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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Dr. Gittleman...What's Up With Your Attitude?

A Letter to the Editor:

"Does anyone know Dr. Gittleman (or Dr. G as he likes to refer to himself)? OMG, I can't believe he is still practicing medicine. He has to be the most rude person I've ever met, he has no sympathy for anyone, not that we ask for it, but every person I have met in the medical field has been compassionate to some extent....NOT HIM! I wouldn't complain, except I would like to hear other opinions. Two of my co-workers spouses were patients of his and have chosen to go elsewhere and I was at a dinner meeting Saturday evening and in final conversation his name came up and out of the ten people in our group 3 had been to him and had to find other primary care doctors. We do not have that many primary doctors in our area and should be grateful for the ones we do have but no can bare his presence. What is wrong with him? Someone please shed some light on it."

73 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is nothing wrong with Dr. Gittleman. He is my primary Doctor. I can honestly say he has been the first to talk to me about diet and medications.Yes he is direct and to the point. We all want to hear what we want to hear.Salisbury is lucky to have him.

Anonymous said...

Please let's not go on witch hunts with professionals here in Salisbury..

Small amount of people with have issues with anyone of us whether we are doctors or in any other profession

This is not helpful

Anonymous said...

I personally have had no problem with Dr. Gittleman. He has been great to me, but I guess that I also give him a chance. Maybe if you are unhappy with him you should ask to see Meagan East his PA. She is great and very personable. I had a doctor that I loved, but they stopped accepting insurance and living pay check to pay check I couldn't pay for the care upfront then get reimbursed later. It was not going to happen so I asked around and all of my family had suggested Dr. Gittleman, and truly I have had no problem at his office. All of his nurses and Meagan are great. My whole family goes to his practice.

Anonymous said...

My Mother was a patient of his. She has diabetes, heart and kidney problems. We asked him what other avenues there were for her treatment and he said "Why bother she's going to die anyway." What is so sad about that, he said very calmly without emotion.

Anonymous said...

Earlier this year i suffered the loss of a very dear family member. It affected me more than i realized and started to affect my health. i was referred to Dr. Gittleman for depression and anxiety. He was very understanding and kind and very patient with me. It was hard for me to talk about with him and he gave me the time i needed to explain my situation. He and his office staff were nothing short of wonderful to me during this very difficult time in my life. I just thought credit should be given where credit is due.
-Very Grateful Patient

Anonymous said...

I went to him for a short period of time. I think he is self-consumed. If he has passion for anyone he does not show it. I also have friends who do not go there anymore. It is a shame. He should bring himself down to the real world.

Anonymous said...

I think it depends on what kind of day he is having like the rest of us.....sometimes he is VERY rude other times he is more tolerable. I to was a patient at one time but no longer go there....

Anonymous said...

Dr Gittleman has no bedside manner at all, and doesnt listen to his patients...he told me i needed to go off one of my pills because i had been taaking it so long that it wasnt doing anything for me anyway..then when i asked him about it he gives me this i took chemistry class speech...hes a jerk

Anonymous said...

I have no doubt that he's a good doctor, but his attitude and the way he talks to people kills whatever good he could do for the residents of the Eastern Shore...a truly good doctor shows compassion for his patients and doesn't attack them about issues totally unrelated to the health problem at hand.

Anonymous said...

I have been going to Dr. G since 2000, along with the rest of my family. He is great. I think most of the people that have problems with him, cannot handle the truth. He is very to the point and up front with all of his patients. He is also a health nut and is very knowledgable about a healthy diet.

Anonymous said...

My late mother was a patient and my father is a current patient. Yes, he is very direct but he also has a very compassionate side. The day he had to tell my parents my mother had a terminal brain tumor, he cried with them. He is an excellent physician and even though the truth is sometimes hard to hear, he does have his patients' best interest at heart.

Anonymous said...

He can be alittle blunt at times but no big deal, but his staff will do anything they can for you. he as great help.

