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Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation
Rating Details »
Categories: Hospitals, Dermatologists, Ear Nose & Throat
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River East676 N Saint Clair Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 695-8106
- Nearest Transit:
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Chicago (Red)
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
16 reviews for Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation
I don't know what they're putting in the water here, but EVERYONE I encountered was so genuinely nice, I was floored.
I was referred by my primary to visit Dr. Michael Jones in the division of gastroenterology. He, along with his nurse (whose name is escaping me) really put me at ease with some tummy problems I've been dealing with. He even suggested an all-natural supplement, keeping me off any prescriptions (which have side effects). I appreciate that.
His candor was light, but he listened and took the matter seriously.
Everyone from the woman who I spoke to to book the appointment, to the woman at checkout, to the woman who took my blood in the lab were excellent.
I'm a big fan of Northwestern.
The biggest fault that I find with Northwestern is that it's so incredibly large you can get lost in the system.
My entire life I've always gone to University of Michigan Hospitals and Medical Centers because it's seems important to have doctors on the cutting edge of medicine. But never felt like just another number at the U of M.
At Northwestern I was shuffled twice with no explanation. My insulin pump educator passed me off to a doctor when we went over some test results (the doctor, Dr. Aleppo, grumbled before she began that she didn't know why the Rn wasn't going over this with me herself--how's that for respectful care!). And then my Endocrinologist, Dr. Kopp, passed me over to Dr. Aleppo.
No explanation whatsoever.
As someone who has a lot of juggling to do in managing her health, this is one more stressor that I just don't need!
I appreciate having the cutting edge science and technology, but I'm afraid of those clerical cracks that I've slipped through might also exist in my medical care.
Northwestern is one of the best medical care facilities in the area. I just had a minor surgery here and the doctors and nurses could not be more friendly, accommodating, caring and knowledgeable. I felt at ease when I was about to be put into the "twilight zone" as they did surgery on my arm. I never had surgery before so I had no idea what to expect. Every doctor and nurse assured me everything was going to be OK and better once the procedure is done.
I will spare you the details on what they did because it sounds pretty gross. I had very early stages of Melanoma. Melanoma is the most uncommon skin cancer, but the most deadly. I'm so thankful I had my suspicious mole checked out when I did. The surgeon who removed my cancer was Dr. Jeffrey Wayne. Dr. Wayne was the best and I couldn't of asked for a better surgeon. Not only is he good at what he does best, he has very good bedside manner.
I will have a pretty large scar on my forearm for life. But it will be a reminder to never sit in the sun for hours without protection (yes, I used to do this) and to get any suspect moles or spots checked out ASAP by a dermatologist.
I hate going to the doctor, but being a woman means that I have to go once a year for my annual exam down there. It's not a fun experience as all of you women out there know, but a necessity for knowing that you're in good health, both inside and out.
Over the years, I have been trying out different doctors, without much success. My one major complaint with all of my previous doctors was that they never sat me down and explained in detail what certain results meant or why I needed to have this or that test done and let me just say it was very frustrating because I had a ton of questions. Then when I would ask my questions I would get luke warm answers that didn't leave me feeling very positive or knowledgeable. I thought it was just me being picky, but when it comes to my body, I most certainly am.
So, when I put the question out there to my closest female friends on whom I should try next, the answer came back as NMFF. So, I thought why not give them a try. It couldn't be any worse than what I had already been through with other doctors, so I had nothing to lose. I called them up and scheduled my appointment with Dr. Susan Goldsmith.
Not really knowing what to expect I walked into the waiting room at my appointed time and was greeted by the front desk administrator who welcomed me with a smile and paperwork.
I thought I was going to have a long wait, but less than five minutes later I was being called into the examination room.
The medical assistant was very nice and took my blood pressure, weight, etc.
