This is not related to doctor is for his other office located at Los Angeles. And this is related to his assistance Stephen white. I brought my mother to this clinic for her appointment, and because she does not speak English, I was there to translate for her. At the beginning, everything was great. The front office staff was very kind, welcoming, and professional.
Unfortunately, our experience changed once we entered the exam room. A man came into the room, sat at the computer, and without introducing himself or greeting us, immediately started asking questions about my mother’s condition, procedure, and pain. I was trying to explain her symptoms, but before I could finish answering, he became very aggressive and started raising his voice at me.
I was shocked by the way we were treated. I even felt uncomfortable enough to start recording because of how he was speaking to us, and his response was that he did not care because he was already being recorded. His tone, behavior, and the way he communicated made both my mother and me feel intimidated and uncomfortable.
He later told us he was a physician assistant. However, we had an appointment with the doctor, and even though we understand that a physician assistant may be involved in care, the way he treated us was unacceptable. He did not introduce himself properly, did not make eye contact, and spent the entire time looking at the computer while speaking in a very low voice that was difficult to understand. It felt like he was not listening to us or allowing us to ask questions.
There was also confusion regarding paperwork. A form labeled “Office Use Only” was presented, and he insisted that I complete it, even though the front office staff had only instructed me to fill out the patient section. When I tried to explain this, he became more frustrated and continued speaking aggressively.
What upset us most was not the medical process itself, but the lack of respect, communication, and professionalism. A healthcare provider should make patients and their families feel safe, heard, and comfortable—especially when someone is helping translate for a loved one.
Because of this experience, we do not feel comfortable returning to see this provider. It is unfortunate because the rest of the staff was wonderful, but this interaction completely changed our impression of the clinic.
This experience also raised concerns about basic patient rights and professional standards in healthcare. Patients have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and without intimidation. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to communicate clearly, listen to patients and their representatives, explain information in a respectful manner, and create an environment where patients feel safe asking questions.
Because my mother does not speak English, I was acting as her translator and advocate. Instead of being treated as a partner in her care, I felt we were dismissed, spoken to aggressively, and made uncomfortable. A healthcare professional should never make a patient or family member feel afraid to communicate or ask questions.
I believe this interaction did not reflect the level of professionalism, respect, and patient-centered care that healthcare providers are expected to provide.