Anonymous said...

I believe he is smart, but he can be a real ass. Just because he has a Dr. title, doesn't give him the right to talk to a patient in such a way they end up leaving his office in tears. Not just one patient, but several. Especially when a patient has not been to a Dr. in years. It takes a lot of nerve for them to finally go see one. Then he crawls up one side and down the other and they never want to go back.
Oh yeah, thats' being passionate about what he does.
He is like this blog-you either love him or you hate him. Curious to see how it all plays out.

Anonymous said...

I do not know this doctor but after reading the comments and considering both sides I see a trend here.
It seems to me the ones who wrote they don't like him, have issues.
It seems to me that they don't want to hear the truth, they don't want to stop taking the PILLS and maybe want more PILLS. They might even be hypochondriacs.
I respect a doctor who is not in a hurry to write a prescription!
If a doctor gives you the riot act over your health, you probably needed it! It's not in HIS best interest that you are healthy...it is YOURS!
You people are unreal. It angers me to see people try to harm someone's reputation.
When people lash out like some of these people have, it is unfortunate.

Anonymous said...

Notice the pattern here folks? Some people have a hard time accepting advice or news they don't want to hear, and as a result, they want to "shoot the messenger". Yes, Dr. Gittleman can be very direct and to the point, and that is exactly what I want in a doctor. He is an excellent physician and our community and hospital are very fortunate to have him.

Anonymous said...

I think it is what day you catch him on. I left but I know some who have stayed. He has a God Complex. If you listen to him they have never built a coffin for a skinny non-smoker. He is arogant and sarcastic. One would think he is paying you to be there.

Anonymous said...

People, it's not a personality contest. It's about curing your ills. Now stick out your tongue and say aah! Next!

Anonymous said...

You can please some of the people all the time, all of the people some of the time but you can't please all the people all the time...words to live by...Dr. G is great! And I've lost weight due to his direct approach. Thanks, DR G.

Anonymous said...

If you don't like him, change and shut up! It is your choice.

Dr. G has been my only dr. while I have been in Sby. He is direct but that is his job.

The problem with our society is that we are too worried about being politically correct. No one tells the truth anymore and it hurts our poor little feelings when it occurs.

I was sad to see Tonya leave the practice. Now that was some eye candy!

Anonymous said...

I was a patient of Dr. Gittlemen. Seen him three times never was happy with his attitude or his bedside MANNERS!!!! When i made my appointment third appoinment i told them that i need him to to look at a few things and they said sure no problem. Well when the day came and like always there is never noone waiting in his waiting room to see him. He came into my room and as he open the door his words to me was I ONLY HAVE TIME FOR ONE THING. I stood up and said fine then u have no time for anything that concerns me, and i walked out his office and never went back. Now that is a Dr. with great compassion??? I have eldery neighbors and both of them where not happy with his bed side manner either and after their only thier first visit they too changed Dr. HIs office personal was good, HIs needs to take lesson from the women running his office or go back to school and retake the part about bedside manners cause i am sure he slept through that class the first time he took it.

Anonymous said...

I don't think it was proper to post the original piece about Dr. Gittleman. That only leaves, as it has here, to character assassination and a "witch hunt" mentality. As 11:27 and 11:34 pointed out so well, many people who are told something by a doctor in a blunt manner will say that he has an "attitude." We do not want to hear what a doctor tells us if it's negative or bad news. However, if the doctor's bedside manner--or lack thereof--bothers you, then find another more to your liking--or ask for his PA.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Gittleman is my Doctor and, personally, I appreciate his demeanor.... If I were a physician, I would be that way, too....

Anonymous said...

My first family doc was Chris Snyder, DO. When he decided to give up private practice there were 2 other doctors in Dr. Snyder's office and I asked his staff which one they would choose and they all swayed me away from Dr. Gittleman. I like my current physician, but I will take Dr. Snyder in a heartbeat. I haven never heard good things about Dr. Gittleman so I can't give you a personal opininion.