Then I met Dr. Goldsmith and she was exactly the kind of doctor I was looking for. She sat me down and we had an in depth conversation where she explained everything and answered all of my questions very knowledgeably. I left my appointment feeling like I had finally found someone in the medical community who cared enough to be honest and forthright but at the same time could explain things at my level to help me understand. She was cheerful and positive and did everything in her power to make my appointment go smoothly, which I'm totally grateful for.
Next year, when it's time for that dreaded appointment, I will no longer fear it, but return to Dr. Goldsmith because I know she has my best interests at heart. I will also not hesitate to recommend her services to any woman out there who maybe in the market for a new down under there doctor, so to speak.
Julian Schink MD, Gyn-Onc:highly intelligent; dedicated: gentle: sensitive: keenly aware of women's concerns.
My physician at NMFF was Dr. Bradley Merk. I went to see him several months after I sprained my ankle at work. After trying to get an appointment through other physicians I was pleased when his office called me back and treated me just like any other patient. You see, I learned pretty quickly that most doctors offices want nothing to do with workers comp patients; his office was different. He didn't judge me and assume I was just trying to get days off work like most people do.
When I first went into Dr. Merk's office I saw chaos. There were over 50 people squeezed in a waiting room and nurses running around. I thought to myself, "Oh great I'm going to be here forever". While the room was chaotic, I was taken in to see the doctor only 10 minutes later. The office has a fantastic system to make sure that patients are seen in a timely manner. They are efficient and quick regardless of the situation in the waiting room.
Dr. Merk was fantastic. He examined my ankle and listened to me, something that most doctors aren't even interested in doing. He took a quick XRay and prescribed PT and told me I should be back to normal shortly.
Overall, I have to say I was pleased with the entire experience. Not only was the staff at NMH very nice and efficient, Dr Merk was as well. For all those who have an ankle injury, I would highly recommend Dr. Merk.
This is a collection of really excellent (some world-class) specialists and support services dedicated to them. Their cardiology center has the adult congenital heart center in it (their specialized clinic is open every Thursday), which is the adult bridge after Children's Memorial Hospital for people who still have uncorrected congenital heart disease. The staff there is great, amazing, wonderful - Dr. Marla Mendelson, the director, is a pioneer in women's issues with adult CHD, especially with such women who are pregnant. Moreover, NMFF has specialty teams in most major systems, so when my kidneys failed due to my heart, I was able to see Dr. Cybele Ghossein, the most amazing nephrologist I've ever met - I'd rate her one of the best in the country (even though I know squat about other nephrologists). They are also not afraid to refer to people outside NMFF if they're the right people for the job; Dr. Mendelson referred me to a rheumatologist whose primary appointment is at Rush and only has a secondary with NMH (not even NMFF). Yet still, when there is an issue that requires a cross-consult, sometimes due to proximity and familiarity a doctor can just "run down the hall" to check something with a different team - say, immunology regarding an allergic reaction - in real time, rather than having to wait days for the formality of filing requests, making appointments, etc.
The facilities are very clean and nice, and aren't even that hospital-like - especially with the gorgeous views of the the lake and downtown Chicago (Streeterville). The amenities are simple but well-thought out - many departments have a cold water machine that is truly cold and has tasty water (ever notice how most medical facilities have water that seems to taste horrible and is mostly tepid?), etc.
Also, I have always been terrified of needles and blood draws. I swear that their lab (yes, they have half a floor of custom laboratory just for NMFF) is the friendliest team of lab techs I've ever met, but even more importantly, by far the most skilled. I often barely notice that I'm being stuck (and I have to get a draw approximately every week nowadays). They're actually sort of like a family, and I really feel comfortable with them. (This is NOT my experience with the NMH lab on the second floor, or even far worse, the CMH lab.)
They also have an online secure site which (if your doctor signs up for it) allows you access to send protected messages to your doctors, make appointments, get info on appointments, check lab results, and more.
I don't like doctors. I don't like being chronically ill. I certainly don't like having almost died recently. But since I have to deal with it - and them - this is perhaps the most ideal way to do so I could imagine. And that's why I've stuck with them for the past 15 years for my cardiovascular and related issues.
