NYC obgyn and endocrinologist recs, please?

October 11, 2016 5:09 AM

I just switched insurance and am looking for new doctors. Can you recommend an obgyn and/or an endocrinologist (in NYC) who you love?

Special snowflake details: I'm fat and get really frustrated with doctors who fixate on that instead of discussing the other health issues I'm in there for, and have trouble finding doctors who are chill and kind enough to be willing to talk about anything else. So, bonus points for docs who have shown that they understand that there's more to a patient than their weight.

Also, given the endocrine issues, I need an obgyn who can handle discussing somewhat more complicated stuff than just the usual pap 'n pelvic 'n get the hell out. Please send your favorite smart, kind, thoughtful doctors!

Super extra bonus for docs located in lower Manhattan, but really I'll go anywhere in the city for someone great.

Thanks!

posted by 168 to Health & Fitness (4 answers total)

My experiences with the gynecology department at Mt. Sinai have been great. Specifically, I see Dr. Charles Ascher-Walsh and his team. I specify his team because it's a lot easier to get an appointment with his PAs and NPs than it is with him, and everyone I've seen in his office is fantastic.

I went to him initially because I had fibroid issues and was obese at the time and they never mentioned my weight once. They're also familiar with more complicated issues as their department deals with reproductive endocrinology and a whole host of other gyn and endocrine situations, so I'd be confident recommending them in that regard as well. The only requirement they don't hit is lower Manhattan, but I make the schlep uptown for them since I've had such good experiences there.
posted by bedhead at 7:31 AM on October 11, 2016

I have been happy with Dr. Claudia Holland for many years even though she can be a bit brusque, but if you want a highly competent doctor who never mentions weight (she's overweight herself), and even once burst into the examining room right before Thanksgiving to say, "I can't wait for Thanksgiving because I love the mocha cake I bring!" you might want to go to her.

Also, a couple of times when I was freaking out about this or that, she called me back and told me not to worry. And I trust her because she seems to really know her stuff!

So, if you look her up and see some horrifying reviews (there are also many many good/great ones), well, there are definitely mixed feelings about her. She is a "character."

But she's always taken great care of me and answered any and all questions I've had (and I've had some complicated situations).

By the way, some people say they waited hours in the waiting room. That has never happened to me in the fifteen or so years I've been seeing her. And her staff has been great with refilling prescriptions over the phone, etc.
posted by DMelanogaster at 8:14 AM on October 11, 2016

I've been going to see Dr. Harris since I was a teenager. She's awesome and her practice specializes in some pretty complex stuff. She also sent me to her allergist as after my regular doctor had me on antibiotics almost indefinitely for what turned out to be severe seasonal allergies. So, I think she's awesome. She's expensive and there's some weird insurance stuff that I fail to understand but it allows them to be more holistic in dealing with patients somehow...?
posted by palindromeisnotapalindrome at 11:29 AM on October 11, 2016

Dr. Ottenheimer is a great obgyn and I've liked all the NPs and office staff I've met there. Highly recommend. They're also near Wall St, on Maiden Lane. http://ottenheimerhealth.com/
posted by squasher at 9:39 PM on October 11, 2016