Anonymous said...

Too funny, we all have good and bad days! Of course, we expect our doctors to be super human, right! If he does have issues, maybe he should take a dose of his own medicine and get help from another doctor.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a lot of people are doing just that___they don't like the way he says it___so they are finding another dr>
I wonder how many patients he has lost with his sorry bedside manner>
Patients can complain to their insurance companies, too, if they feel like he has been unprofessional or out of line.
I wonder why his other NP Tonya left? His loss-Dr. P's gain..
Perhaps his waiting room would be full if he hadn't run so many patients away. Yes, his staff is nice and that is a plus, but I am not paying good money to be talked to like a dog by him or anybody else. There is a way to be direct without alienating a bunch of people.
Look out, he will be after this blog.

Karma.

Anonymous said...

I have been seeing Dr. Gittelmann for several yearts. I want a no-nonsense Dr. Tell me whats wrong, what my options are and lets move forward. He is super intelligent and is a far better family physician than 95% of the others around here. Keep up the good work Dr. G!!

Rob Frampton
Hebron, MD

Chimera said...

I have never heard anything about this doctor,good or bad,but people should be careful about what they say about health professionals.Look what happened to Dr.Shirazi,one of the best physicians the area had and his reputation was ruined.

Anonymous said...

As a primary care physician, I respect my colleague Mitch Gittleman. He has dedicated a good portion of his life in education in Medicine and as a physician deserves the respect of the community. If you havent noticed primary care doctors are in short supply. That may be because there is a general lack of respect and understanding of the huge commitment it takes to get through medical school and residency not to mention the financial burdens of college and med school debt. If you do not have the report with a physician please find another one. It is heartless to doctor bash on a website when we are a community in dire need of Primary care physicians. Its bad enough that as physicians, we get bashed by insurance companies let alone patients. We should be thankful there are physicians that are still practicing Primary care in this area. Most of us feel it would be easier to leave the area and work for some conglomerate and not have to worry about paying malpractice, paying mortgage and making payroll. Maybe one day we wont have PCPs and can get our care managed by 7 different specialists. Our society has become demanding and self righteous. Whatever happened to the respect doctors had for all the hard work and training to they had to endure. Unfortunately our society has more respect for basketball stars and musicians than for our healers and teachers.

Anonymous said...

gittleman is a joke. he only cares about himself and his bmw. He lacks comunication skills which are essential for anyone who can change a persons life, doctor lawyer ect...learn some people skills doc and I will come back!

Anonymous said...

Funny thing, the people who seem to like the ass hole tell the rest of us who don't that we have problems....well, I have no problems whatsoever since I stopped going to him....you should talk to other professionals and office staff who left his employ & ask them why they left......that would be enlightening for you!!!

And he doesn't need anyone else to injure his reputation...he does that all by himself by his actions. I wouldn't let him treat my dog!

Anonymous said...

All right i was staying out of it,but the good doc chimed in. No it is a customer care profession. If a cop is rude you would be angry. If the customer is paying a dear price for Gittlemans care as well as we are paying back his huge student loans. No one here has questioned his training or ability. Chris Snyder was my primary Doc he knew what he was doing and he was direct about every medical issue i had. Snyder left and I had to see Gittleman. The first thing he did was question my fitness. At the time I could kick his skinny little arse on a bad day and i am at least 12 years his senior.. I worked out five times a week. When I told him this he stated "I will put you in the chapter of the book I intend to write. The patient that died because he knew more than his doctor". I dont think he is quite that powerful he could be gone in a blink of an eye. I as well. I just think you can be effective without being rude. I intend to write a book called even skinny little arogant doctors dont live forever. I think he got picked on a lot in high school. I know he didnt like Snyder because Snyder was fit and professional. Snyder brought in 80% of business there. Gittleman just needs to remember we are human as is he. The last thing a sick person needs is a smart ass that is over paid with our hard earned money.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
And he doesn't need anyone else to injure his reputation...he does that all by himself by his actions. I wouldn't let him treat my dog!

