Christina McAlpin, MD — Local services in Los Angeles

I am extremely disappointed with the way I was treated by Dr. Christine Mcalpin. When I walked into her office this morning for my 8:15 AM appointment, I was feeling both nervous and hopeful about gaining more information regarding my diagnosis and the steps needed to move forward.

The front desk staff was amazing, and I had no issues there. However, my experience in the examination room was unpleasant. While the beginning of my conversation with Dr. Mcalpin seemed to go well, she began referring to medical notes that were unrelated to my case. I didn't mind this initially, as I understand that mistakes can happen.

However, when I asked a few questions about the size of my tumor, surgery incisions, and recovery time—questions that I believe all patients are entitled to ask—Dr. Mcalpin suddenly stated that my tone was giving her the impression that there was an issue. She went so far as to say that she was ashamed of me when I expressed to her that she should be ashamed of the way she treats her new patients.

During this exchange, I tried to explain that I didn’t have a particular tone; this is just how I speak. In response, she claimed that I was coming off as argumentative and that she didn’t want to continue helping me, suggesting that she would refer me to another doctor.

As a Black woman seeking help from another Black woman for the first time, I am utterly disgusted by this experience. We seek medical assistance for support, and to be told that my supposedly dull tone indicates that I may have trust issues and to be dismissed in such a manner is simply ridiculous. I now understand why she requires patients to sign a waiver stating that they won’t sue for any neglect or malpractice.

This encounter has left me feeling unconfident and lost in this process. I now have doubts about whether I can trust this office, especially with her recommending another doctor. It is unacceptable to walk into a doctor's office and be judged based on a tone that reflects my anxiety and nervousness. I pray that if my complaint doesn’t lead to any change regarding her attitude, then divine intervention will. If you have reasons to believe that your patient is not confident it is your job to reassure by at least answering the questions they have without feeling offended and assuming they are doubting your work. I will take this as far as I need in order to ensure nobody else walks out feeling the way I did. Now I have no choice but to go another route to ensure...

I'm Mrs. White and about 1 week ago; I accompanied my 84 year-old Mother to her "pre-scheduled" ENT appt. which was for 10:40 am. She was a first-time referral patient. We arrived at 10:05 am. Upon completion of al the necessary required forms, we quietly and patiently waited for nearly 2 hours before we were called!! Why make an appointment if a patient (especially a "Senior Citizen") is made to wait for such an "un-necessary, inexplicable and un-excusable" amount of time? Needless to say; that as a first-time referral patient; this made for an extremely "unfavorable first impression". ......rarely are there second chances to make a "good first impression". Nevertheless, we sat & watched as numerous other patients (most of whom had come AFTER our arrival) were called and seen. When I asked why we were kept waiting so long; the receptionist "nervously" stated that it was due to their being "short-staffed" that day & there were not enough vacant rooms in the back!!! But somehow this didn't prevent them from calling everyone else ahead of us!! Finally about 12:15 we were called. We were the LAST of 3 people remaining in the lobby. After that long wait; Dr. McAlpin spent all of approximately 20 mins with my Mother. I felt her manner to be (not necessarily rude); but rather quite condescending and dismissive. No apologies whatsoever from either her or her staff. Lastly; there was not even an "offer" of (at least) "partial parking validation" (since we had to wait so long to be called & seen) thus we had to pay the full price for parking!! For my Mother's sake; I tried to control my emotions - so I wouldn't upset her. On our way home; my Mother said that throughout her 84 years; she has lived thru various pivotal moments; (not only in her own life).....but in the "collective" life of our society (being African-American) many of those moments instilled a sense of pride, encouragement, accomplishment, acceptance, inclusivity, honor and respect. Unfortunately, the experience of that particular day; "triggered" "negative memories" of humiliation and disrespect.....neither of which any person (especially a "Senior Citizen" person of color) should be made to feel or have to endure. Hopefully, the necessary changes for "drastic improvement" (with staff training & sensitivity) can & will be made to address these issues. Otherwise negative reviews/ratings...

I like many read reviews so I can get so insight to who I am dealing with and if they having the ability or quality necessary to achieve efficiently, in this case our wellbeing. So I did note there were negative comments with this office. However we went ahead an made an appointment and made sure I wasn't close minded by the comments made. I made many observations and asked the staff about the negative comments on Yelp and Google and they were aware of them. We talked about it at further length and they were doing the best they could under the situations they were under, which had to do with a lot of red tape. Any how with that understanding and then meeting with the Dr. McApline I found her to be very personable and down to earth. She asked questions to my son about his sport and knew how to instruct him regarding his ability protect himself for any injuries, for before and after surgery. She was great, and spent time explaining to us any questions we posed to her. She was consistently the same with every appointment we had there after. Her staff was very efficient and helped with instructions when asked. I am not trying to convince anyone of their competence, I am just writing our experiences with Dr. McApline and her staff. I guess I went into their office with an open mind, and understanding the challenges that every service has that deals with the red tape of the medical field. Our son is now in the process of his second surgery with Dr. McApline and we are at peace, especially our son, who now having to handle it one his own for the most part. do to his age. (19 Yrs old). Trusting in God...