Dr. Pamela S. Chapman MD

«Before we begin, I need you to know that I never, ever rush an appointment. So if you’re waiting for me, if I’m late, it’s because I’m making sure the client before you is fully taken care of. Do you understand?» That’s essentially what Dr. Chapman said to my wife and I the first time we visited her office, and I really liked what she was saying. And I liked her. And I don’t dislike her now, a couple years after we switched physicians. Dr. Chapman is a pretty talented and personable professional.
Two things chased us away from her. That first statement, about never rushing an appointment? Boy, was that the truth. Our average wait time was 45 – 50 minutes after schedule. When you’re holding a shivering, sick toddler in a sterile cold examination room, even for five minutes, it’s agonizing. Almost an hour? The worst. Bite the bullet, Dr. Chapman. If you’re going to spend quality time with your patients then schedule them farther apart.
Second, the antibiotic issue. We brought our daughter in for two ear infections. They were both really minor infections, hardly visible in the canal. Both times, the doctor administered a brief physical examination and then prescribed antibiotics. Both times I pleaded with her for alternatives. (I spent an entire childhood avoiding antibiotics, I had my share of infections. In fact, the first time I caved and took ‘em was during a strep throat ordeal in college.) Both times she did more than refuse to offer other options; she told me, quite clearly, that if I did not administer antibiotics to my child, I would essentially be performing parental willful neglect.
Both times I bought an all natural ear salve made of garlic and olive oil at Sprouts market. Both times, her ear infection healed within 24 hours.