I was a patient of Dr. Larry Marcus's on December 24, 2024. I had seen him once in August of 2024…read moreand at that time he had conducted himself professionally so I was taken aback with his demeanor during my December visit.
I was there (each time) for a recurring tongue ulcer.
Upon arriving on December 24th, the receptionist greeted me and shortly thereafter a medical assistant called me in. Each was professional and courteous.
Soon Dr. Marcus entered the room proceeded to ask a few questions, which I answered, regarding the reappearance of the ulcer.
{Recently both my doctor and my dentist had asked what means and methods I had tried to help with the healing and/or pain--both of which were my objectives as well as theirs. So, to be helpful, I brought to Dr, Marcus a list of the 17 treatments I had tried during this latest bout [the date of my visit having fallen upon Day 27]}.
I began reading from my list. He interrupted me several times to say with an abrupt sternness, "I don't know what that is." Upon my mentioning one of the treatments (Stellalife gel--recommended by my dentist), he used the phrase twice--the second time being when I explained the reason for its being recommended. I got to #9 on my list when he interrupted me more aggressively.
This is the point of the visit when I should have left and will do so if I ever again encounter such treatment. But being stunned by how I was being spoken to, I mentioned two further items from my list because they were pertinent. He then said, with clear disapproval, "You silver-nitrated it?" to which I replied, "Yes, my doctor had administered the silver nitrate after we discussed the possibility of its being effective in, at the minimum, relieving a decent degree of my pain." Dr. Marcus then told me that the white areas around the ulcer were due to that application. I clarified that I'd had the white areas prior to those treatments and I had taken photographs (which would obviously have provided a more complete picture of the affliction and the timeline of any progression/change), but, again discounting me, he refused to look at the pictures. He stated curtly, "I'm talking about what I am looking at today."
He stated that nothing further could be done and vehemently turned down my request for a biopsy and/or culture. I then asked, "What do people do, who are in this much pain enduring this type of thing?" He replied simply that "we" treat those instances "conservatively." He also emphasized practicing good oral hygiene (mine is impeccable and I would be happy to provide the names of dentists and dental hygienists who can attest to this, in the event you would like that information in your evaluation of Dr. Marcus's glaringly inappropriate conduct).
Appalled, and, frankly, in disbelief over this doctor's behavior, I spoke as I gathered up my things, stating that my doctor had referred me to an oral surgeon for a biopsy--but I had first opted to see him (Dr. Marcus) because I had seen him previously and because he was geographically closer--but that now I would be pursuing my doctor's recommendation and going elsewhere for care. I then left.