Dr. Steven Matthew Bloom, MD

Dr Bloom has been my primary care since shortly after Dr McNichols retired. At 92 my memory is short on days gone by but I'm guessing at least 10 years. Early on I joshed about becoming the last WWII veteran. He is certainly doing an excellent attempt at getting me there. Always pleasant as well as willing to listen to my comments and ready to accept my rare difference of opinion on treatment options.

FCM is a composite of very caring doctors located in a convenient spot with plenty of parking and easy access for handicapped. I am handicapped and have cancer. The group maintains an after-hours clinic for emergencies where subscribing patients can be seen if they are sick or have an emergency. The entire staff is great, not a lemon among them. I have observed many of them being cheerful even with difficult patients. I started with Dr. Blackwell, a terrific doctor. She was my primary care physician until she stopped her daily practice. I did not want to leave this office because I like all of the people there, so Dr. Steven Bloom became my doctor. Dr Bloom has a brother and sister-in-law who are physicians who both practice in Whatcom County. Dr. Bloom is a caring doctor, very intelligent and witty, full of life and enjoyment that makes my struggle easier. He is rugged and funny without being cavalier or dismissive. This has been uplifting while I am dealing with serious issues. One of his better qualities is that he is family oriented. It is apparent in conversations loves his wife and daughters, honors and respects his parents, family and even gets along with his family cat. He is strong, knowledgeable, direct, from Alaska if that is causation in his personality, which I very much appreciate. He takes time with me to explain what is happening to me and what is likely to happen next and what the most rewarding treatment might be. He listens to my questions and tries to give me the options that will best suit my needs. What might be best is that he is down-to-earth, not stiff and formal or full of himself. Vain people or prim and proper people who are stuffy might not appreciate his approach, but this is Bellingham, not an unbending city where nobody knows your name. I have recommended him to other people and the people he has accepted have appreciated the recommendation.

I have not seen dr. Bloom. He was on call during the Thanksgiving weekend and took excellent care for my need and spoke personally to me two separate times to rectify a glitch in my insurance company's stand on a needed prescription (I had temporarily misplaced my albuterol and was sort of in a semi panic situation. ) After he had assured me that he would take care of my being able to get what I needed immediately rather than waiting till it came via mail from another state... my heart stopped banging in my chest and my brain was able to tell me the right place to find the misplaced unit which I needed..I believe he went beyond the call of duty to help me when it was my fault that I had misplaced the medication...

I've been a patient with him for years. I like the personal bedside manner instead of the cold impersonal act you get from so many doctors. So often I feel as if a computer could be better doctors than some of the health care professionals I've seen. He's always dealt with me in an honest and caring fashion, his diagnosis has always been spot on when it's needed following up by specialists. For those who like the cold impersonal touch of a the modern health care establishment he may not be the doctor for you. If you prefer a doctor who knows who you are, treats you like a human being and can make an appointment a little more friendly then he's the person to go to.

horrible bedside manner

Dr. Bloom became my doctor after my GP retired and he took over my previous GP's patients. I visited him for my annual pelvic exam and had such an uncomfortable experience I switched doctors. During my exam, he referred to my vulva as my "private parts," saying specifically the "speculum is going to touch your privates." As a grown woman, I found his choice of words juvenile. Why not call my body by it's anatomical terms? He advised me to have pelvic exams every couple of years unless--and these are his words--"you work at the casino" in which case, he quipped I should visit more regularly for exams. He explained if I was monogamous and dating a "chess team player" (again his words) then I could visit less regularly. Wow. I pointed out he shouldn't give medical advice based on generalized stereotypes; he literally winked at me (yes winked) and said, "you're right. You never know what those chess guys are up to." On a separate visit I asked him about the health benefits of red wine on LDL cholesterol levels. He answered with a joke, saying "so long as you're not drinking fifths of vodka on the weekends, drinking alcohol in moderation is fine." He didn't address my question, and I wonder, if it was because he didn't know the answer. He thinks he's being funny, but really he's being unprofessional. If you enjoy someone who makes light of your questions and jokes about health advice, maybe you'll enjoy Dr. Bloom's bedside manner. Personally, I prefer the comedy act from the local theater group. I want a doctor who answers my questions and takes my health seriously.

My family doc.... known him for 10 years. Threw pills at me or a couple yrs and didn't care if I got well. Not happy.

Dr. Steven Bloom is and has been there through my husbands Cancer and with us at the time of his death. I consider him not just a Dr. But someone I can count on if he is needed. You can talk to Dr. Steve about anything and he will never rush you.. I want to tahnak him for being who he is.

I left my last doctor because all he ever did was look at his computer screen and type in my answers. Dr. Bloom takes the time to hear my concerns, he is very caring and has a great sense of humor. I highly recommend him.