6:45 PM

One of the best doctors around is Dr. Todd and Salisbury Animal Hospital and I will go to him before I go to Dr. G.

One thing about a DVM the patient can't tell them what is wrong with them so he has to be on the money when it comes to diagnosing and treating.

Anonymous said...

My wife and I did go to him. I was hit by a car and my wifes depression acted up. He told her to get some crutches and came into the room I was in getting my annual physical and told me it was my fault that she was like this. I was hit by a car and could not walk, but its my fault she became depressed. How professional is that? Real compassion for someone with an illness that causes people ot commit suicide. If he can't understand how to reat people like that he needs to pass on to a professional. We left his practice and haven't been back. Even his office staff apologizes for his attitude and behavior. Someone making 6 digit salaries should have a better bed side manner, no matter what kind of day he's having.

MelissaW said...

My husband was a patient of Dr Gittleman's until recently. He was offended with the way he was spoken to by the doc on several occassions, not just one. It wasn't what was being said, it was HOW it was being said...well, no, maybe it was WHAT he was saying as well, which had to do with me working to support our family (for the record, I am NOT a patient of his, have never stepped foot in his office, and don't feel as if he had the right to assume that his patient's wife didn't already have a job). It was enough to make us file a complaint to the licensing board, which I suggest everyone here do if they have had an issue with this doc. OK enough ranting...

When a patient there, my husband had an appointment cancelled because apparently the doc thought that playing golf was more important than his patients.

Based on my husband's experiences, we would never recommend this doctor, and have recently heard others say they've had similar experiences.

Anonymous said...

All I can say is at least Mitch Gittelman is American born and not one of those Indian freaks that doesn't speak much english and invades our country and take up all of our jobs.

You can't find a good American Doctor anymore.

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:20, I know Dr Gittelman doesn't play golf, so i think you, along with several other of these people, must be talking about a different doc. Dr Gittelman would do anything for his patients. Yes, he is not a warm and fuzzy guy but he more than makes up for that in the care and commitment he gives to others. Primary care docs are not paid as well as specialists are, and are expected to know everything about all parts of the human body and psyche. And often their patients are sick because they do not take care of themselves and don't follow doctors orders. I'd have an attitude too under those circumstances. I am sure any doctor in Salisbury you critique will have his/her naysayers.

Anonymous said...

I had Dr. Gittle man, he sent me for x-rays of my back. I went back to him after two weeks for something else and while there I asked him about my back again and he wanted to send me for x-rays again. It was only after I reminded him he had just sent me that he looked in my file and read the report. All I could think is what if it was a test for somthing life threating, would the results come in and just be thrown into my file with out being read? I think that kind of says it all! For me at least.

Anonymous said...

9:11, where do you get off with the "Indian freaks" comment? My primary care physician, who speaks impeccable, easy-to-understand English, is one of the finest physicians I've ever had (I'm in my mid-60's). His medical knowledge and gentle manner are very reassuring. We will be seeing an increasing number of foreign "freaks" as the number of people needing care escalates. You might as well deal with it.

Anonymous said...

He used to be a caring and compassionate doc...when he first started here. Now he's a rock star...gel in the hair, John Lennon glasses, spending weekends at gigs with the band. It's all about him now...too bad.

Anonymous said...

Hey Totmom, What ever happened to Dr. Shirazi? I thought he was great!

Anonymous said...

anon 5:38
You have to give respect to get respect.
Just because you have MD after your name doen't give one the right to be rude and crude. Again, it sounds like many of his pts have left him because of his attitude. The days are over where Dr. equals God.

Anonymous said...

