Dr. Stephen Peter Markus, MD

Dr. Markus changed my psychiatric medications abruptly via a single telemedicine visit I had with him for a completely different medical issue. My psychiatrist and I worked for years to establish my mental health stability. He didn't think to ask my psychiatrist why I was one of these medications. He gave me some strange reasoning and an odd new mental health diagnosis. It's as if he was shooting from the hip a bit with medications and diagnosis. Needless to say, 3 weeks after this I decompensated and ended up in bad shape. Starting to feel better now, back with doctors who take time to explore my history and issues.

Doctor Marcus is what anyone could ever want in a doctor. I was treated by him over 4 years ago for about a year and a half and I have never found a doctor as great as him. He would listen to my problems and was never condescending or judgmental. He acted as a psychian as well as a great listener and friend. His attitude was always so positive and he is extreamly wise. Whenever I left his office I felt 10 times better then I had before I saw him.

I previously had a doctor who is one of the "top" rated doctors in the Seattle area. He never had any solutions for anything, nor did he ever seem to have time to listen to the issues. He only seemed to have time to write a prescription.Dr. Markus is the complete opposite. The atmosphere is very relaxed and un-rushed. He takes the time to listen to your issues or questions, and engage in a dialog regarding the matter. He doesn't immediately reach for the prescription pad as the solution to all ailments.What I think is truly amazing is that he gives homework. It's often to read a book, or to make notes regarding an issue.He also isn't the type to rush to judgment regarding an issue. He backs up judgments and treatments with results of blood work (as needed) so that he can make the best recommendations. For example, when discussing a pain related issue, my previous doctor repeatedly prescribed serious pain killers. They only worked for the duration of the prescription. Dr. Markus looked… at the blood work and saw that I had a significant specific vitamin deficiency. His prescription was for a high dose vitamin. Only one solution worked, and Dr. Markus was and has always been the right choice to have as a doctor since.If you want a thorough doctor, Dr. Markus is your best bet. If you want to the equivalent of a doc in the box, you will be better served elsewhere.

He is hands down the worst doctor I have ever encountered! Go to him if you want (my best guess judging from my experience) NO definite answers and hearing - "you may hate me, but..." at least 10 times in less than 30 minutes. He honestly couldn't identify what was going on and simply recommended me to other doctors after totally discouraging me about my condition. He appeared to not have studied anything about bedside manner or medicine. He appeared to know nothing and he was unapologetic about it. I left the office disgusted with nothing helpful whatsoever!

Visiting this guy is like visiting a friend. He's thorough but never pompous or a know-it-all. He's always interested in talking to me as long as I need to see him; I've never felt rushed and he's been my primary doctor for 18 years. I also especially like his openness to alternative forms of medical care. Besides that he's just a heck of a nice guy... honest, gentle, caring and a real professional.