With a recent emphasis on how to improve maternal outcomes (especially in the African American community), I feel like I do not have the depth nor breadth of vocabulary to praise my experience with Dr. Ahdoot and his staff for their above and beyond involvement in my fertility journey, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
I truly feel I am a stickler on choosing providers who have wealth of knowledge and experience, but who also take the time to share that knowledge and experience to assist me in advocating for my care. Through this entire journey, Dr. Ahdoot took time to not only answer my questions and address my concerns, but he also verbally walked me through a decision tree regarding proposed treatments and potential outcomes.
There was never a question or concern that was too small or out there. He took that time to teach me and equip me so that "we" were making decisions about my care. It was through these conversations and his passion for educated patient involvement, that develops and maintains an open, honest, and trusting communication/ relationship between patient and provider.
And this remarkable dedication to teach and establish partnership, expanded beyond just me. Dr. Ahdoot also gave the same care, consideration, and space for my husband to ask questions and express concerns. My husband was treated as a valued partner in my care rather than a bumbling spouse asked to sit on the sidelines. By including my husband in these discussions, Dr. Ahdoot equipped my husband to be not only an additional support, but someone who was able to advocate for me when I was unable to do so.
It was this line of communication and trust that prepped me and my husband for the unexpected and prevent me from being another statistic of an African American woman with a poor maternal outcome.
Without sharing all of my medical information, Dr. Ahdoot and I had several conversations regarding the monitoring of my high risk pregnancy. We discussed the various outcomes and potential difficult decisions that may need to be made. We discussed the decision tree regarding my situation at almost every appointment.
So, when my situation changed, I wasn't caught off guard. I knew what questions to ask. I knew what to expect. I was prepared to make difficult decisions, and I could truly give informed consent.
Then there was Dr. Ahdoot. Holy cow. The stereotype of the doctor just walking into the room to catch a baby, was so far from my reality. As soon as a lab was received, he was on it to share and discuss the results. If meds were going to be added or dosages changed, there was a conversation. I was never out of the loop. My husband was never out of the loop. His expertise and care made sure this patient not only avoided from becoming a statistic, but I would say, I had a phenomenal birth and received concierge level of care for both my gynecological and obstetrical concerns.
Now to the staff. From the time I stepped into the office until I left, whether it was for an annual exam, follow ups for my miscarriage, or prenatal care, each member of the team acted as a positive and professional extension of Dr. Ahdoot. The nurses are knowledgeable and although they work to make all aspects of the appointment efficient, they never lacked empathy. Whether it is Catherine, Cathy, the young lady at the front desk, or all the wonderful smiling nurses, the bedside manner extends across all staff members.
If you are considering Dr. Ahdoot, I cannot recommend a better partner/provider to assist you, treat you, and guide you in all aspects of your reproductive healthcare journey. read more