Dr. Kirsch referred me to you for Mohs surgery to remove a basal cell (nodular) cancer from my face (running parallel to my nose). From the consultation to the removal of the stitches it was a terrible experience. The appointment for the consultation started with a 1/2 wait in a freezing waiting room. The girl who initially came into the room (she had no name tag and did not mention who she was or her title), named Nyla was less than friendly, and not reassuring. She was not able to answer my question as to what made a dermatologist who practiced Mohs different than a regular dermatologist (where I had gone and been referred). She told me I would have to ask the doctor. I looked for a diploma, certificate, or license, but couldn't find one that assured me that Dr Ross was licensed/certified to do a Mohs surgery. Dr. Ross also was not terribly helpful at providing this information. He just stated that it required more schooling, and a lab at the practice to look at the tissue while doing the surgery. Dr. Ross was less than friendly. When he asked me about my allergy to epinephrine, he told me that I would bleed a lot if I didn't take it. I responded better bleed than go into shock. I didn't think his comment was worded in such a way as not to alarm or make a patient unnecessarily anxious about an upcoming surgery (especially since it was close to my eye).
When I arrived for the surgery - once again it was freezing cold, and I waited outside the front door of the practice (just 5 minutes this time). Once again Nyla was the person who took me to a room and told me to lie down on the bed. She did not really say anything comforting or inform me what to expect. Dr. Ross walked into the room to talk to her and didn't even address me. About 5 minutes later, he came in again and did say hello. His manner is brusque and comes off as uncaring. I had my arms across my chest, and he sternly told me to "put your arms at your side" - and proceeded to give me shots (multiple ones). Once he started, I asked for the 2nd time whether they were going to cover my eye. Nyla and Dr. Ross had previously said they were going to, but they didn't. Both of my sisters have had Mohs around the same area, and the surgeon protected their eyes. Both also said the procedure was not painful at all only the shot was a bit uncomfortable. Without going into detail, the whole surgery was incredibly painful despite numerous lidocaine shots. I felt the entire procedure. Throughout the surgery blood and lidocaine went into my eye. When I said it hurt, Dr. Ross said, "it won't hurt your eye". I have had cancer and numerous injections into my hip socket, which is deep in your body, with little pain. I am not a "baby". Dr. Ross was rough, pushed my head around like it was a piece of wood, and used my nose like it was a hook to stabilize his hand. He never used calming or positive words or explanations to get me through what was a very difficult surgery for me except finally at the very end when stitching me up he said "this is the last pass of the needle". I am a red head, and I have had trouble with anesthetics before. According to studies done by NIH, anesthetic requirement is increased in redheads by about 20%.
Less important, but not a positive reflection on the practice is the following: When I went for the consultation, I had a Band-Aid on my biopsy to protect it from dirt, but mostly from my glasses, which I must use to see. I was told by three employees at your practice that I should not cover it, that it would heal better with exposure to the air. I informed them that it hurt to wear glasses and while checking out asked for a Band-Aid. Nyla came back a few minutes later with an opened band aid in her ungloved hand that was cut in half and gave it to me. I found this to be disgusting, unsanitary, and miserly. I have healed physically, although a section of the incision looks rather red and irritated. The whole experience was distressing. read more