Shirazzi is somewhere sticking his finger in some females butt and telling her to cough. Hmmmm Maybe they didnt have video at his Med School. Maybe He just got the wrong end I can see that happening. I had a sore throut the other day I just garggled with salt water. Last time he checked my prostrate both hands where on my back !! I dont know just freaked me then I found out he is a Gyno. I jsut have bad LOL. All in fun guys.

Anonymous said...

Stop busting on the foriegn doctors. I went to see Dr. Fukamara (real name.) Optometrist. He looked in my eyes and said very sternly. Yooo Dreyes a cardiallac. I told him no I drive a Yukon. He then stated it again You dreyes a Carderiac. I just got up and left. Im telling ya no freakin repect. Whats the eye doctor telling me what to drive anyway. Have a Delmarvalous Day

Chimera said...

Last I heard,Dr.Shirazi is trying to get his license to practice medicine reinstated.
And as far as foreign physicians go,I have personally PREFER them.They may sometimes be hard to understand but they have more "people skills" than native doctors I have dealt with.

Anonymous said...

All of these comments amount to slander! People are stating hearsay and ruining a good, decent hardworking person's name! Some facts for everyone: Dr. Gittelman does NOT refer to himself as Dr. G only staff and patient's do so, affectionately. His staff have been with him from 1 - 10 years, that sounds pretty loyal to me! He does NOT play golf and would never take off if a patient needed to be seen. Would you rather wait 3 hours to be seen by a doctor who doesn't care about you or sees you as a number or would you rather be seen by a doctor who chooses not to overbook 3 or 4 patients at one time and run himself ragged and potentially miss something lifethreatening? He does play in a band, that happens to play about 6 or 7 times a YEAR, not every weekend! He wears glasses so he can see, not to make a fashion statement! Yes he talks to everyone about diet and exercise, but he also lives what he preaches and watches what he eats. Would you rather a doctor pat your hand say yes I know you gained 20 more lbs and we now have to treat you for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and erectile dysfunction, but its not your fault. Get real. You go to a mechanic to hear what is wrong with your car, don't you want the same honesty from someone who is responsible for your health and your life?! These comments upset me, Dr. G is an EXCELLENT physician, who is caring. If some see him as crude and cold, then I am truly sorry since you do not know the true Dr. Gittelman!

Anonymous said...

I have been going to Dr gittleman for years now. (probably 8 to 10) I won't go anywhere else as long as he is practicing. You may not know it but he really does care about his patients. He does get alittle gruff at times but he has to in order to get your attention. 2 years ago i went to his office for my yearly check up. He got on me about my weight because my sugar was up my chlerterol was up and it was a matter of time before my blood pressure would rise as well. He told me if i lost the weight my problems would all go away and he was right, it did. I was pissed when i left his office you have no idea how pissed i was for the things he said to me. I said the same thing i'm going elsewhere, he has no right to talk to me that way, but let me tell you. After thinking about it and realizing that he was right i did need to lose the weight. Now i look healthy, my blood pressure is great, my sugar down to normal, and chlesterol back down. I weigh 120 lbs. I went to weight watchers like he recommended and i get alot of compliments, i'm 49 years old and look 39. When i went back 3 months later i told him how pissed i was when i left his office and he explained to me that if he wasn't to the point then i wouldn't care about my health so he made me care about me. If he had not gotten on my butt i would be bigger and unhealthier today then i was 2 years ago. I am very greatful to Dr Gittleman for caring more about me then i did myself. It may not always be the best way but it worked for me. He told me what i needed to hear and not what i wanted to hear. He was to the point. Some doctors don't tell you what you need to hear. They treat you for what you are there for and thats it. well Dr, Gittleman really does care whether you believe it or not. Thank you Dr. Gittleman. Thank you for caring about me and my health.

Linda Luffman, Delmar

Anonymous said...

simple solution

all the people that love dr. gittelman continue to go there. all the ones that have been offfended by his charming self can:
go elsewhere as many have stated they do
complain to the hospitol
complain to med society
complain to insurance company
satenta

Anonymous said...

