I have a fascination with the subject of neuroscience and have read countless books on the matter (that was a pun because scientists refer to brain "matter"). Due to this interest; I wasn't entirely afraid when my doctor referred me to a neurologist and instead, I was somewhat excited. That is how Dr. Grigor Harutunian came to my attention.
Dr. Harutunian is a board-certified neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist whose practice can be found near the Chevy Chase/Central intersection of Glendale. Be extra vigilant about parking: the building has a small (free) lot in back but the tight entrance is one -lane and also serves as the exit. Speed in-there and you risk quite the fender-bender!
Taking the elevator to the second level opens to a lobby shared with a chiropractor but don't worry: you are in the correct place. The lobby is inviting-enough but still a bit outdated in décor/ color scheme being in dire need of a refresh - this can be said of the entire facility where the rooms are either bare or have framed "artwork" from 1992. Some reviews complain about the front desk gals and I can fortunately say I didn't have an issue with them but they DO focus a tad more on socializing than patients.
Anyway, let's get the nitty-gritty, shall we? I was taken back to an exam room to wait for Dr. Harutunian. Upon meeting him, my Empath-self immediately picked up that he had a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Meaning, he is very young and clearly educated (I am not questioning his skills); and I feel that he thinks he has to constantly prove that he knows what he is doing. Point being, this resulted in poor bedside manner and an attitude that was very off-putting.
I described my medical background, reason for the visit and read a list of symptoms I was experiencing. The whole time, Dr. H seemed zoned-out and as though he wasn't taking me seriously. Which was proven by his saying pretty much that: that he didn't really think anything was wrong or WAS but in a different medical field. I was frustrated and commented that this is "very real". Dr. H became VERY defensive and rudely replied, "I only said this is my opinion. Can't I have an opinion?!" WHOA, KIDDO! CALM DOWN! First of all, I wasn't belligerent and didn't deserve such an attitude but even IF I was; as a PROPER doctor, he should have kindly told me to relax or something along those lines.
Furthermore, I pretty much had to beg (because he didn't think anything was wrong) for an MRI referral (outsourced) and a nerve test (which he conducts only on Thursdays). He agreed but still commented that, "We won't find anything". NOTE: we DID find something! On the positive side, he was super fast with his referrals and I was able to quickly make my appointments.
I was apprehensive about my nerve test with Dr. H being that I didn't feel his bedside manner and attitude was appropriate. The test has two parts: first with a tech (I believe his name was Ara or similar) where you are essentially tazed with electricity on your arms, legs, hands, and feet; while the second part is conducted by Dr. H himself where you are pricked with needles and you must flex into the needles so that a computer can read nerve conduction waves. The first part wasn't painful but certainly 'weird' and slightly uncomfortable. My issue here was that the tech was a bit TOO familiar and kept addressing me as 'beautiful' and being quite flirtatious. I couldn't tell if this was in a sort of older, father-figure way or in a general "hitting on me"- manner. It wasn't so bad that it crossed a line; but I can see how some women wouldn't enjoy the experience.
While waiting for Dr. H for the second part; I heard him talking to another patient in an exam room and he was so kind and caring! Not at ALL how he was to me during my first visit! Unfair! Luckily, I also got this good version of Dr.H during the second part of the nerve test. He was much kinder, explained the test and diagnosis, and tried to connect with me in a friendlier way even asking me questions about myself. Perhaps he was having a bad day the first visit but as a doctor; he should NEVER let that impede on his work. Plus, other Yelp reviews mention his uncaring behavior so I think he is just hit-or-miss. Either way, I am very glad he was nicer to me the second time around.
Upon test completion, Dr. H explained the results and some gave me a printout but I felt I was the one who had to press on further steps to be taken and how to manage the condition that we found rather than him being assertive.
At the end of the day, Dr. H DID redeem himself which is why this review rose from a 2-star which I originally intended to 3. However, this practice certainly has some points of contention to work on: less gossiping among the front desk girls, consistent positive bedside manner from Dr. H, less flirting from the tech, etc. But regardless of these offenses, I think Dr. H is a solid choice in his field - if he likes you. read more