Dr. Tahera Azharuddin, MD

I had a very uncomfortable and disappointing virtual appointment with Dr. Tahera Azharuddin. I scheduled the appointment because I needed refills for medications that have been part of my treatment for generalized anxiety disorder for approximately 10 years. I expected her to review my medications and completely understand that any physician has the right to question a dosage, verify prescriptions, or recommend that a specialist manage treatment. My problem was not that she did those things—it was the way she treated me while doing them. When we began discussing my medications, Dr. Azharuddin questioned my treatment very harshly. She stated that one of my medications was used for weight loss, seizures/convulsions, and other purposes rather than generalized anxiety disorder and commented that my dosage was “too much.” As she continued reviewing my medications, her reactions became visibly judgmental. When she read “Topiramate, 200 mg,” she made a pronounced facial expression and… verbal reaction. When she read “Desvenlafaxine, 100 mg,” she reacted again. After the comments she had already made about my treatment, the facial expressions became too much. I finally stopped her and asked, “What’s up with the face? Why are you making those faces? Please stop making those faces.” I told her that I felt she was judging me and that, as a medical physician, she should not make a patient feel judged while discussing their treatment. She responded, “I’m not a psychiatrist.” I replied that I understood she was not a psychiatrist, but she was still a medical physician and should not be judging me. She laughed during this exchange. That was the point at which the appointment became particularly upsetting for me. I had directly told my physician that her demeanor was making me uncomfortable, and instead of acknowledging my concern, she laughed. She also asked me to photograph my prescription bottles during the appointment, which I did. I understand that verifying medications can be completely appropriate. However, in the context of the way the entire conversation was being handled, I felt as though I was being treated with suspicion and had to prove that I actually took medications that have been part of my treatment for years. Dr. Azharuddin ultimately prescribed a 30-day supply and told me that I would need to see a psychiatrist for continued treatment. I have no objection to that decision. If she was not comfortable managing these medications longer-term, she could simply have explained that professionally, and I would have respected her decision. She also repeatedly asked what languages I speak while discussing referrals to other providers. I am fluent in English, conducted the entire appointment in English, and never requested language assistance, so I did not understand why my language abilities became relevant to the conversation. My issue is not that Dr. Azharuddin questioned my treatment or recommended a psychiatrist. Physicians should use their own clinical judgment. My issue is the way I was treated while she did it. There is a respectful and professional way to disagree with another provider’s treatment plan or tell a patient that you are uncomfortable continuing certain medications. Making visible expressions of disapproval, speaking to a patient in a way that makes them feel judged, and then laughing after the patient explicitly tells you that your behavior is making them uncomfortable is not how I expect to be treated by a medical professional. I went into this appointment seeking routine assistance with a treatment I have followed for approximately a decade. I left feeling judged, distrusted, and extremely uncomfortable. Based on my personal experience, I would not choose to see Dr. Azharuddin again.

Dr. Azharudin is awesome doctor. She is very personable. She made me feel so comfortable as a new patient. The staff in the office is great.

I would highly recommend Dr. Azharuddin to everybody. Dr. Azharuddin is a wonderful caring person and very knowledgeable doctor. She cared enough to follow my progress at a recent hospital stay even though I wasn't yet her patient. She now is my primary care physician and I know I am in the hands of someone who cares.

I came here for the first time and I know that I'm not going anywhere else anymore. She's one of the only doctors who actually spends time with you and wants the best for you. Dr. Azharuddin is a very intelligent doctor and she knows what she's doing.