Posted 11/17/2016 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Like Keith I followed my gastroenterologist from Mt. Sinai to WCMC, which doesn't always offer patients much in the way of solid organization or office amenities. Believe me, the Roberts Center is an oasis for IBDers compared to what one can encounter in other divisions of WCMC or at different NYC medical institutions. Actually, it's a victim of its doctors' success at treating IBD that causes support staff turnover-- because WCMC has never allotted the office space & funding to IBD care that it gives to more "prestigious" medical concerns like cardiology, fertility, neurology, and a few other depts.; therefore, the Roberts office has become a very overcrowded environment compared to what it was when 1st opened in 2006 with far fewer doctors & IBD patients. It does seem, though, that in NYC the depts. that generate huge donations from super-wealthy contributors (like $25 million and up) are the ones that get the top office locations and plenty of longterm support staff no matter which medical center a patient deals with. On the other hand, we have gotten complaints here on the Forum from IBDers in the Boston area about lack of phone support, etc. at IBD centers there-- so you're not alone with such dissatisfactions. I'd advise you to avoid phoning on Monday AMs & lunch hours, say 12-2 PM. If your doctor helps you to feel better steadily, that's the only reason to put up with office hassles, and worth it in the case of IBD-- because most physicians don't know enough about our ailments to help over time, nor if/when we have complications. / Old Hat (36 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)