5:12 pm
Being blunt and honest is different than being cruel and nasty. He can be nice and he can be nasty. He has been on the carpet for his demeanor more than once.
And my mechanic better not tell me what is wrong with my car in a nasty manner, either--or I will take my business elsewhere.
While some of the comments may be hearsay, Many of them good and bad-seem to be anecdotal (from experience)---
eveyone has their opinion. I personally prefer to have a dr who can be truthful and give it to me straight without completely alienating me. If someone talked to him the way he talks to some of his pts. he would be ready to fight. Someday he is gonna come off wrong to the right person and they are gonna deck his butt.

Anonymous said...

I have been seeing Dr. G for years, although typically just for my annual physical. I have always found him a mystery. I would say he walks the walk - he is in shape for longevity and to be disease free, not to "kick somesone's butt" as a previous poster seems to think important. He certainly has the degrees. I am always put off by the final questions he asks during the physical; "do you buckle your seat belt?, do you have guns?, do you have a smoke detector?. HUH?? I'm an adult! Purely conjecture on my part, but I was thinking that maybe the good doctor was a very good, "professional student" who chose Osteopathy by default. His behavior seems to be that of someone who really doesn't like what he is doing. Interesting personality. In my humble opinion, the bottom line is, each one of us is responsible for his/her own health. It is incumbent upon the individual to research health issues and to take a proactive approach to staying healthy. Having access to the opinions of a knowledgeable doctor such as Dr. Gittleman is part of the process. I personally don't care so much about the fuzzy stuff.

Anonymous said...

good job there Dr.G commenting on yourself at 5:38... colleague hmmmm i think not ....

Anonymous said...

I am glad that the majority of people on this blog post have had a good experience with Dr. Gittelman, however I am not pleased with his treatment of one of my parents. His communication and patient relation skills in this particular instance left a lot to be desired. To a previous poster who stated to the effect that there is a lack of respect for doctors, well, respect is a 2 way street...you get back what you give. I hope all currently pleased patients continue to be so and we wish nothing but good will to Dr. Gittelman.

Joel Roache, PhD said...

Dr. G's waiting room is rarely full because, unlike any other doctor I have ever known, he makes a serious effort not to make people wait. I believe his personality "problems" arise from the fact that he is from New Jersey. Folks up north are generally more, shall we say, abrupt than we are used to. He could be a better listener, but then so could the rest of us. I consider him my health care conscience, and if I don't like what my conscience says, that's probably my own fault.

Joel Roache, PhD

Anonymous said...

Dr. Gittleman is one oif the rudest doctors I have ever went to see. I went to his office looking to find a new PC doctor. I saw his PA and she was great! She laid out a plan for helping me and told me all about what my problems are and what causes issues in good detail. I had to meet with Dr. Gittleman afterwards and he told me that he was not going to do anything for me. He said I should take 2 tylenol a day as treatment for a herniated disc in my back and that as far as my sleeping medication I am on he was not going to continue to give anything for it. I have been on sleeping medication for over 2 years now. If I don't take it I don't sleep for a few days at a time. Why would you have someone working for you set up a plan just for you to come and destroy it later? In my opinion his PS should look for a better office to work at that would appreciate the effort she puts into patient care! Dr. Gittleman, you are the most worthless doctor on the easternshore! Go back to NJ we don't want or need doctors like you here on the easternshore.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Gittleman is one of the most fantastic people i have ever met. He has a very dry sense of humor which makes him absolutely hilarious. I can honestly say that i have never met someone like him in my life! If you know him and know his family you understand that he is a great man that would do anything for anyone. Im usually really sensitive to sarcasm and feeling like someone doesn't like me, which is the representation he gives off at first with his straight forward remarks. Once you know him you will understand that he's so straight forward because its amusing to him in his own head. when he says something that you may think is rude just laugh at his joke or go along with it because he doesn't mean it in a harmful way at all. When he says something blatantly laugh it off or encourage him and you will see how funny he actually is. He is very loyal and very honest and that is a quality you can't find in many people in todays day and age. You have to understand that his comments are not a personal attack on you. Try to take his comments lightly and you will see the great side of Dr. Gittleman that i have gotten to know and love!

