Looking for PCP in Northern VA - Recommendations?

I’ve been with my Primary Care Physician for about two years. In all that time, I’ve not received the slightest vibe of empathy from her regarding my obesity. I think the subject either embarrasses her or she finds it distasteful. Frankly, when I make an appointment and specify ahead of time that one of the things I want to discuss is weight management, and all she has to say is “eat less,” “exercise,” “avoid fats” I’m simply not at all impressed. She could have assumed that somewhere in the last 47 years, I’d already heard those bits of wisdom.    My weight is detrimental to my health, and I’m ready to find a PCP with experience in treating the obese. I’m not looking for a pill pusher, or someone who will merely sign off on a surgery referral. I’m looking for a full time PCP who can advise me on all aspects of my health, with awareness that obesity is my biggest concern.   Has anyone out there had good experience with a physician (female preferred) in the Northern VA area? The closer to Falls Church, the better.   Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions you may have.

I do not have a PCP in NoVA...I am in Richmond...but I wanted to wish you luck.  I changed PCP's in February of this year after having the same one for 15 years.  He was not horrible about the obese, but he was not great, either.  He talked about it at every visit and frequently mentioned to exercise, eat less, watch the carbs and fats, etc.  I brought up the idea of WLS and he was all for it and did write me a very nice letter which helped me get approval.  The straw that broke and made me leave was when I needed a RX for Nystatin and he would not call it in for me,  He said I needed to be seen and the first available was in 7 weeks!  I was NOT waiting for that.  My husband and I changed and  we LOVE our new doc.  He learns things that he is not familiar with and even consults with my surgeon on things that affect me.  He has only been a PCP for about 1.5 years but was a professor of medicine at MCV for 6 years prior to that after graduating from med school.  I am grateful to have been recommended to him.  He is impressed with my decision and the fact that I am proactive in my own healthcare.  He is always available to talk and answer questions and his nurse is awesome! 

I wish you luck in finding someone that you trust and will work for you...not against you!

My PCP is really good....listens and doesn't push the pills unless necessary. She's in Herndon though....Dr. Janice Ragland at the Herndon Family Medical Center. Her colleague at the center Dr. Horner (can't remember her first name & she's partially retired now) was the one that I had when I went through my surgery process...very supportive and helpful. They don't necessarily have WLS specific experience, but have been willing to research and learn along with me if something crazy comes up....besides most of the crazy WLS stuff that's happened I normally go talk to my surgeon's office first anyway.

SO...not sure if that's too far for you or not what you're looking for..but the practice as a whole is pretty easy to work with/get appts. when you need them.

My PCP is also very awesome - Her name is Dr. Michelle Aronhime and she is one of the main things I'll miss when I move to Tennessee ;x

She's at the Prince William Family Medicine practice in Manassas and her the office number is: 703-257-8090

I can tell you that in the 3 or so years I've been seeing her, she has been encouraging, compassionate and understanding.  There just aren't enough nice words to describe her -

Rho

I don't know if my PCP is accepting new patients or not, but its worth a try.  Her name is Dr. Joanne Crantz at NOVAMed in Fairfax, just off Route 50 and the beltway, pretty close to Falls Church.  I have been going to her since I was 14 and have been overweight the entire time.  She is one of my biggest supports for WLS, but has done her best to help me along the way.  I was pretty resistant to her help when I was younger so she probably could have done a lot more to help me out.  Their office number is 703-641-0333.  I don't have much experience with the other doctor's in the practice.

Good luck, hope this helps,
Amanda