Sheila Chhutani

Easy to talk to, smart and always makes me feel comfortable!

I was a patient of this clinician for over 5 years. For the majority of my time as her patient, her demeanor/bedside manner was engaged and congenial. Her standard of clinical care seemed appropriate. Approximately a decade prior, I had been diagnosed and treated for uterine fibroids by another clinician. After beginning my gynecological care with her, at age 49, she prescribed birth control pills for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms of my very heavy periods. On my yearly well woman visits, along with typical pap test/pelvic exam, she would inquire about my periods and any fibroid related symptoms I might be having. During my yearly well woman gynecological exams as I entered the age bracket that the majority of women enter/complete menopause; I would inquire/ask her about whether I should still be taking birth control pills. Her response was "since you're still having a period during the inactive pills in the pack, you're not in menopause". Six years, from age 49, she… prescribed birth control pills. I trusted her clinical judgment. I learned from routine mammogram last year, at age 55, while, still, taking the birth control pills prescribed that I had estrogen positive breast cancer. The imaging facility that did the mammogram is the same hospital system affiliated with Dr. Chhutani's medical practice. After my imaging and needle biopsy I was told by imaging center staff member that I would hear the results from 'them'. This was not what occurred. Instead, they chose - without informing me- to forward the results to Dr. Chhutani for her to deliver to me the pathology news that identified that I had breast cancer. I would not have had an issue with this method of informing if someone at the breast imaging center had simply told me they would be forwarding results to my doctor for her to deliver. Again, they specifically told me that a staff member from the imaging center would be informing me of the pathology results. I did not hear any news within the time frame expected and discussed. I called the imaging center to inquire about results. Ultimately, after multiple calls to the imaging center, with no news re my path results, I got a call from Dr. Chhutani. I never received an adequate answer from staff members at imaging center as to the delay in informing me about the results. When I was finally successful in being connected to the nurse who accompanied me through/assisted the doctor with my needle biopsy, I got a 'brush off' from her. After my cancer diagnosis, I experienced a complete 180 in her bedside manner. It was as though I was simply something that needed to be moved along down the track of the imaging center's mammogram express. As a patient waiting for critical information that regarded my health, my life; I deserved better, more compassionate engagement than that. When I did finally get the call informing me of my cancer diagnosis, not knowing who the call was from when I answered; Dr. Chhutani quickly launched into the diagnosis of cancer. She did not think to ask if I was, at that moment, in a position to discuss the pathology report. It should be a matter of practice for a clinician giving difficult news to a patient to, firstly, determine/discern that they are not driving or otherwise distracted by work or other distracting surroundings. That seems like a reasonable expectation. I listened to her. I processed that I had breast cancer. But, the conversation was not what it should have been. In addition, when I began to ask questions of her that any patient who has just received a breast cancer diagnosis are likely to ask regarding 'what do I do now, 'what's the process', etc., she demonstrated a demeanor lacking appropriate empathy given the circumstances. She demonstrated a spirit of avoidance. It became evident that she would prefer to end the call as quickly as possible, telling me that I needed to call the imaging department... That, this was 'not her area of experience/knowledge', she said. Again, reminding, the imaging department had stated to me that 'they', not my doctor, would be calling me with the results. If the imaging center had been accountable to call me, I would have been asking them the questions I asked her. My doctor was not prepared to dialogue beyond telling me I had breast cancer. I got a detached, "I think you're going to be okay" from her. I do not have a medical degree, but I am adequately science/biology literate. The conversation with Dr. Chhutani ended with my understanding that I had a malignant, invasive breast tumor. However, what I learned after speaking with another clinician's staff member, at a different hospital system the following week, was that I had 'two' tumors in same breast. Another shock, another doctor's office. It's not okay to get incorrect or partial information from any medical establishment or doctor. Dr. Chhutani missed the opportunity/the expectation to adequately inform me on my specific cancer diagnosis/pathology. That phone call should have been handled better by her. In addition, the consensus in feedback I have received by multiple clinicians in my breast cancer journey (oncology/gynecology) since diagnosis, is that it is generally contraindicated that women beyond the age of 50 be prescribed birth control pills. These clinicians have corrected my understanding, -understanding that was based on Dr. Chhutani's explanation to me- that just because you have a period on the inactive pill days does not mean that it's 'menstrual cycle' bleeding. Because I have received correct information since changing doctors and becoming a breast cancer survivor, I now know that the pill can mask menopause by causing the uterine lining to bleed during the week of inactive pills, thereby mimicking menstruation. I was very likely in menopause for 2 to 4 years prior to stopping birth control pills. I should n