Anonymous said...

After seeing Dr. Gittleman for many years i can tell you that he is absolutely against medicating unless completely necessary. He is such a great doctor because he gets to the root of the problem and tries to fix the underlying issues instead of medicating for a short period of time just to suppress symptoms. More doctors should be like him. He is not an advocate for prescription pain medicines at all and will avoid medication that has a high tendency for individuals to become addicted. This method of medicine is highly effective and makes the body stronger. Dr. Gittleman has absolutely 0 tolerance for someone that he believes is coming to him for strongly addictive medicines or to get an excuse not for work when they are not really ill. If he thinks you are trying to manipulate him for medicine or excuse notes he will quickly shut it down. More doctors need to be like this. He practices medicine the right way. If there were more doctors like him there would be less prescription pain drug abuse.

PatientSeeking Answers said...

Agree

PatientSeeking Answers said...

Dr. Gettleman is very rude. This sounds just like something he would say. We don't need to put up with the doctor like him.

PatientSeeking Answers said...

When I asked why he didn't approve of a certain medication he answered: "I'm not going to address that question...because they told us in medical school it was bad."

PatientSeeking Answers said...

It has nothing to do with "not wanting to hear the truth", it's his rudeness and his condescending manner. towards patients.

PatientSeeking Answers said...

Omgosh...You are not the least bit qualified to weigh in on this discussion.
You have never met this doctor!
You have never met the patients discussing this doctor!
If Dr. Gittleman's reputation is ruined it's because of his rude condescending manner with his patients. Not because those patients spoke out about his rude condescending manner. Get it?
Why are you even reading this thread?

Anonymous said...

I for one appreciate Dr. Gittelman. He is direct and blunt, but also very caring and supportive when needed. As a NP who has worked in primary care I understand the frustration with patients who come in time after time with the some complaints and problems yet have not followed any of my professional advice from the previous 10 appointments. They wanted to be 'fixed' so they didn't have to do anything. I'm not saying that is the case with all these people with negative comments. Having been in the medical world for 38 years I appreciate and trust him. If you don't care for his approach, then move on. You do not need to slander. Have you ever thought of saying something directly to him? You might learn something.

Anonymous said...

He has being my doctor since 2001. Thanks Dr. Gittleman for saving my life. I was a heart attack waiting to happen. When you told me my weight was ruining my life and I needed to loose weight to get well I was pissed with you and initially didnt take your advise until you got even more blunt with me and told me I am killing myself with lack of exercise and poor diet. I took your advise and changed my lifestyle; today I feel better and exercise and proper nutrition in a part of my life. For once in my adult life I am in good health and no longer at risk for heart attack or stroke.

Anonymous said...

Dr.Gittleman is the rudest person I've every met in my life. Gittlemam in my opinion is rude,lacks of compassion and communication skills toward his patients. Do yourself a favor and stay away from office.

Anonymous said...

Oh pleased,A medical asst could have told you to loose weight and deliver the message with compassion unlike Gittleman. I wouldn't not allowed Gittleman to treat my cat!

Anonymous said...

No! NJ have nothing to do with this situation, I know many doctors from NJ and their beside manner are great unlike Gittelman.

Anonymous said...

No! Salisbury is not lucky to have a rude uncaring Dr.like Gittleman. What he needs to do is return back to NJ and I guarantee you he will be out of patients within a week,because no one from NJ will put up with his bad bedside manner.

Unknown said...