(Reading some of the other reviews, I would caution people to not confuse NMFF with NMH or NMPG - three different groups, all related under the Northwestern Medical umbrella. I actually made that mistake once and ended up in creditorland since I made a $1,500 check out to the wrong one!)
I've seen clinicians at NMFF on and off since 2004, and every one I've visited with has been stellar. I've had the good luck to see the same ARNP for regular visits every year that I've had the good luck to be insured.
The one "Oh crap, I'm pretty sick" visit was excellent- partly due to the close attention and expertise of the doctor who examined me, and partly due to the information system used by NMFF- because it involved a bunch of pain-in-the-#*& diagnostics.
Digital records management allows your records to move efficiently from practice to lab to diagnostics with minimal redundancy (it's hard to fill out forms with a fever), and the online follow up is user-friendly- and obviously paperless.
The OB/GYN practice is world class. If you're unsure of which practice to select, and they're in your network, go here.
I second Hillary's review for Dr. Pedro Dago. Although I have had good experiences at Northwestern, Dr. Dago's pretty bad. Again, rude, unresponsive, condescending and cold. If that weren't bad enough, I just found out on http://www.idfpr.com (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation) that he is NOT board certified and has a disciplinary history. I'll be checking out all my physicians on that website from now on.
Horrible. If I could give less than a star, I would.
When I called the office today, I told the lady on the phone that I was running late because I couldn't find parking. She scolded me like I was a six year-old. I was sort of in shock. Her attitude was laughably bad. I can't believe people like that keep jobs. Amazing!
I saw a Dr. Buchman in gastroenterology and left without saying goodbye or getting any of my follow-up stuff. The doctor, who was brisk and didn't listen to me for a second, actually made a thinly-veiled sexual remark to me. I told him I practice yoga and he asked me if I did "that pole stuff." Like, do I do striptease cardio or whatever. WTF??
Then Dr. Buchman told me the diet that I had been trying with success to cure myself of my condition was "ridiculous" and that the book I had found was a "scam" and that if he were me, he'd "get his money back." He wanted to do more invasive testing (I've already done all that testing TWICE) and said he was pretty sure he would want to put me on meds. There were very few intelligent questions and he interrupted me numerous times. One of my favorite things he said was, "Well, it's either something or nothing."
Something. Or nothing.
When he left the room, I was waiting for the nurse and I just burst into tears. I sat for a few minutes and then thought, "Wait. Why the hell am I waiting here for this? I hate this place. I hate that guy. I'm leaving."
And I did. I walked out, paid my stupid co-pay, and didn't schedule another appointment. The price of health care is so atrociously high, and the stress involved is so immense, I *refuse* to be treated like an idiot or a number. No way. Not anymore. Kiss my diseased ass, Northwestern. If you want my business, you'll have to do better than that.
I've been going to the Medical Faculty Foundation for about 5 years now. They have treated me for everything from a common flu to a really nasty ulcer a few years back. I always received good medical care but recently i switched doctors to Aashish Didwania, MD.
Dr. Didwania is really great. Friendly, thorough, and really puts you at ease. He actually went to medical school with some friends of mine and they all say he was a really great doctor...but even without their recommendation i would be sold. He really cares and gets back to you via e-mail very quickly when you have a question. He's definitely my go to guy for medical issues!
Another thing I like is when i need a recoomendation for a specialist he seems to know the people he recomends very well. Not just printing off the list anyone can give you. He takes your personality into account when recomending anyone. A+!
Eh... for the amount of funding this hospital receives, they could do better. I have used MWFF's dermatology department and while my doctor was OK, the service in general was nothing to write home about. The facilities are nice and you are greeted by good receptionists at the front desk, but exemplary service ends there.
