his decisions/course of treatment he acted superior to me. I have called my PCP and asked for another referral as I do not intend to see Dr. Freter in the future.

Prior to moving to the Dana Farber Center, my family member had an extremely positive experience with Dr. Freter's office and medical staff. In addition, Dr. Freter, while not warm and fuzzy, was responsive and easy to speak with. Once we moved to the Dana Farber Cancer Center, things changed. We had a VERY negative experience. There was no management of my family member's case; no one seemed to care; the oncology nurse never answered our calls and never even acknowledged this person's eventual passing; departments within the center were not connected. My family member was rudely dismissed and sent home when he could not handle an ultrasound, for example...when he should have been admitted to SSH instead. We were sheduled for checkins with Dr. Freter on a 3 month basis and if/when things came up in the meantime, which they always did, getting time or a call back was always made difficult. We had a nurse help us at home because no one at the Cancer Center seemed to care or have… a personal stake in this person. I hope things are better now. If I am ever in the position to use this center, I would really have to check it out and make sure significant changes had taken place.

excellent at procedures (bone marrow biopsies)bedside manner (none)poor follow upquestions not encourageddoctor for the admiring not enquiringmay work with doctor worshipers