Dr. Elma Dizon Baron, MD

This dermatologist was unable to diagnose POISON IVY. if that isn't enough to send you running elsewhere, here are the details. Instead of treating me with steroids immediately, she withheld meds for six weeks during which time she did three expensive biopsies which proved negative for the "tropical blistering diseases" she believed was the cause. The poison ivy eventually blistered about 80% of my skin. I was swollen so badly I was barely able to bend my legs and my skin oozed fluid. I had difficulty breathing. Still no meds other than OTC Benadryl which didn't help at triple the dose. Unable to function, to sleep, touch my skin or get relief from the itch and ooze, I was seriously compromised and getting worse fast. The final biopsy, and co-incidentally the last straw for me, was prepped by a tech who literally waved an alcohol swab over my skin, followed shortly by a nurse practitioner who sauntered into the room and cut me without donning gloves or cleaning my skin or taking any additional precautions at all: NONE! The result was a hideous staph infection 48 hours later. When I called to report it, I was told it was impossible that I had infection. IMAGINE! A visit to the ER diagnosed staph. From beginning to end, this office is in the dark ages. When the response of the head of the Dermatology department suggests she is MORE INTERESTED IN DOING BIOPSIES than actually treating the patient's symptoms with appropriate meds, how can you expect a quick diagnoses or a competent staff? Is it the policy of this dermatology department to biopsy first and then only treat and medicate the patient as an afterthought? Beware. Only a last ditch switch in doctors brought an accurate diagnosis which was delivered INSTANTLY; I received immediate relief via IV and oral treatment which quite literally may have saved my life. If there is a moral here, surely it must be to trust yourself and get an immediate second opinion when your doctors delay or don't seem to have an answer. Sometimes those golden credentials on the wall aren't as good as the paper they're printed on. Choose wisely.

I was very pleased the initial appointment. The Receptionist, Brady was so polite, professional, even jolly...which put me a great ease. I was then examined by the Dr. Baron, who did a very gross visual inspection of (most of) my skin and focused on one particular area that needed attention for previous cancer. She said we have to start there. That was fine, scheduled appointment with very nice Brady. Came back for surgical procedure and holy crap...the lady reception looked and acted totally stressed to the max, nearly having heart failure when I went to sign it. Then she told me to sit down and slammed the glass door shut practically breaking it...Wow. Then taken back. The (unknown intern-no name tag, no introduction, did not even ask permission...came barging in the room like bat out of hel with total inappropriate attitude like she knows more than God...had real problem with men...did not even listen to word I said. Made me sound like a complete moron, when also in medical profession, even asked why I was going to certain other Doctors...I mean get real...I have cancer lady. Then she rushed through procedure which I did not even comprehend, due to feel like complete dum as patient. Well the young lady who gave me injections very polite and professional and did very well explaining every step. Dr Baron came in, did the biopsy as the Intern barged in stating that other pain in the butt patient needed this, this and this...unreal. So Dr Baron removed growth, got up and the Intern sutured as she was talking all kinds of crazy nonsense, like how they test on each other to see what it feels like, how no Doctors are smarter than her because she has gone to College over 12 years and at least 2 more to go, how men do not make good Doctors..and also many untrue medical facts...Really uncalled for, major mental / attitude problem and more. Stated how I owe them the rest of my life and have to come in for checks every 3-6 months for skin check....when they only did gross visual exam to even begin with. I really do not feel their visual eyesight is appropriate for skin checks on known cancer patients. Unreal Then The young assistant came to clean up, place appropriate bandages, gave instructions. She was great, polite, informative, and professional. So, went back to make next appointment, and thought the lady at front desk needed some calm u nots or something. He face beet red, crabby as all heck...Wow. They were not even busy. I do not feel I should be treated in such cruel, demeaning manner. They did not even listen to word I said. They do not know my extensive medical history, nor did they even try to comprehend. They even gave incorrect information. Will not return ever to that office.