Dr. Tiffany Kuo

Our family had an extremely disappointing experience with Dr. Tiffany Kuo while my grandmother was being treated at El Camino Hospital. Grandma is near end-of-life, and we wanted to understand her care options whether her new medication was helping, and if an X-ray could show any improvement before transitioning home with hospice. When we asked about getting an X-ray, Dr. Kuo questioned, “What’s the point if she’s going to hospice?” We explained that we just wanted to know whether the medication was working so we could care for her properly and make informed decisions. Instead of showing empathy or taking the time to clarify, Dr. Kuo became defensive, saying, “I’m the doctor and you’re not listening to my advice.” My father tried to reason with her, saying, “We just want to see so we know how to take care of her. If it’s not going to harm her, why not?” But rather than continue the discussion, Dr. Kuo abruptly left the room and closed the door on us. It was a painful and… disheartening moment during an already emotional time. Fortunately, Grandma’s palliative care nurse, Jo Ann, stepped in with compassion and understanding. She listened, helped arrange for the X-ray. We’re deeply grateful for Jo Ann’s professionalism and empathy, something we wish Dr. Kuo had also shown toward our family and our elderly loved one. Everyone can have a bad day, but as a physician caring for fragile, elderly patients and their families, empathy and basic bedside manners are essential. Dr. Kuo may be clinically knowledgeable, but the way she communicated with our family was rude and dismissive. I truly hope she reflects on this experience and receives additional training in patient and family communication, because no one should be treated that way during such a vulnerable time.