Physicians East Surgical Weight Loss Center Bariatric Center
Dr. MacDonald was very professional and kind of quiet. Over time, and after several post op visits, I saw the other side of him. He can also be funny and I like that side of him, too. His staff is very friendly and helpful. If you have problems, they do everything they can to help you and they don't try to make you feel stupid for asking questions. I can tell you that Dr. MacDonald is straight to the point and does not beat around the bush. He gives you all of the risks of the surgery up front. This scares some people off, but that is better than not knowing. Dr. MacDonald and his staff have a great reputation throughout the area and I recommend them highly. The only downfall about using MacDonald is that now there seems to be a lot more people interested and so the waiting period to be seen can be longer.
I had my first consultation with Dr. MacDonald yesterday, 9/5, and was immediately comfortable with him. Our conversation was limited to health-related questions and answers. He was professional, but personable. He did not waste time, mine or his, but I felt like he would he would stay with me until all my questions were answered, no matter how long it took. He explained the risks of surgery clearly. I was also impressed with the way his staff approaches aftercare -- they said after the surgery we "belong to them" and they will be there for us for the long term. He would like to see post-op patients once every 3 months for the first year, then once every 6 months after that. Finally, I feel like he treated me with respect; there was no "talking down" to me like I'm stupid as well as fat (yes, that has happened in the past, unfortunately).
Dr. MacDonald was very knowledgable and caring. He answered all of my questions completely and without hesitation. I was very pleased with all my visits and appts. to date. I am very confident with the choice I have made.
They have stressed that this surgery is only a tool and it can be sabotaged without compliance. I was given very precise information and informed of risks and possible complications. I am very glad I chose to have surgery with this caring and dedicated physician. I feel like I am taking a step in right direction for a new life.
DR. MACDONALD AND HIS STAFF HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SUPER TO ME. THEY ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL YET THEY ARE PERSONABLE. DR. MACDONALD IS A BUSY MAN SO HE DOES NOT MINCE WORDS. A TRUE PROFESSIONAL IN EVERY SINCE OF THE WORD. EVERY THING WAS EXPLAINED TO ME PRE-OP AND I WAS CARED FOR VERY WELL WHILE IN THE HOSPITAL AT PITT MEMORIAL. AFTER SURGERY I TRIED TO ADHERE TO THE ADVISE OF THE DOCTOR. I BELIEVE DOING THIS HAS BEEN KEY TO MY SUCCESSES IN WEIGHT LOSS AND THE OVERALL WAY THAT I FEEL. YES, I WOULD GIVE MACDONALD AND STAFF AN A+ OVERALL GRADE.
His bedside manner lacks somewhat, but I got him to smile on several occassions. Turns out that he was a resident 18 yrs ago at Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina when I had my first surgery done. I do feel that he is highly qualified and very concerned with his patients. He seems to be a dedicated doctor. Also a very busy doctor as well. Since I haven't had my surgery with him yet I can't speak as to his aftercare. But I was told on my first visit that I would be followed for life. That was not done 18 yrs ago.
I consider surgical competence to be the most important. You know exactly where you stand with this doctor, I don't believe that he sugar coats anything. A little smile goes a long way.
Dr. Macdonald is very knowledgeable and willing to answer all the questions I have. His office staff is great, especially Kim and Alice. Dr. Macdonald makes sure you understand the seriousness of this surgery. He will not perform surgery if he is not 100% sure you are ready for the life change. Dr. Macdonald is not a surgeon to be a patient's best friend and cry on his shoulder. However, he is compassionate and concerned enough to make sure you are ready for the ultra-life change you will undergo. I would not trade surgeons for nothing in this world. Where Dr. Macdonald may lack in what some consider surgical bedside manner, his support staff make up for it in abundance. They are truly the BEST!