I like to swing around the ever-so impressive credentials that my Mom is a well-respected Dermatologist because, uh, conversation starter? But also because I think I have a good sense of thorough dermatology, having been highly dermatologized (sure, it's a verb) my entire life by a very intelligent, inquisitive Mom who is super into fun stuff like diagnosing unexpected cases of leprosy (also good conversation starter) and biopsying suspicious but ultimately benign moles on her daughter.
That was long, but my point is that game recognize game; and Dr. Lao is a solid, no-nonsense dude who clearly knows his shit. A lot. He won't bullshit you about products or treatments, and he won't talk down to you like you're a small, gullible child. No, he won't sit there for an hour and hold your hand and share laughs (which is why I miss Dr. Channing Barnett), but he WILL walk in having actually read your information, ask pertinent questions, and then make a suggestion, which he will throughly and succinctly explain. Which is what you sort of need from a doctor. HE KNOWS HIS SHIT. BELIEVE. If you need more feelings, chat with the staff! Lovely people! But Dr. Lao is more about the whole "efficient, clear medical assessment" thing. BECAUSE THAT'S HIS JOB.
I gathered that from going once, but I should also mention that I was referred to Dr. Lao by the best gastroenterologist in the world, who has also referred me to other amazing doctors and should be revered as a sort of medical oracle.
Other details: The office itself is small and awkward, but not awkwardly crowded or dim and depressing like sooooo many NYC medical offices (especially on the UES). The staff is totally lovely and personable. They have an electronic registration system that both seemed terribly efficient AND made me feel like a geriatric dementia patient, but, again, the lovely staff (the front desk guy is an angel)(not literally)(maybe literally? I'm not a ghostbuster or whatever) - what was I saying? Right, clunky yet efficient electronic registration system is a bit baffling if you're... me... but the staff is so sweet and helpful that it's ok. I feel like I've mentioned how rare it is to encounter such lovely people who are friendly and kind in spite of dealing with however the crap insurance works, grumpy sick people, and endlessly ringing phones. It's rare, but here we have it, hooray!
...And I'd like to remind everyone that annual skin checks save lives so you might as well go to someone good because duh. read more
