AWC,
It took me 3 years to finally leave this clinic. The only reason I kept coming back was Tanya Kirk, CNM. She was the most kind and professional practitioner who made me feel so comfortable and always explained things. Unfortunately, she works only one day a week (Mondays) and after I got pregnant, I found out that she will be out of town during my due date. Long story short. Besides this practitioner, I see no hope to be understood and treated with professionalism and empathy in this place :(
Dr. Tomsen, who supposed to be the most experienced and respectful provider at AWC, basically forced me to start taking antianxiety drugs and made a few comments that I need to start seeing a psychiatrist after seeing me being nervous during the Colposcopy exam (excuse me!).
A few people here have mentioned that during your pregnancy at AWC they want you to meet all providers. This is not what I wanted, but I decided to give it a try. Luckily, my husband went with me to that appointment, the 12-week scan. Prior to this appointment I had no complaints or concerns and felt great throughout my first trimester. After the ultrasound, we were asked to see a provider who would consult us and interpret the results...Okay, our "consultation" lasted somewhere between 3-5 minutes during which the nurse indifferently and quickly went over the ultrasound saying how abnormal numbers are and it may be a sign of significant chromosomal disorder, and I need to do more tests, and even mentioned the word "termination"... Again, I understand that she didn't lie or wanted to scare the hell out of us (at least I hope not), but there are better ways to approach such topics! Since we knew nothing about it, we were in a complete shock and didn't know what to ask. I started feeling bad and had to lay down. After that, the nurse left and never came back to check on me.
Lastly, when I tried to transfer my records to another clinic, the front desk ladies made a mistake (twice!) and that transfer of records took forever, so I had to come in person 3 times to for my information.
I felt like a beaten up dog leaving the AWC. As of today, I have transferred to another clinic and started seeing another doctor who interpreted my results, did additional testings, spent significant time consulting. Thank God, our baby is well and healthy!
I hope this is just my experience with AWC. I am writing this review to let other ladies know if they are being treated with no empathy or respect to their needs and concerns, they should leave immediately, there is no need to wait for a miracle to happen. Especially if some of you are preganat. There are so many wonderful providers in this town. Love yourself and love your healthcare providers. read more