I won’t get into all the details of my visit because it was really emotionally triggering but I wanted to say that while the nurses are some of the kindest and most supportive staff I’ve ever had the pleasure of being treated by, the doctor they work with has no understanding or empathy for mental illness. I see another review added just two weeks ago about someone with trauma not being cared for properly and while my situation was different and not focused on the exam itself but the treatment around that instead.Basically I had a 10 minute talk that amounted to “your solutions for eating healthier still aren’t good enough” because an obese woman can’t see a doctor without being reminded that they’re in fact obese (oh and I’ve gone from eating 6k calories plus a day in McDonald’s to eating frozen meals and soups within a normal caloric diet and have lost 76lb in 70 weeks or so.) AND “have you tried not having anxiety? I’m sure if you just tried to do what I say and realize your fears are irrational then you’ll be fine.” Why thank you doctor, the professional I see whose job it is to treat my mental illnesses will be glad to know that you’ve found the cure for me and I’ll be fine. For all those wondering, too afraid to leave your house and articulate that you know it’s not logic based and are in treatment for it? JUST TRY IT ANYWAYS “just ten minutes.” You’ll be just fine! This was all before even getting to the actual point of my visit!Truly a distressing, and dismissive interaction. I won’t ever be back, and genuinely if you suffer from any sort of issues with obesity or mental health issues this doctor is not for you. Once again her assisting staff are both incredible people and if they read this I hope they know that in spite of the fact that the experience was unpleasant, thanks to those kind women I wasn’t completely traumatized by it at least thanks solely two the two women’s interactions with me and their kind and supportive treatment.
I would not recommend this practice to anyone who is seeking trauma-informed care. I informed Dr. Baruah that I have experienced sexual assault in the past, making annual exams difficult for me. I requested that the exam be taken slowly, with lots of communication. During the exam, she said she would just touch with her fingers and then proceeded to insert a speculum without asking.This was an incredibly uncomfortable experience. Later, during the exam, when I found communication was still insufficient, I requested that the appointment be over. Dr. Barauh said I could take my time, but that I needed to have my annual exam. I found this statement extremely insensitive, as I was clearly uncomfortable and had already explained that I would not be continuing the appointment.She also said, as a defense, that some people do not want to know when the speculum is being inserted. I found this equally odd and upsetting because I had, a moment earlier, clearly stated that I wanted to be very informed during the entire exam. The only positive part of my experience was the two nurses, who were both incredibly kind, understanding, and warm to me.
Dr. Baruah was very kind, welcoming and informative. She answered all my questions, and communicated everything she was going to do during the exam. I was looking for a new gynecologist and I am happy I found her! Her office staff Asia was also very friendly and kind and made me feel comfortable! Dont let other reviews sway you, everyone has different experiences, and mine was excellent.