Dr gittelman. .. I have not heard one good thing about you yet.... no one would want you near them.. God bless and be thankful the girls who work with you. .. the female doctors you have under you are wonderful and don't need you to succeed. . People who are sick or don't feel well. .. you ate obnoxious . Arrogant. ..and rude. Just have to say there are people better than you

Anonymous said...

Dr Gittleman has soften up he cares about his patients and want his patients to care about themselves at least he keeps me conscious about my weight I will take an honest doctor anyway!

Anonymous said...

It shows something about whatever medical quality checks that exist that Dr. Gittelman is still being a five-star jerk eight years after this editorial. According to him yesterday, apparently because I was raped and involved in domestic violence in 2008 I have no right to say I am mentally healthy today and without my permission, told my psychiatrist that I was severely mentally ill while I sat in the exam room.

Anonymous said...

I've been a patient of Dr. Gittelman's for almost 15 years. I'm a 30-something male in very good shape with no ongoing/chronic health issues. I take no prescriptions.

I've usually only seen Dr. Gittelman for routine physicals. When I've had other issues I go to an "immediate care" clinic because I know Dr. Gittelman doesn't like to prescribe antibiotics. Twice when I knew I had a sinus infection and twice when I knew I had Strep(sp?) I knew not to go to Dr. Gittelman because it'd probably be a waste of my time because he'd just tell me to tough it out and it would clear up on its own.

Recently I went to his office because of a concern over something that I was afraid could be an indication of cancer. I know there's a 99% chance it's not, but I wanted him to check me out or recommend tests to make sure. He wasn't there and I saw a P.A. instead. The P.A., who I'd never met before, was very nice and seemed thorough in questioning and physically examining me. The P.A. ordered routine blood tests as a first step and said I would receive a call as soon as the labs were received. Well, Labcorp says they sent the results electronically to Dr. Gittelman's office a week ago, but I have yet to receive a call. Sigh. Unfortunately, because I've been a patient for so long that I've just come to expect stuff like this.

For years I've thought about changing to a different doctor, but I figure it'd be the same or worse somewhere else so I stay put. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. But there it is.

Anonymous said...

The word is "rapport".

Your review as a medical colleague sounds like a promotional piece for an advertising agency. This works with college professors...not with patients.

The days of patients putting up with bad professional behavior are in the rearview mirror. The investment in medical school, the expertise, the knowledge gained, and the way a doctor treats a patient are all critical components of a great doctor.

But what really makes a doctor great?

Chances are, coursework in emotional and psychological aspects of patient care continue to be marginalized rather than emphasized. If a doctor has the expertise, but doesn't love the patients (and cares little for a compassionate approach and warm bedside manner) then perhaps tnat doctor belongs in research.

Positive patient interaction, is critical...it is everything. The psychological aspects of a successful medical practice cannot be stressed enough. A straight shooter is better in a western movie than a medical diagnosis and patient care. A medical doctor takes an oath to heal the sick and to be ethical.The unspoken requirementd are empathy. Trust. Compassion. Personal ethics. Doing the right thing, always.

Those who have related their own experiences about Dr.
Gittleman have been brave enough to share the truth. A bad experience is just that
...and it will haunt the former patients for all eternity. The world has a right to kmow if a doctor is having mood swings or is being abrupt or rude. NO PATIENT DESERVES THE BACKLASH OF A DOCTOR HAVING A BAD DAY.

If its all about the monetary aspects of a successful practice; if there is no longer joy in the practice of medicine and close relationships built on trust with people; and if a doctor is jaded....Then maybe its time to close the office -- for good.

We deserve the best a doctor xan offer. If a doctor cannot offer that to all patients, then do us a favor and go sell vitamins and nutritional supplements.

Enough said.

Miss K said...

Anonymous, how would you feel if Dr G told you not to waste his time on an issue...you are going to die anyway? Wow

Anonymous said...

Can anyone give me some suggestions for my grandmother? She is appalled by way he treats her.