Lauren Nelson at GW

[Anonymous]

It was the genetics people I had trouble with today! The doctor is apparently on vacation and the office was supposed to make calls for test results that came in while she was gone. Spoiler: they did not. And I have a medical history that makes those tests really important for my care. It just feels really scary to not have anyone paying attention or invested in my care.

[Anonymous]

PP then start seeing one OB for all visits and explain that bouncing around you don’t feel like anyone is following you. That’s the trouble with a practice that large. No point in trying to see all the providers during prenatals anyway since they have so many, you won’t be able to even see everyone so why bother trying? Delivery is a crapshoot but at least you can ensure one person is consistently monitoring and seeing you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It was the genetics people I had trouble with today! The doctor is apparently on vacation and the office was supposed to make calls for test results that came in while she was gone. Spoiler: they did not. And I have a medical history that makes those tests really important for my care. It just feels really scary to not have anyone paying attention or invested in my care.

I found the genetic counselors to be excellent, but i did have to call to ask about results for various tests early in my pregnancy. It turned out that everything was fine. i think they are very short staffed in genetics.

i have really liked dr. Jamshidi this time around. I have not liked Denicola. I also had a resident twice, Amelia something, and was very concerned about quality of care. (Nothing against residents as such - one delivered my first at GW and was just spectacular!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I saw Dr. Nelson as much as I could per some positive VBAC reviews on here, which was what I was going for. Like others, I appreciated her kind and down to earth bedside manner. She was straightforward, but, gentle and happy to discuss any concerns or issues. Ultimately scheduling was very challenging and I could only get in with her every so often. I did see her for my 6 week post partum, and she was great for that too. Dr. Nelson typically had a student with her at the M street? location. Student did my gbs swab unsupervised, and it was much more uncomfortable and unpleasant than I recalled from pregnancy #1!

I also happened to see Dr. Valentine several times. I didn't particularly care for her. A little bit overly sarcastic and condescending for my tastes. Also, I had GD, and she started pushing hard for an induction. I realize that this may be part hospital/practice policy, but, her delivery and tone really cranked my stress in to overdrive. Baby was due around labor day, and when the induction schedule got filled up because of the holiday weekend, she basically said I should present at L&D if myself or baby seemed to be in distress and needed assistance. Whew. Nothing like feeling like it's up to you to possibly make a life or death game time decision on when to present at L and D based on at home assessment!

I mostly credit my successful unmedicated vbac to my chiropractor and doula. I showed up at the hospital at 10cm, so, it was a really fast delivery (which Dr. Valentine also was present for and walked in making a snide comment about apparently not needing to schedule the induction after all!). A student also stitched me up under Dr. Valentine's supervision following delivery--some second degree tearing--Dr Valentine stepped in when it was taking a long time and finished the job. I was a bit nervous about how everything was reconfigured down there and saw my former very experienced and seasoned OB for an independent follow up afterwards. She said everything looked good and was a-ok, much to my relief!

Wow- this is exactly how I felt about Dr V. I had elevated BP readings in the office— but all my home readings were perfect. She kept pushing the induction on me and looking back I really wish I stood up for myself more. I caved in and trusted her as my doctor. My body wasn’t ready which is why it took me 51 hours and an emergency c section later to finally deliver. What’s funny is - every single hospital BP reading was perfect. I’m still upset at myself that I didn’t advocate more in terms of rejecting the induction. Dr V sent me I’m on a Thursday and it wasn’t until day 5 when I was about to be discharged when she finally checked in on me. I knew she wouldn’t deliver me- but wow, wouldn’t you check on your patient? Truly unreal and next time around I wouldn’t go back to GW either.

[Anonymous]

Also a big fan of Dr. Nelson - I see her when I can for regular gyn appointments and saw her for most of my OB appointments during my first pregnancy (though I did try to rotate through at least a few drs since I knew I wouldn't necessarily see her for my delivery). I think Dr. Cigna delivered for me and I liked her as well. Was not a fan of DeNicola (but I don't think he's there anymore) or Madkour; the other doctors I saw didn't stick out to be great or terrible either way. I also recently saw Dr. Gaba and really liked her as well. As a PP said, when scheduling, tell them the doctor (or two) that you'd like to see, ask when they're available the week that you need an appointment, and be as flexible as you can on your end.

[Anonymous]

Also hate Valentine. I only saw her once for routine gyno
care. She ignored and trivialized my actual concerns, which ended up being big deal things a year later. Her student also really sucked. I had never had a painful pelvic exam before then, but ended up bleeding for several days afterward. She should have stepped in, but didn’t.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Valentine is no longer with GW.