Alexander Shifrin's  Medical Group Ob/Gyn

On February 2019, I was looking for a new OB-GYN and decided to try Dr. Arutyunyan based on the positive reviews ZocDoc. I scheduled a papsmear and I found her to be very professional, kind, patient, and straight to the point. Since then she's been my doctor for both pregnancies -first being a miscarriage (she was understanding and caring through this rough experience) and my second one where she performed necessary checks/ultrasounds all the way to delivering my baby with no problem.

Dr. Arutyunyan is always willing to listen and answer any questions that I have and I've never felt rushed at any appointments.

The whole office staff is great. From the receptionists, nurses, ultrasound technician, and others. Each staff member always greets me with a smile and are just extremely friendly. Besides, I've never had any issues with booking an appointment.

Kudos to:
-Candice, Irina for always greeting me with a smile and calling me for appointment confirmations.
-Olga and Jane for always drawing blood from my non-existent veins.
-Anna for all the pregnancy ultrasounds.
-Christine for handling all the insurance claims.

I was recommended Dr. Shifrin by my primary physician. I went for a check-up and was incredibly impressed with the quality of service provided by the doctor and the front desk staff. The doctor displayed exceptional patience, taking as much time as I needed to answer all of my questions. Doc developed an action plan with me, remained polite throughout, and explained every step of the process. In Manhattan, it's rare to have more than five minutes with a doctor, but in this office, the doctor genuinely cared about my well-being and ensured that I understood all of my options. I'm truly happy to have finally found such an amazing doctor. Highly recommend it!

Dr. Arutyunyan has committed fraud and patient endangerment. I was attending their office for a scheduled procedure when the following transpired:

The physician planned to implant an unapproved IUD in my body. By doing so, Dr. Arutunyan would commit medical negligence, unjust enrichment, violation of the state's law against deceptive trade practices, FDA Regulations as well as the duty of Care. As part of taking responsibility for my health, I inspected the device offered to me for installation and averted what I believe is a considerable risk to my health. I feel that it is my responsibility to inform all relevant regulatory parties about this case since there are a lot of other women in danger who could get these devices installed where the identity, purity, source, handling, and storage cannot be verified.

My UID was to be installed by Marina Arutunyan, MD, who works under Dr. Alexander Shiffrin. I was brought to a treatment room by the doctor's assistant. She asked me to change and had the IUD box prepared. It was a package of a famous brand Mirena - except there was not even a single word in English on the package. There was no FDA stamp or seal. I asked the doctor's assistant why all the signs on the package are in Russian, and she replied she doesn't know. I asked to talk to the doctor about it. While I was waiting, all the articles in google would say that physicians are not allowed to use intrauterine devices that are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and any physician using it risks lawsuit and prison. Scrolling through articles about Obstetrics and gynecology doctors who face criminal and civil charges for using unapproved versions of FDA approved brands, I realized what a significant risk my health was in.

The assistant got back to me saying the doctor doesn't feel comfortable installing the IUD for me. But when she noticed I was taking pictures and videos of the IUD inside the treatment room, she left to inform the physician. After 20 minutes, the physician finally came to talk to me. She kept insisting that the device was FDA approved.

Dr. Arutunyan told me that she "installed these foreign IUD's into hundreds of women and never had a problem". I have proof of that.

Since the box only had signs in Russian and Kazakh language, as well as registration numbers, and not even a single word in English, I asked her to show me that his particular package is FDA approved. She simply ignored my inquiry. She said she doesn't buy the devices personally, and they are coming from their supplier. I didn't believe that New York state licensed doctor doesn't know the origin of her supplies. Even as a patient I am aware that even if the product is identical it may not satisfy FDA requirements for manufacturing, storage, shipping, and labeling that were imposed as part of the approval process here in the US.

I was nervous about the procedure to begin with, and now I was very distressed, disoriented, and shocked. I felt pressured, unsupported, and uncomfortable, my hands were shaking, and it was difficult to reject the procedure, but I felt like I had no choice.

I was very concerned because imported drugs and devices advertised as being identical to FDA-approved products are often counterfeit, bogus, unsafe, and ineffective. After I expressed that the device was illegally imported to the US from Kazakhstan or Russia, and It is illegal to use non-FDA approved devices, the doctor offered a solution. She offered for me to write a prescription, so I could pick up from my pharmacy the device I will be satisfied with. By that time, I already came to the realization that the FDA-approved version is the only legal version to use in this country. What if I didn't speak the language that the package was labeled in? What if the IUD was installed and caused problems to my reproductive health? What if I couldn't have kids because of some dishonest physician making some side income?

I felt like I didn't want to be a part of this fraud. How can I trust the doctor, who is whiling to take the risk of a patient's health in order to make an additional $700, purchasing IUD at a lower price than what Bayer distributors sold them for in the United States!

Dr. Shifrin is the best. I had been trying to find a good doctor for the last few years since my last doctor moved, and decided to come here. This was my first birth and I haven't considered another one, but I would do it all over again because of the care I received from this office. Dr.Shifrin's care during delivery kept me at ease and calm--even the student doctor couldn't believe how great he was. Also, the staff at his office is nothing short of amazing.

I saw Dr Shifrin for the first time the other day.( I typically saw the other doctors). He was very caring, kind and patient. He explained everything very thoroughly and really took his time to listen to my concerns and put me at ease. His entire staff is great! From Candance at the front desk, to Olga who takes your information and assists Dr Shifrin , to Paulina who does the sonograms, they all make you feel welcomed and cared for. Thank you

Both Dr.Shifrin and Dr.Arutyunyan are great. They've been my doctors for many many years. Dr.Arutyunyan was my doctor for during my pregnancy and she's really great and kind. She delivered my son and I had minimal tearing which really helped in my healing process. The entire office is so nice. They always make me feel like I'm their only patient. I just walk in and they already know who I am. I also really like the online portal so I can view my results anytime and send them a message/question. Overall, one of the best offices around.

Dr. Arutyunyan, is very kind and knowledgeable. She made me feel comfortable and answered all of my questions clearly. Staff is excellent as well.

Amazing MD
I have been a patient of Dr.Shifrin for over 15 yrs, He has delivered both of my children. My sister actually met him when in her 3rd trimester was having stomach pain and was sent to the ER by her OB. She sat in the ER for hours and Dr. Shifrin walking through the waiting room to do rounds seen her waiting and asked her what was wrong. He immediatley seen her and showed her compassion. Needless to say me and my 3 sister all became patients, He delivered 8 of my nieces and nephews. He is also a high risk OB/GYN. I had preelampsia throughout both pregnancies. He took such good care of me. This man has an old school bedside manner and is knowledgeable in any ailment, The office staff is wonderful. I never have a problem getting an appointment or a call back. There is no long wait in the office. Sat hours are available. I refer anyone who is looking for an OB/GYN to him.

I hate having to find new doctors but Dr. Arutyunyan recommended so i gave her a try. She was super nice, quick, and thorough and I was very happy with my experience. Would recommend her!!

Dr Shifrin and his whole crew are great, period. Candice at the front desk is very helpful and would take care of all your needs and not get annoyed at your multiple calls. Best way to test your doctor is when you are not well, because all doctors are good when nothing is wrong. And Dr Shifrin is the best proof of taking care of the problem. I really appreciate everyone's help throughout the years I have been a patient there.