Dr. Shahnaz Brigitte Koegler, MD

Misinformed. Reckless. Overly confident. Unethical. My experience with this physician has been alarming to say the least. Vagueness here is not ideal, but necessary. Suffice it to say this person is not someone I would ever feel comfortable having as my or my loved one’s anesthesiologist. Please request someone else. Don’t take the risk.

Dr Koegler is my landlord and asked for my medical records in the email below. I wouldn’t trust her medical advice if she believes lead dust isn’t harmful, especially to a house of young university students (mostly women who are at risk of infertility from lead exposure). She specifically asked this email be sent through the rental company to me and that the questions be answered as soon as possible. “ The first and most important issue to address is medical, and, to that end, I have several questions and concerns. Before addressing the medical issue, it is important to note that there is a concern for privacy concerning one's medical records and information. I will address this topic again below. Another important issue is anxiety, stability, and comfort. It seems that the lead based paint/lead exposure issue is likely causing a lot of stress and upset at 515 Catherine, and I am very concerned that much of this stress and anxiety (presuming it is occuring) is not actually based… in fact, data or actual recommendations, be they those of the American Pediatric Association, the AMA, or the Environmental Protection Agency: all of which support the general recommendations for reducing lead based paint exposure in the guidelines that are often distributed by law for rentals and sales of residential property. Regardless of the reasons for this concern or anxiety, I would like to address these concerns, so that the tenants may continue their school year in the most peaceful and stress-free manner possible. Regarding the medical issue: Has the third year tenant (TYT) had a blood test to assess for their serum lead level/prior lead exposure, and if there is any concern in that area, are they receiving proper medical assessment and treatment? Whether they have or have not had a serum blood level, have they had any symptoms or physical issues that specifically caused their physician to be concerned about lead exposure? While asking the above question, it is important to note that lead exposure is rarely a concern in adults or large children as it generally occurs from small children eating, gnawing on or licking things which larger kids generally do not eat or lick. More specifically, significant (medically notable) lead exposure would generally require BOTH flaking paint in very poor condition AND a person or child having unusual exposure to those flakes by oral consumption (such as a teething infant or toddler chewing or licking a window sill and, or crawling on a floor with significant lead dust/chips). Adults or large children would not usually be susceptible to lead poisoning or significant lead exposure even in homes that were constructed prior to the 1970s, and even when they live in those homes during routine upkeep and remodeling. Additionally, if the third year tenant has an elevated blood level, the presumption (until proven otherwise) would be that her/their exposure is from her earlier childhood years (for the reasons explained above). Back to the privacy issue, while the third-year tenant is free to discuss her medical information with her/their housemates as she/they please, she/they should be assured that neither the management company, nor the building owner will discuss any medical information that she/they disclose with the other tenants without her permission. **To that end, I am asking that the management company direct this email to her/them (the third-year tenant) specifically.** Many Thanks, S. Brigitte Koegler MD”