Dr. Thomas Downing Perkins, MD

We had a deeply disappointing and confusing experience this morning that left our family feeling disrespected and hurt. My teenage son recently expressed a desire to start seeing a male physician instead of a female one. Respecting his comfort and preferences, we selected a male doctor from the available options, who was listed as accepting new patients and set an appointment. We checked in, saw the nurse and proceeded through the usual intake process, everything seemed routine. However, once the doctor Perkins entered the room, the atmosphere changed completely. He refused to make eye contact with me or my son, and wasn’t interested in listening to my son. He was curt and unwelcoming, and ultimately refused to conduct a simple physical we needed for school sports and refused to accept him as a patient with no explanation. We were then told my son would have to return to his former physician—the female one he was trying to move on from. No explanation was given. No effort was made to… accommodate us with another male physician. The only way to obtain the physical forms we urgently needed that day, was to go back to his previous doctor, completely disregarding my son’s comfort and preferences. I left the clinic in tears, my son embarrassed and confused by how he was treated. This was not just a matter of scheduling—it was a matter of dignity, respect, and professionalism. We expected more from a healthcare provider, especially one tasked with supporting young patients through sensitive stages of development. We hope this feedback is taken seriously and used as an opportunity for the clinic to reflect on how patients—especially adolescents—are treated when requesting a change in care that should be handled with understanding and compassion.

Dr Perkins is excellent. Truly listens and cares. He is very helpful. Staff there is very courteous. I was surprised by the follow up calls after visiting even for a minor illness. Highly recommend him and the Perkins Clinic.

Dr. Perkins is great! He is very caring and takes his time with me. He does not rush me or judge me. I have seen him for several different things and I firmly believe that he is doing a great job. My one dislike is that a few I actually had to ask for him to run additional tests because I did not believe that what was going on was easily identifiable with out further testing. Also there was one girl in the office that was rude several times when I called to make appointments, etc (I think her name was Trish). Other than that It's been a great eleven years having him as my primary doctor and I don't foresee changing it anytime soon!

As is the case with most things in life, people flock to a great Doc, and Dr. Perkins has a great attitude and a great flock of patients. I am a tough patient to deal with I imagine, and he does famously well in keeping tabs on me and trying to head me in the right direction...