I've had two visits at Women's HealthFirst with Dr. Papa Win DeLaCruz, and while the clinical care itself appears competent, the bedside manner has been consistently disappointing and concerning.
I want to start by recognizing that the ultrasound technician and nurse practitioner were excellent--kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable and cared for. The front desk staff was also helpful and respectful.
Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. DeLaCruz was not so good and it was consistent across both visits. During both appointments, she came across as rushed, dismissive, and lacking empathy. She frequently spoke very quickly, interrupted questions before they were finished, and gave the impression that she did not have the time or patience to engage in a thoughtful conversation. Asking questions--especially about my own care--felt discouraged rather than welcomed. I honestly felt like she was annoyed by my questions.
There were multiple moments that felt condescending. For example, when I asked about ultrasound options for future visits, her response and tone felt dismissive, as if I shouldn't be asking. When I asked for clarification about my condition, she made comments implying I didn't understand or hadn't studied it enough, rather than taking the opportunity to explain in a supportive way. At one point, she said she would "show me again" because I "still didn't have a grasp." When she showed me a visual and handed me a printout of the condition, she essentially said, "read it so you're educated," and the tone felt belittling.
When my husband asked reasonable questions--such as whether this condition is "normal" (meaning common) and whether anything could have been done earlier--she corrected his wording on a technicality, saying, "Of course it's not normal, but I see a lot of it." Her responses felt curt and dismissive. While I'm grateful that she identified my condition with accuracy, her bedside manner and choice of words lacked empathy and care.
As a patient, I was made to feel small and uncomfortable--more like an appointment she was trying to quickly finish than a person. This was not just my perception; my husband independently expressed concern afterward and strongly encouraged me to switch doctors based on how I was treated. When our session ended, I'm not sure if it was intentional or an issue with the door, but it slammed loudly on her way out. The same thing happened when she came back in and out to give me a printout.
I fully understand that physicians are busy and deal with complex cases, but bedside manner matters. Patients deserve to feel heard, respected, and supported--especially when discussing their own bodies and medical decisions. The tone, facial expressions, and overall demeanor during both visits made me feel uncomfortable, rushed, and at times talked down to. It wasn't a good experience overall, and in a sensitive medical setting, comfort and trust matter.
Additionally, there was confusion regarding follow-up scheduling. While I was told one timeline during the visit, the front desk later confirmed a different one after checking with the doctor. There was also an assumption made about which provider I should see next, rather than involving me in that decision and getting my input.
My appointment ran from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, an hour-and-a-half visit for both the ultrasound and the review of results with the doctor afterward. There was some waiting during that time, but it did not feel unusual, and I was patient and understanding throughout the process.
It’s unfortunate that my memory of this visit is now overshadowed by the bedside manner of the doctor rather than the results of my ultrasound, which thankfully were stable. But I think that also highlights something important: for a patient, both the medical outcome and the way care is delivered matter for emotional and physical well-being.