"Kuda is very knowledgable in her field, and she truly understands Dr. Ali's program and his wishes for the nutritional requirements for his patients ... and she also has wonderful suggestions to tell the "group". But as far as dealing with patients, she is very short (rude) with them, and expects them to fit into her "cookie cutter" schedule, rather than individualizing time for the patient who may not be able to fit into that mold.
She has raised her voice with me and several other patients I've talked to, and crosses the line of professionalism, simply due to time constraints on her "group" nutrition class, and obviously did not appear to want to schedule another time for me to come in when I was able. Instead, she hatefully told me that I needed "to get my priorities straight." Well, I explained that I am in nursing school, and we are allowed only one day absence in order to pass the course ... I spent that *one* with Dr. Ali, and Kuda insulting me. I can't spend a whole day traveling (3hrs up and 3hrs back) for a 15 minute meeting with her, when she could easily council me on the days that I have already carved into my schedule to be in Kansas City with Dr. Ali. I was offended that she had the audacity to basically tell me I was just being lazy and not taking this surgery seriously ... or "not getting my priorities straight." "
"I first met Dr. Ali at a required WLS support group that he holds at Truman medical center and my very first impression was what a warm person he is. He took his time and answered all of my questions thoroughly in a context that was easy to understand. I trust him totally to do my surgery, and I have not had a bit of anxiety so far about having it done because on my last visit, he sit down by me and went over concerns I had even before I had a chance to ASK them! What totally impressed me the most though, besides his obvious knowledge, was the way he approaches his patients (bedside manner). I was able to watch him interact with a couple of other people, who were extremely obese, and he exuded the same, unbias, warmth and compassion that he did with me.
His program at Truman Medical Center is a pretty structured program because of his AWESOME team of staff. The only things that I would possibly address are the nurses returning phone calls. I've tried for 3+ weeks so far, and Myrna still has not called me back, and the required support group meetings. Pre-op and Post-op are mixed together, and the meetings are wayyy large. I think once they are able to sort all of that out, it will be much better. It is also difficult only having one a month, because it is just not feasable for everyone to make it at that time ... especially when they live several hours away.
I've only had one appointment that was kind of long, but I honestly did not mind the wait ... To have him as my surgeon is worth the wait."
"Dr. Wells is an EXTREMELY good doctor because she takes the time to listen to what her patients needs, concerns, and desires are. Not once! did I ever feel rushed in her office. She is very knowledgable about her bariatric practice, but most of all, she is passionate about her work, and empathetic towards her patients.
She works very hard to design the programs that she puts her patients on. She commits herself to your weightloss as much as you do, also."
