Dr. Thomas David Mulgrew, MD

Dr. Mulgrew was inconsiderate, rude, degrading, and unprofessional. I was briefly able to convey my issue/concern, and then was instructed repeatedly not to interrupt him while he was speaking although I had information, questions and concerns as to what he was saying as his speech did not address my medical issue. He informed me that I had not tried to resolve my issue and insurance would not pay for unecessary tests, adding that he could order them but I had better be able to pay for them out of pocket. My issue was a new concern, frightening to say the least, and I had requested the appointment with Dr. Mulgrew for professional help/opinion, tests and discovery of what the problem was and what to do about it. I concluded the meeting as communication was not possible, only to be followed to the waiting room door, further degraded, lectured as to my non compliance in his opinion, and told he would be writing thus in my chart and would no longer see me as a patient. I have not had… such a terrible experience with a medical doctor before, and have the utmost respect for the difficult job, time and knowledge most impart to help those who are ill, scared and wanting to be well for quality of life. The medical assistants, office manager, staff and other physicians involved in the place he practices are considerate, kind, knowledgeable, and treat their patients with respect taking great care to promote wellness, answer questions and provide excellent care which is much appreciated.

Reviewer’s Note: 2nd attempt to review. 1st note, more polished and restrained, was deleted. Please excuse the the over-detailed explanation & rougher edges: At time of scheduling, was asked purpose of visit. Very explicit: Please request said MRI in advance to be reviewed (neurological implications noted by reviewing radiologist, referred by concerned PC), explain MRI & develop patient care plan/PT guidance. Waited 4 weeks for appointment. Fair enough. Arrived 25 minutes prior. 1st patient in a.m. queue. Upon intake, was told issues to be discussed. No, incorrect. Repeated purpose. No MRI data discussion noted in chart. Seen to exam room. Again, 1st patient in queue: 35 minute wait while clinic/doctor scrambled to retrieve/ad hoc review said MRI. Discussion lasted less than 2 minutes...end of subject? Incredulous. Obviously unprepared. When I turned to computer screen to ask specific questions, no MRI. I tried different tack i.e. feedback/advice/guidance to my PT for requested… assistance in safely tackling, overcoming my documented neurological challenge. At that point I was demeaned. ‘Doing it all wrong.’ When asked for clarification & proper method, was schooled in processes that I/PT covered in-depth conscientiously 6 months prior (PT also holds a Doctorate). Such a simplistic, demeaning dismissal. Topic quickly segued into pain management. He showed much greater enthusiasm about this aspect of my health care ( to be fair, I did not know he was also a ‘pain management’ specialist). When I demurred, he pressed further. I wasn’t adverse to a short-term medication ‘bridge,’ but I acknowledged that I had zero interest in a long-term medication regime/solution. I preferred his expertise of neurology to assist/craft a non-drug solution, as in PT, life changes. Open to guidance here, please. The visit abruptly concluded when I confirmed that I wasn’t interested in a RX solution of pain medication as a end-all solution. Was told a follow-up would be scheduled in 3 months. For what, he gave no clue. Possibly a new billing quarter for insurance purposes? Really? Pills are the ‘pain management’ go-to simplistic, cop-out solution? Abide or step aside? That’s the unqualified, ‘Ain’t got time to take the time/just give ‘them a pill’ regimen that aided and abetted our ‘American Opioid Crisis.’ I call it ‘My Lost Decade.’ I really expected a more disciplined, advanced medical response (especially from a ‘specialist). Guess I’ll have to start over with a qualified neurologist, as my doctor suggested, not a neuropsychologist/pain management doctor (code for quick RX solution). My bad.

Be careful: if you have a disease that has poorly established etiology and treatment parameters, he will simply stop treating you. I have huge deficits in quality of life from my symptoms. I have extreme muscle weakness, balance issues, recurrent fevers, and pain. My cognitive ability has declined dramatically. Dr. Mulgrew diagnosed me with a disease, but stated point blank that there is nothing much he can do about it and sent me home. He claims that other doctors "will probably have low interest as well." That is a verbatim quote. Incredible. Thankfully, he is not the only doctor in the world. Look for another one.

His Diagnosis was based only on his feelings about me not testing as he did no testing

Don't waste your time. Rude dr.

I would not take my dog to this so called dr. He is disrespectful, won't listen, didn't even look at medical records that I brought in for him. Terrible bedside manner! Rude! The office is dirty and smells like dirty diapers. Very disappointed!

He doesn't like to answer your question. Tries to get you to take medication that you've tried and know hasn't helped you and had horrible side effects. Refused to treat your problem and treated me like dirt!!

Without reviewing my full medical records this doctor told me he didn't believe I was fully disabled even though I have been on disability since 2008 and brought this documentation. He told me he wouldn't treat me with pain medication because I had the inability to return to work. What does he think didabled means? He said I was a product of opiate failure! Then told me he would only prescribe medical cannibus if I had a job. Judged me solely on the fact that I used to live in California. He told me to take some tylonal and a get a job. I have never been so disrespected by a doctor in my life! I wish he could walk a mile in my shoes. Then tell me what pain is! Don't waste your time with this so called doctor.

Dr Mulgrew was very understanding and helped me through the process. He answers all questions and his style is very laid back. Very open to questions and will listen to your points on topics. Thank you!

Dr..Mulgrew is very kind, well trained in his field.