Dr. Chhutani is an excellent doctor. From beginning to end she was on top of everything. The only thing that I've been displeased with is that my insurance wasn't billed correctly, so I was told that my portion was actually more than is was. However, 5 months later the lady that does the billing in her office still refuses to reimburse me "until they get their billing straight". That's what I was told and the billing lady in her office also sarcastically told me that it could take up to a year to get refunded for my over payment.

This Dr. is okay for a simple exam. But is not only a poor practioner but a person of poor character. She did a routine hysterctomy on me that almost cost me my life. Did not inform me of all diagnostic info like my uterus on sonogram had fibroids as large as a 5month pregnant woman, which would have made a lap procedure inappropriate. She did it anyway. 30-45min procedure took 4hrs. Pulled foley in ORknowing she went through ureter tried to repair did not inform me. Sent me home and when problems arose would not call me back all day. I was septic,had 6-7operations afterwards, took no reponsibility. Through this course she abandoned me in the middle of care and another wonderful human being took over. I ha. 3 episodes after 3 major surgeries where she would not return call, 911 for first then ER then OR. During the last episode i called at 8pm insisted on speaking bc i was leaking profusely. She yelled and screamed at me for insiting on speaking to her when not on call. She does not… have professional staff, she had an inexperienced MA, who was afraid to give her info about my emergent situation. She is a menance to patient care and the hospital(Prebyteiam at Dallas-Walnut Hill did not care). I currently struggle with PTSD from her butchery, i have not been able to regain my life(unable to work, sleep, ongoing depression and nightmares, unable to trust medical practices and the documentation was atrocious. It did not indicate the extensive physical or psychological damage done. Happened in 2011 and now 2014 and this was first major surgery. She mutilated left ovary that had engulfing cysts instead of taking it out. Now it continues to grow cysts. Please for your safety do not use this provider or the hospital. Because in their notes they made each surgery look separate when they all were a result of incompetence. To make a mistake is human, but to not admit and take care of the patient is neglect, malpractice and monstrous behavior to say the least. I stil carry the scars, pain everyday, severe GI complications and urinary problems, but the worst injury is taking my sense of security away: you have to ask a lot of uestions, get 2nd opinions, good referrals from a provider you trust and report back to them about the care you are receiving, have someone go to appts with you if it is anything other than a preventive exam, and most importantly Never BELIEVE ANY PROCEDURE IS ROUTINE.IF NOT COMFORTABLE WITH ANSWERS OR LACK OF INFO LOOK FOR ANOTHER PROVIDER YOUR LIFE COULD DEPEND ON IT.

Dr. Chhutani was recommended to me by a friend after I complained about not liking my ob during my second pregnancy. I liked her just fine all the way through all visits. She was kind and attentive. The time came for us to schedule an induction date. We agreed upon a date, as she would be returning from a trip in time to make the appointment. Turns out, things progressed much more quickly than anticipated and another doctor in her group had to deliver my child. That part was understandable. The part I didn't appreciate is that doctor Chhutani didn't even come by to see us in the hospital. She never checked on nor acknowledged us. I found that to be very poor bedside manner, and we have seen the delivering doctor since then. Very upsetting and disappointing.

I sought a second opinion on treatment options, as presented by my usual gynecologist, for an advanced case of uterine prolapse. Dr. Chhutani spent a great deal of time going over my med. & family history with me before conducting a physical examination. I was struck not only by her obvious intelligence, extensive knowledge and experience, but also by her personable and pleasant manner in handling the numerous questions and concerns I had. She was sensitive to my ambivalence about maintaining the status quo vs. surgery or less invasive procedures and very patient, as she helped me to finally come to a decision. My intention was to limit the second opinion inquiries to just that - a one-time visit. However, after my appointment with Dr. Chhutani I felt fully confident in going forward with her recommendations and now, after 18 years with my gynecologist (who I have been fully satisfied with), I am pleased to say that I now consider Dr. Chhutani to be my new gynecologist.