JFK Medical Center Hospital
My first impression of Dr. Abkin came from a friend who had her surgery through him and loved him. I went to his seminar (which is very professionally done) and didn't think too much other than he knows his stuff. My consultation with him went very well and my personal impression was that he was caring, dedicated to what he does and a very busy man. I will say that Dr. Abkins experience in bariatric surgery is superior. He has a knowledgable office staff and the procedures set up so everything runs as smoothy as possible. I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin!!
Dr. Abkin spoke at the information seminar I attended in August 2005. There was something about his manner that made me feel very comfortable. The entriee practice had been highly recommended to me by my internist. rnI met Dr. Abkin two weeks later at the surgical consult. He was informative, patient and understanding of my many questions. He took a great deal of time to explain options. I felt immediately comfortable with him. He has a fabulous smile which helps put you at ease. What I later found out is that he has an amazing memory for details about his patients.When I saw him prior to surgery he did a great job of reassuring me and putting me at ease. Unfortunately I did not get to see him at my one week post op. appointment but saw him again at one month. He greeted me by asking how I was and how was school and my students. I was shocked that he remembered that I am a school principal. I know he has so many patients.rnDr. Abkin inspires confidence with his knowledge, skill and warm manner.rnI have recommended Dr. Abkin to two other people that are considering this surgery. I would recommend him to others as well. The way the entire practice is run is efficient with the major focus on patient education. If you are a patient of this group you can not go into surgery without being fully informed.Plus you are well prepared for after surgery. The monthly support groups are a great benefit, at no charge.rnYes the office is very busy and sometimes you have to wait a long time. To me that is a positive. Dr. Pupkova left the practice and I do not know if they have replaced her. So I am sure it will continue to be busy. My one year post op. visit is coming up in November. I look forward to sharing my success with Dr. Abkin and having a chance to talk to him. I feel that I owe much of my success to him. If he had not inspired the confidence in me to go forward with the surgery, I would not be 100 pounds lighter now.
Dr. Abkin was Great. It seemed he generally cared for his patients. The office staff was OK, though it was a little cramped, but that wasnt a problem. He really talked to me about after care and let me know the risks of the surgery. I've never seen a surgeon for this type of work before, so I have nobody to compare to, but Dr. Abkin seemed like a great surgeon, both manner-wise, and competency-wise!
My first visit to Dr. Abkin occurred June 2005. The staff was routine oriented but yet very courteous. Dr. Abkin appeared to be very informative and concerned about my overall health. In the beginning of my first visit Dr. Abkin appeared to treat me in a very routine manner. I felt as though he would never remember me if I chose to go through with the surgery or not. I was not impressed. However as my visit progressed Dr. Abkin began to inquire about my health and my decision to go for the lap band and not gastric bypass. Dr. Abkin proceeded to explain the differences between the surgeries and the importance of selecting the right one. He then wanted to know my fears and anxiety with regard to the surgery. Now I am impressed! In the closing of my visit I elected to have gastric bypass and not the lap band. I was immediately scheduled for an educational class and surgery pending insurane approval.
Dr. Abkin: My first impression of him was that there is just something about him that makes you like him. He is very friendly, has a good sense of humor, knows his stuff. As an added bonus, after a while you also realize how devastatingly handsome he is (I understand this is not at all relevant but, hey, I thought some of you might like to know...). I went to see him for the first time in June of 2005. I did not go to see him again until December of 2005 and I pretty much assumed that he would not remember me from Eve. But he actually did which impressed me. I also assumed he would not remember me when I went for my one month post-op appointment (if you have ever gone to his office, you would know what I mean...HERDS of people go in and out of there all day...how could he remember everyone!). Not only did he remember me, but he commented that it felt like more than a month since he had seen me (which it was...it was 6 weeks). So, again, that impressed me. And his blue eyes REALLY impressed me but, okay, enough about that. I think he is a fantastic, highly gifted doctor. I am saying that because I am currently a 2-month post-op with nary a complication.
How would I describe his office staff? Hmm...well, let me point out the highlights. The guy that takes your vitals (blood pressure, pulse, weight) is named Nino (I think). He is awesome...always courteous and upbeat. The lady who submitted my insurance is Kathleen. At first I have to admit I hated her (because she submitted my forms almost a week later than she said she would). However, AFTER that I thought she was wonderful. She was NEVER rude to me the 7,245 times I called her before I got approved. So...snaps to Nino and Kathleen. Now...the front-desk staff? I am not too impressed but I think that is because they are SO SWAMPED (again...see herd comment above). They are probably really great but just have zero personality from being frantic all day (that is my guess, anyhow). Overall, I give Dr. Abkin and his staff two thumbs up. I am so glad I chose him and would recommend him to anyone seeking WLS.
Dr. Abkin is WONDERFUL!!! I knew the first time I met him that he was the one I was going to have as my surgeon. Very personable, even with the hubby. He's a little bit of a jokester too...He just sends out good vibes. The office is a little understaffed, but I know they are looking for more people. I would recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone who wants to have surgery. Go to a seminar you'll see for yourself