When I moved to Tyler 4 years ago, I had no clue who to call for a referral to a Physician. After a…read moregym injury, I called ETMC, and was directed to Doug Johnston. Let me preface- Doug is a friendly, and talkative guy. I think he exudes a pleasant demeanor, sans arrogance, that a lot of doctors, unfortunately possess.
I had what I believed was a nerve injury, and Doug Johnston prescribed a certain medication. The medication did nothing to help, and even though Dr. Johnston was friendly, I didn't find him, in my opinion, to be very thorough. In fact, he even made a comment to the effect of (not verbatim) that he could look at someone, and tell if they were healthy or not. Really? {shaking my head} (I wish I had the gift to look at a car, and tell, solely by physical appearance, if it would be a reliable, maintenance free vehicle.) Solely due to what I felt was not a thorough assessment, I called ETMC to ask if I could see another Physician, to get a second opinion. Dr. Johnston, according to ETMC, refused to release me to another Physician. So, I was stuck with Doug. {Applause}
Since I was stuck with Doug (at least at ETMC), I did go back for my physical exam. Once again, I found Dr. Johnston to be very friendly, but lacked the thoroughness that Physicians I've seen in the past implemented in their exams. My physical exams generally consisted of the following: he listened to my lungs, heart- possibly looked at my eyes, ears, and throat, and then would usually ask what blood tests I wanted. Easy breezy, and usually consisted of a 2-5 minute physical exam, accompanied with approximately 5-10 minutes of casual talking.
To be fair- I shouldn't of continued to go back to Dr. Johnston. I was lazy, and quite honestly, got accustomed to a quick, easy exam. This is partly my fault. In hindsight, I should've made the switch to a Physician at a private practice, or at Trinity Mother Frances, since I was bound to Doug, and he refused to let me see another Physician at ETMC.
In addition to what I viewed as not thorough healthcare, Dr. Johnston's nurse, in my opinion, is one of the most disgustingly rude individuals I have ever had to deal with. Ever. The final straw was a few weeks ago, when I was in unbearable pain, and needed a referral to a surgeon. In fact, a local surgeon agreed to see me (we have mutual friends), and made arrangements to get my situation resolved, but Dr. Johnston's nurse said, "Well he's on vacation for two weeks, I can't get you a referral." Unprofessional, and unacceptable! Do you remember how I said she's "disgustingly rude?" Sure you do. This time, I was disgustingly rude back to her, and decided to go above, what I view was a low level, rude Nurse, and finally got in contact with a Director at ETMC. Thankfully, I was referred to a great surgeon, a day later, to correct my situation. No thanks to Dr. Johnston, or his Nurse, I might add.
I informed Doug's Nurse that I was done seeing him. Doug sent me a letter in return, which I viewed as retaliation, stating that he would no longer be providing me with medical care. Juvenile, in my opinion, but who cares. Good riddance! {washing my hands clean}
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Dr. Johnston, or the Broadway location of ETMC First Physicians.
