Dr. Rory Matthew Smith, DO

I was seen by Dr. Rory M. Smith at the CHOMP Emergency Department in Monterey on 11/05/2025 during a severe pain crisis related to a documented genetic condition. The visit lasted only minutes and felt immediately dismissive. Dr. Smith entered with five other people without introductions or any explanation. Immediately, Dr. Smith stated: “we are not going to give you any pain medication today,” and “the ER is not a place for this,” and then ended the interaction with: “if you don’t like that you can leave.” I felt labeled as “drug-seeking” instead of being treated like a patient in a real medical crisis. No meaningful questions, exam, diagnostic plan, or symptom-relief plan occurred before I left in distress, after turning to the ER as a last resort. The MyChart record for that visit shows no labs, no imaging orders, and no medications given. Yet the physician note contains extensive documentation, including a detailed physical exam and descriptions of care and “offers” that I dispute… were presented or performed during our brief interaction. That mismatch is a serious patient-safety issue because inaccurate charting follows patients and can prejudice future emergency care. A Healthgrades review dated 04/23/2025 describes a similar experience, stating: “He didn't help me with my very severe pain and sent me home feeling worse…” This raised concern that my experience may not be isolated. I’m posting this so other patients know what they may encounter and can make informed decisions before relying on this ER/physician in a crisis.