Personal Statement - Don H. Pearson…read more
On June 5, 2025, I had a telehealth appointment with a surgeon, Dr V at Boulder Community Health to review my EMG results and ongoing spine and nerve issues. I had waited 6 long months for this appointment, I had MRIs, CT scans, X-Rays and an EMG preparing for this and came in with the hope of receiving answers and professional guidance.
My appointment was never with him it was set up with Dr Beasley and Liz her PA those are the people that I saw when I first came back to Boulder they're the ones who ordered the MRI the CT scan all of that they're the ones who ordered it and I was supposed to meet with Liz and Dr Beasley... Had been waiting months!
And when I get into the meeting suddenly I'm told "oh they're not here anymore" both of them which is very strange a Red Flag IMO
They didn't even give me the courtesy to tell me that I would be seeing this other surgeon and I have to tell you Dr Beasley and Liz always treated me wonderfully they're always very nice to me very compassionate you know very concerned...
And then I get in with this guy and he is just horrible just just horrible... Literally the most arrogant medical professional I have ever been around and I have been around quite a few.
Unfortunately, the interaction was deeply disappointing. I found the surgeon's manner dismissive and condescending. He cut me off repeatedly when I attempted to ask questions or clarify concerns, and I was left feeling disrespected, unheard, and invalidated -- especially given the seriousness of the symptoms I've been experiencing and my long history of spinal surgeries and pain.
The surgeon made alarming claims that my prior surgeries were improperly performed and even stated that I was "scammed," referring to operations by well-respected providers, including one at Cedars-Sinai. Whether or not there was any surgical complication is a matter for proper medical evaluation -- not for throwing accusations during a brief, one-sided meeting where I wasn't allowed to respond fully.
After the surgeon abruptly ended the appointment claiming an emergency, I was visibly upset and hung up after possibly saying "damn it" or something similar, no "F" word not even close!
At no point did I curse at the provider or use abusive language toward the staff.
The following day, I received a call from a staff member at BCH informing me that they would no longer be treating me, alleging that I had been disruptive and used inappropriate language. I categorically deny this. I believe I was dismissed unfairly because I expressed frustration over how I was treated -- not because I behaved in any threatening or disrespectful manner.
While I will not be returning to BCH for further care, I want to have this statement on record to clarify the events from my point of view. I remain committed to finding appropriate medical support and healing, and I hope future providers will treat me with the professionalism and compassion every patient deserves.
Regarding notes left in their response:
The "Cursing and Hanging Up" Note
This is classic CYA language (cover-your-ass). It's designed to discredit your emotional reaction without owning how they provoked it.
Reality check: I was told that I was potentially "scammed" by previous surgeons, that my nerve has likely been trapped for years (which explains your suffering), and that permanent damage may have already happened. Then, the surgeon abruptly leaves--without compassion, clarity, or closure. If I muttered something while hanging up? That's human.
They claimed I cursed at him because he had an emergency, that's complete baloney, My ex worked in emergency for over 20 years, that's is one thing I get, I did not curse at him period that is a LIE!
I did call the front office afterwards and ask was he always this rude, which of course they did not expect, I was being honest he as well as his PA both were very rude to me.
The Notes he left after my appointment were manipulative, and frankly, insulting.
The "You Might Have Been Scammed" Comment
Nowhere in his notes does Dr. V record his inflammatory accusation about my previous surgeries being a "scam." That alone shows his unprofessionalism: he wanted to sound like an insider but wasn't willing to put it in writing.
I Was Not Overreacting--I was Dismissed and Gaslit
I've been dealing with:
Real debilitating pain for years every day all day
Confirmed nerve damage
A difficult surgical history
A vulnerable post-op situation
And then I get dumped on by a surgeon who made scary accusations, offered no emotional support, and had the gall to document the fallout as my fault.
I would not to let this man near my spine. I deserve better care, better judgment, and a doctor who listens, respects, and collaborates with you.
-- Don H. Pearson