Please take the time to read reviews before deciding to spend your money or time with Dr. Jennifer…read moreRatcliffe. My wife and I had been trying to conceive for over a year and were referred to her office in Santa Rosa. Since we live nearly two hours away, this visit required significant effort and planning.
Upon arrival, the front office staff were kind, professional, and welcoming. Unfortunately, that is where the positive experience ended. From the moment we met Dr. Ratcliffe, she came across as aggressively condescending, dismissive, and paternalistic. Her demeanor toward both patients and staff was shockingly disrespectful, she openly insults and belittled her assistants in front of us. Moreover, she spoke to us as though we were incapable of understanding basic information.
Throughout the consultation, she made multiple demeaning and inappropriate remarks toward both my wife and me. For instance, she repeatedly referenced my wife's age (40) in a mocking, sarcastic tone, rather than addressing it professionally or compassionately. She would call her old multiple times and then laugh about it. I am not even joking. Her overall approach felt more like that of a pushy salesperson than a trusted medical professional. Instead of listening to our concerns, medical history, or family goals, she launched into an aggressive sales pitch for IVF treatment, emphasizing that we were "running out of time." At no point did she ask what we had already tried, what our preferences were, or whether we had any questions.
The most disturbing part of the visit occurred during the ultrasound exam. Dr. Ratcliffe was extremely rough and careless, so much so that my wife cried out in pain. When my wife told her she was hurting her, Dr. Ratcliffe grinned and said, "Yeah, I know," before continuing. This behavior was appalling, unprofessional, and completely devoid of empathy.
After she left the room, my wife and I immediately looked at each other and agreed that we would never return. The experience felt violating, dehumanizing, and unsafe.
In my opinion, Dr. Ratcliffe should not be practicing medicine. A doctor's first obligation is to "do no harm." Based on our experience, Dr. Ratcliffe not only fails to uphold that standard but actively causes harm--both through her behavior and her disregard for patient well-being.
I share this review in the hope that others will be spared from the same treatment we endured.