It's taken me a few years to bother offering a review of Dr. Forest but finally decided I'd make the effort. I was excited to finally get some much needed help with my back and hips and other pain-areas I've had for years. I met Dr. Forest at an Alameda event in spring of 2013. He took posture pics. of me and emailed a few days laters with results and a request for consultation. Our meeting was cordial and professional up to a point. The consultation was "free" but I paid for X-Rays, which was about 125.00 - 175.00 on the spot.
During my exam (I was in my boxers), Dr. Forest did a great job of locating my pain-points and getting a thorough evaluation of my overall condition and needs. As I was getting dressed, he asked me, "What do you do for a living?" I replied, "I am in the software industry. It's been my career for over 15 years". As I began to dress, he commented, "With the amount of tattoos all over your body, and how you look, I honestly thought you were a gang-member". I was quietly offended and truly couldn't believe I was being told such a judgemental and prejudice remark. Without reacting, I continued to dress and simply proceeded to mind my manners as I prepared to leave.
I wasn't sure what his comment meant as tattoos don't always equate to being associated to gangs. I figured, me being Mexican, covered in tattoos must mean that I'm just a gang-member. Nothing more. Forget my professional career, my college education and my fatherhood. I was there to obtain help from him, not be judged or perceived no matter how I look.
2-3 days later, I ended up cancelling what would have been my 1st appt. and called Dr. Forest. As we spoke, he admitted he knew exactly why I was calling to speak with him directly. We had a constructive conversation about his comment and he acknowledged his wrongdoing. He also admitted that he's had a tendency to be prejudice about people, despite his claim that he helps his "underserved" community. I simply suggested that his thoughts are his own and it's imperative that as a professional in this cold world, expressing them to existing / potential clients isn't in his best interest for so many reasons. Despite I'll always be offended by the experience, it's important that it is shared. Dr. Forest sent me an apology card and a refund. The apology card used to be on my refrigerator as a reminder to myself and my kids that there are professional people out there who live in a mask of racism and prejudice, while serving their community in a professional career. That people judge others on looks, tattoos, religion, etc. so as to make them feel beneath their better-selves. Now, the card lives in a drawer. Ignored. read more