I was a loyal patient of Capital Women's Care for over 13 years, but what was once an exceptional…read moreexperience has turned into the most distressing medical care I have ever received. After my recent appointment, I would strongly caution any woman considering this practice.
Under Dr. Gonzales, my first two pregnancies were handled with outstanding care. He was compassionate, attentive, and made me feel seen and heard. Even with a very difficult first delivery, his team supported me through it, and my second delivery was smooth and complication free. I trusted this practice completely.
After his passing and the transition of the practice, everything changed.
During my third pregnancy with Dr. Melnick, I felt ongoing pressure toward a C-section based on uncertain size estimates, despite additional testing at my own expense. During labor, I experienced what I can only describe as coercion. I was told, "Do you want your baby to die?" in a highly vulnerable moment. My husband and family were present, and we all felt emotionally blackmailed into agreeing to surgery, even while nursing staff encouraged continuing toward a vaginal delivery. It was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life.
That C-section was over six years ago, which is widely considered a safe amount of time to attempt a vaginal delivery again, making the continued pressure in my current pregnancy even more concerning.
I returned due to location and my preference to deliver at Prince William Hospital. Initially, Grace Artrip and Dr. Lawson were empathetic and supportive of a plan to attempt a vaginal delivery if I went into labor naturally.
However, my appointment with Dr. Afram was completely unacceptable. He was dismissive, interrupted constantly, and showed no empathy for my prior trauma. He pushed aggressively for a scheduled C-section and demanded I sign an agreement committing to surgery if I did not go into labor by 39 weeks.
When I asked what would happen if I refused, he said he would "fire" me as a patient. The situation escalated to the point where I requested another staff member present. Even then, he continued to interrupt and belittle me.
The office manager did her best to de-escalate and support a productive conversation, but he continued his behavior. As he stood in the doorway, he told me he was "not a hairdresser" and "not in customer service," in an intimidating tone. When I said I would leave a review, he responded that he did not care and I could do what I want.
I have never felt so disrespected in a medical setting. While some staff members are clearly trying to provide compassionate care, they deserve a more professional and respectful environment as well.
After 13 years, it is heartbreaking to say this practice no longer reflects the level of care, compassion, or professionalism it once did. Patients deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported in their medical decisions, and that has not been my experience here.
