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Dr. J. Kevin Harrison has been my cardiologist at Duke in Durham for over a decade. Man's brilliant, caring, and helped save my life. There's a video on the below link where he speaks a bit about his work. Bonus, his voice is one of the calmest and most soothing of anyone I've met.
Sorry to partially hijack, but is Duke worth the wait for primary care too? It seems that I wont get seen till February, but I'm trying to find a gastro doc too that can help me. So far, i'm not impressed with Cary Gastro but that might be my own fault.
Sorry to partially hijack, but is Duke worth the wait for primary care too? It seems that I wont get seen till February, but I'm trying to find a gastro doc too that can help me. So far, i'm not impressed with Cary Gastro but that might be my own fault.
I'll put my two cents in, but with an explanation of my choices. 25 years ago (in phoenix) had a sudden, rare, potentially fatal disease which permanently affected my view on physicians and our health care system. I hand pick our physicians. I have been in good health. In the last 10 years, DH has had numerous surgeries and medical problems (mostly old age related). 90% of our care has come from Duke.
In regard specifically to surgery and most specialists, the results have been outstanding. They did terrific work but were often aloof, had limited social skills, super busy and there was an element of what felt like being on a conveyor belt - especially the surgeons. BUT we don't give a rip about the bed-side manner or personality of a surgeon. He/she is a skilled technician. We don't need them to hand-hold, and we don't expect them like to be God. Their PA's were all great. Unless there is a persuasive reason to use a surgeon elsewhere, we're going to Duke. (Which is why DH had his carpal tunnel surgery done elsewhere.) Food as an inpatient is disgusting; they should be ashamed.
I've had the same family practice guy since we arrived in 2012, shortly after he finished his residency and joined Duke. He was fine at the start, and has become a better physician since. DH has changed internist four times in 10 years. One good one moved, two were unacceptable, now he has one that's great - also just out of residency.
BUT in the last 2 years, I've become very frustrated with Duke. Getting an appointment for a routine skin cancer screen was 9 months out (in fairness, UNC was 6 months). I needed an urgent GYN appt (not an emergency, but it was a painful situation); 3 week wait at Duke. I went to a well reviewed clinic and received services the next day. DH needed to see a neurologist; 5 month wait. DH has had skin cancer and needs f/U every six months; last f/U was scheduled 9 months out.
So we're taking some of our routine care away from Duke, mostly to non-university related facilities. If we need further treatment, we'll likely go back to Duke. For example, if dermatologist finds skin cancer, we're not having him/her do the MOHS. We'll be back with the conveyor belt revolving door surgeon at Duke. Like I said, it's all about the results.
If I were choosing a primary today, I'd stick with Duke. In a few years, I may change my mind.
【Don't even get me started on the Duke ER. In October, I sat in pain for 11 hours in the waiting room, and eventually was admitted. Totally unacceptable, but I doubt it would have been different at Rex (generally, I'm not a Wake fan.)】
My own Duke Cardiologist, Dr. Leithe, sent me to see Dr. Harrison for a second opinion. Dr. Harrison is top notch and gave me the solid advice I needed in my choices for open heart surgery. Top notch!
If I were choosing a primary today, I'd stick with Duke. In a few years, I may change my mind.
【Don't even get me started on the Duke ER. In October, I sat in pain for 11 hours in the waiting room, and eventually was admitted. Totally unacceptable, but I doubt it would have been different at Rex (generally, I'm not a Wake fan.)】
I've had similar experience as of late and a mirror experience with the Duke ER during the summer. Showed up at 10pm, didn't get a room until about 5am. I attribute a lot of problems Duke is having right now and over the past year to the pandemic though. There are a lot of people that deferred care and now everything is slammed as people play catchup.
Appointment times are a bit crazy everywhere though, even outside the Duke system. I needed to see a dermatologist and Duke was booked out for about 4 months. My primary care doctor (Duke) referred me to a private practice in the area but even they were booked out to about 3 months. It's just insanity right now to get urgent care.
Hoping this all starts to calm down by the end of next year.
All in all though, my experiences with Duke have been top notch when it comes to actual care. The surgeries I've had were handled professionally and the staff were always friendly. One thing to be aware of is that Duke has a heavy teaching hospital presence so you will get people shadowing your doctors and nurses on occasion, because learning. Doesn't bother me because those people will likely one day be taking care of me or others like me. Whatever they learn is a benefit imo.
I'll put my two cents in, but with an explanation of my choices. 25 years ago (in phoenix) had a sudden, rare, potentially fatal disease which permanently affected my view on physicians and our health care system.
Hi there. I am glad you are ok. Could you share how your view of physicians and our health care system changed? (Sorry if I missed it). Thx.
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