I gave Dr. Vi Laudureé Macarons as a holiday gift. I think you know where this review is headed…read more. However, I don't think she's accepting anymore new patients. Dr. Peter may still be.
Dr. Vi has been my Primary Physician since 2012. Previously, my Primary was in Astoria and I was with her from 2005-2012. I spent the last years there telling her how I was just not feeling right & complained of various fatigue & pain. After answers of "drink coffee after lunch, you're young, eat more protein, take Vitamin D." And finally, "When you're sitting at work, make sure not to lean on the arm rest, because that can cause abdominal pain." I clearly don't think that is the cause of my issue.
I searched around & switched to Smart Health- thinking that it's in a fairly convenient location, not far from the subway & takes my not-so-great insurance. With the first physical (the yearly's take longer to schedule since they're a longer appointment), Dr. Vi ran a full panel of bloodwork & eureka! found underlying chronic illnesses. Unfortunately to say, that her nice small staff and I are on a first name basis since then (between routine appointments, tests, & specialists), she has been the ONLY doctor of the many specialists that is advocating for my health woes and Medical Mysteries.
She has even called up my specialists and spoken to them about my case. Even asked Dr. Peter (saw him as a walk-in once when she was on vacation AND he heard about my case!). It's disconcerning when most Dr's just brush you off "Your symptoms are mild, you seem young & okay, come back in one year." Dr. Vi has attended conferences on holistic health, won't over prescribe harmful medications, suggests acupuncture, yoga, Thai Chi, has researched food-based diets & emailed me the information, asks about my life & environmental living situation, & plain old wants to help.
Appointments are never more than a 15min. wait. They're open late on a few nights & are open on Saturdays. They don't overschedule patients, once in a while I've forgotten referrals at my specialists & they were kind & quick enough to fax one over. Requests for prescription refills are fast as well. Bloodwork is taken on site.
I believe Dr. Peter speaks Thai & Dr. Vi Vietnamese. Their nurse Maria speaks Tagalog & the receptionist speaks Mandarin. The patients are actually pretty diverse: young professionals, seniors from the Asian community, gay couples from Manhattan. There's a nice relaxed Queens feel though.
One critique is that sometimes Dr. Vi is TOO concerned. At first wondering if my apartment was making me ill & suggesting that I move (creating a bit of stress for me). Sending me for scary tests, while specialists weren't (although I'd rather cover all my bases). Overall, I'm very thankful for Dr. Vi's efforts & willingness to research & communicate with me. When you don't feel well, the last thing you want is a Dr. that doesn't listen or care.
