Mercy Health Physician Partners Wyoming

My experience with Dr. Eric Bouwen was exceptionally poor. He failed to introduce himself upon entering the room without knocking. His entrance was more of a tap on the door and proceeding to open it. I had my Service Dog in Training with me as I came to speak with the doctor about symptoms relating to my mental health and possible avenues of holistic treatment. The physician who entered the room made his opening statement "I am scared of big dogs, because I was bit as a kid"; there was no formal introduction of who he was unfortunately. He offered a weak handshake indicating he did not want to shake my hand. Although our introduction was sub-par, I began to share with the physician why I was in the office, and what I was thinking in terms of next steps regarding treatment. I explained to him the severity and duration of my anxiety. In addition to this, I explained per his questions the history of treatment. When I explained the experience I had with a therapist, Dr. Eric Bouwen laughed at me and stated "Maybe it's a good thing the therapist ticked you off." Aside from being teased about prior care and my reaction to the care I received in the past, Dr. Eric Bouwan did not appear sensitive to my needs. He made it very clear he was not knowledgeable about my condition but proceeded to make recommendations for medications despite informing him about my history with medication and it's impact on my exercise regiment. Dr. Eric Bouwan triggered my anxiety in a way that I have never experienced or thought was possible. When I asked him how I can help move the process along for treatment, he told me I need to go see a therapist and bring back a recommendation letter from them but was unable to offer insight as to what happens after that. At this point, I ask how seeing a therapist might benefit when historically the therapy experience is extremely triggering. Dr. Eric Bouwan did not accept my own lived experience as anything valuable. This is extremely concerning, disheartening, and triggering. After listening to Dr. Eric Bouwan insinuate that I was faking my anxiety and panic attacks, I explained I am also a licensed clinician and I understand treatment the importance of informed practice. Dr. Bouwan once again dismissed my experience and made me feel as if I was not valued, not only as a patient, but as an African American practicing professional, also a human being. There were times which my anxiety arrested my ability to even speak to him as he was rather belittling, borderline rude. There was a medical student in the office, so I felt as if there was a need to prove the expertise of the doctor. I struggle with this as he admitted to knowing nothing regarding my condition. The lack of knowledge is one thing, but I did not perceive him to be open to hearing my experience with a disability that I battle daily, sometimes multiple times a day. I left this office visit feeling defeated, invaluable, and more anxious than I have felt in my life. I have never had an experience like this in my personal life or professional experience. I am hoping that through the correct channels this is heard and correctly navigated. I did speak with the Facility Manager who was very kind and validating. I believe she is great, however, Dr. Eric Bouwman has not only triggered my anxiety to a level I have never experienced, but the duration of this intensity is also a new experience for me, needless to say, this has been the most counter-productive visit to a physician I have had. In conclusion, I believe the young lady who completed the first portion of my visit (taking BP, temp, asking about anxiety) would have provided better care than Dr. Eric Bouwman who served with with an apparent bias, whether it be bias against large dogs, or African American males; whatever the bias, it is completely inappropriate when a patient comes in for health care.
1 7 years ago (18-05-2018)