The derm. I saw was nice enough, but a little detached. They do everything electronically now (which working in a hospital myself, I completely support), but she didn't seem to grasp how to type and still pay attention. She basically starred at her computer screen the entire time just typing typing typing. A little irritating
After my apt, she sent me to get blood drawn. Everyone I dealt with from this point on was pretty shitty... from checking out of the derm office, to checking into the labs front desk, to getting the blood drawn. Nothing in-particular I guess, just the very clear impression that they all hated their jobs and could give two shits about you. OK fine... but for $115 visit plus blood work fees... throw me a smile or something!
Icing on the cake was when I got a burn (on my face no less) yesterday and called to make an appointment to have my derm look at the burn. The response I got: "Well, um, see the things about that is that we don't have any openings until the end of June." My response: "Well, ok. That's fine and all but this is a burn on my face. Is there someone else I could see. I can't wait until the end of June to have this looked at." Yeah... wasn't an option. Called my old derm who is a little further (why I left), but stayed late to check out the burn for me.
I'd like to say you get what you pay for with NWFF, but the truth is you just get so-so service for a higher price. I wouldn't really recommend them.
I fractured my ankle recently while on tour in England. While it was a pretty crazy experience being an American hospitalized in England, getting surgery there and being in the Infirmary for 5 days, I can say that I was looking forward to getting back to Chicago and meeting with the doctor who was going to see me through the rest of the way.
Dr. Merk is a very nice guy, took time to listen to my back story. I thought he may not care too much because he is only overseeing the follow up, i.e. he did not perform the surgery, but he really took time to talk me through the procedure that the English Surgeons had done, talked me through what to expect from here on out and asked some questions about how the National Health Service (NHS) was. Although my x-rays and surgical notes were all given to me (makes for crazy reading FYI) he decided to take new x rays to see how things were right then and took the time to show me what was going on. Having never broken a bone or been hospitalized before I found him & his staff to be super informative and helpful, as the English Doctors basically said "You need this surgery and you are getting it tomorrow" They never showed me an x ray and I had no idea how much metal was in me until I got home. The English Surgeons never really told me anything about my procedure. I'm about 2 weeks into my recovery and look forward to working with Dr. Merk to get back to 100%. For people who complain about health care in this country, I just say try going to have it on another place. Spending 5 days in a ward (big open room, 30 beds with no walls) and people ailing from everything from stab wounds and broken jaws to serrated kidneys and heart attacks, you'll start to appreciate the special attention here.
I love this place. I mean, I hate going to doctor's, but I recently moved here from out of state, and am recovering from a surgery, so I had to see a doctor right away in their endocrinology department when I got here. The experience was not bad at all. And did I mention that I hate going to doctor's?
The nurse was very nice and everything moved quickly (as in, on time). The office is extremely well-organized. They actually give you a pager which vibrates and beeps when the doctor is ready to see you. It's pretty cool. Each of the examination rooms is also well-equipped with a computer, which is where all the nurses and doctors take their notes from your visit.
I loved my endocrinologist, Dr. Aleppo. She was peppy, smart, extremely nice and very detail-oriented. She really cared about me, and you could tell.
I see why this place came highly recommended.
Can I give 0 stars or below. HORRIBLE experience. I used their ob/gyn department. Had 2 missed miscarriages(meaning no signs or symptoms) both found at my 8 week ultrasound. Both times after getting the heartbreaking news that there was no heartbeat, I was ushered back into the MAIN WAITING area surrounded by lots of happy moms or moms to be. This place is huge with lots of offices so at the second ultrasound I asked if there was anywhere else they could put me instead of the main waiting room. The ultrasound tech told me "we've asked so many times for a room for these situations but they won't give us one." What kind of people do that? They were uncaring even before that. The whole place is like a big factory. It is awful.
I made my first visit to NMFF to meet with Dr. Aleppo and her fellow Dr. Rupp. They were both friendly and thorough. They asked a lot of questions and gave me a lot of answers. My appointment was on time and the support staff were all really nice as well. What more could you ask for?
