This man is the least compassionate, least empathetic individual I have ever met in a helping profession. While he may have an excellent reputation as a surgeon, which I suspect harks back to his younger years, as a human being he is heartless. And perhaps somewhat unethical. I'll tell you what happened:
I am a large woman in my mid 60's, with severe osteoarthritis in both hips. I made an appointment with Dr. Salvati to discuss hip replacement surgery. It was my hope that he would perform a double hip replacement, saving me the risk of a second surgery.
When I was finally seen, after an hour and a half wait in the office, a young woman weighed and measured me prior to my going into the exam room. After waiting another 20mins in the exam room, I was taken for X-rays of my hips.
Another 20 mins, and the doctor finally walks into the exam room. He looks at my X-rays and explains that I have no cartilage left in one hip, and very little left in the other. He performs a painful examination to determine my range of motion. He leaves me with a sheet of paper that explains hip replacement surgery, and leaves the room so I can get dressed.
When he returned, he asked if I'd read the material and if I had any questions. I did. I began to ask about double hip replacement, when he cut me off. He stated that he would not operate on someone my size because there are too many surgical risks. He said I would need to loose weight "and not just 10lbs" before he would operate on me. I was now crying, because of the pain and the humiliation, and I asked what his recommendation would be. He suggested weight watchers. WEIGHT WATCHERS!!!!!!! As though I had never tried to loose weight and was not in agony from hip pain!!!!!!!!! He then left the room and asked that I check out with his secretary.
I came to him with a medical problem and he did not help me at all. He did not refer me to another surgeon who might be willing to try. He never even said any like "I'm sorry I can't help you". He attitude was that my pain was my own fault, and therefore did not deserve his help.
Additionally, I am asking why I had to go through the process of X-rays and examination? He knew my height and weight before he walked through the door. The only reason I can think of is that he would not be able to collect as much from my insurance unless he went through the motions. Hence my belief that he is unethical as well as unfeeling. read more