Question:
Has anyone had Dr.Welker or Dr.McConnell at OHSU in OR?

I have heard wonderful things about both doctors and am wondering if anyone on this list had either? I haven't gone in for a consult yet but I want to make sure I have a great surgeon. Thanks~    — Jenifer S. (posted on July 16, 2000)

July 16, 2000
My surgeon said that Dr. McConnell was a good choice. He said this on my first consult with him (Dr. Freidman) pre-op. He could have just told me that he didn't know the man but he didn't. I know they don't put each other down but they don't normally talk about anyone else either. Hope this helps.
   — char T.

July 16, 2000
Jen, I haven't been to see Dr. Welker yet. Hoping I can have him do my DS when insurance approves me. When I emailed him asking for his advice, he personally emailed me back within the day. He also called me at home to have a one to one conversation about what I wanted to have done. He gave me some suggestions on some tests to have done to see if it would help my case. He was very friendly. I was very impressed that he cared so much to take time from his lunch hour to call me at home, with my permission of course. Good luck to you in your research.
   — Carla K.

July 17, 2000
Hi, I had the DS with Dr. Welker and could not have asked for a better, more caring doctor! He even did a "house call" at the motel after I was released. I live in CA, about 6 hrs. from Portland, and had some problems post op. He called me at home regularly to see how things were going and worked vey well with the local ER doctors to avoid a trip to Portland. The man personifies what I believe a doctor should be.
   — Barbara L.

July 17, 2000
Dr. Welker was my surgeon at OHSU for Duodenal Switch on 4/5/00. He is a personable, kind, dedicated dr. with an excellent reputation (I'm a nurse at Stanford and believe me I made LOTS of inquiries!). Dr. McConnell has been at OHSU longer and also has an excellent reputation as a very fine surgeon, but since he hasn't been "online" like Dr. Welker, fewer of us have gotten to know him. Dr. McConnell covered for Dr. Welker one of the days I was in the hospital and he seemed just as nice and caring as Dr. Welker... perhaps a tiny bit more conservative. I believe you'd be in excellent hands with either one. Best e-gards, Gayle
   — Gayle H.

July 19, 2000
Hi Jen, Dr. Welker performed my surgery, and the whole experience with him from beginning to end...and I shouldn't even say end, because he maintains contact with his patients, even long distance--has been very satisfying. He provided plenty of information to me pre-surgery, long distance because I live in Chicago. He was very very supportive and attentive at the time of surgery...did a great job on the DS, and has continued to answer any and all questions I have had post-op. If you would like more information on the whole experience...please feel free to email me directly. Julie
   — Julie P.