4700 E. Hale Pkwy. , Ste. 400
Denver, CO, United States
80220
Dr. Daniel Jr. Donato Jr's Credentials
Accepting New Patients
Yes, this doctor is accepting new patients
Biography
Daniel Donato, Jr., MD, is a board-certified surgeon with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, providing comprehensive cancer care in the Denver area. He understands the circumstances that bring patients to his office may not be the most pleasant, but he strives to make their experience as comfortable and positive as possible. This philosophy has led to his recognition by 5280 Magazine as Top Doctor for a total of twelve times since the year 2003. Dr. Donato is part of a team of over 50 physicians at RMCC providing advanced cancer care in communities across the state. He collaborates with specialists in all areas of cancer diagnostics and treatment including medical oncology, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, genetic testing, clinical trials and supportive care to offer patients a coordinated and comprehensive care plan. As an additional strength, RMCC is part of The US Oncology Network, one of the nation's largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based patient care.
Letter sent to Daniel Donato in February 2023 after surgery by him:
Dear Daniel –
Last month, when I learned that I had to have my ovary removed, I was told about several ob/gyn oncologists and your name was mentioned to me. Strangely enough, every single time your name was mentioned, it was followed by “but he doesn’t have the best bedside manner.” Being a practical person, I thought to myself, “I don’t need a new friend. I need a good surgeon.” I assumed that with your thirty years of experience (which you mentioned several times, very clearly), I could overlook the lack of bedside manner.
In retrospect, I now realize that people were being polite when using the term “bedside manner.” If they had been more honest with me, they would have said “Daniel Donato, an arrogant, cold, narcissistic, obnoxious and callous human.” In all my years of working with doctors, I have never disliked a medical professional except for you.
First – one would think that with your “thirty years of experience,” you would know to give your patients pre-op and post-op instructions. But I guess that you know what you are doing so well that you feel no need to do so. Fortunately for me, I had met with other doctors as well, who kindly shared their instructions with me and I was able to use them before and after my surgery with you. That, in and of itself, should have been a warning to me. I have no one to blame for my blindness. And I have no one to blame for the horrible care other than you.
Second – after my surgery, I called your office numerous times with questions. Your lovely assistant Vicky, whom I believe has no medical training, chose to answer my questions on your behalf without even checking with you. And somehow, you never called me back. I never knew it was standard practice for an administrative assistant to be answering medical questions.
Third – during my post op visit, I complained to you about my pain. Your response shocked me. With zero empathy for my obvious discomfort, it seems you took pleasure in saying “I told you so,” (without using those exact words) in relation to the fifth incision you had to make to remove my ovary. Your response was something along the lines of “deal with the pain. It will go away.”
I then proceeded to suffer for an additional ten days straight. I couldn’t sleep because of the pain. I was often crying because of the suffering, which was exacerbated by my lack of sleep. Fortunately, my primary physician was far more responsive than you, and treated me even though this surgery was not her responsibility. It was yours.
After nineteen days of suffering, I finally re-called your office and asked to speak with you. Vicky proceeded to tell me that you were on vacation and couldn’t be bothered, and that because your work was such a specialty, you had no one covering for you. I exploded. I had had enough. When you finally did call me back, you seemed surprised by my pain and the symptoms I was describing and immediately sent me to get a CT scan. I have yet to understand why one day, I was nearly shoved out of your office for describing specific symptoms and days later, sent to get a CT scan when using the same exact descriptions.
When you received the results, you called me and said “good news. The CT is clear. There is nothing wrong with you.” To which my response was “well that’s great news, but I am still in horrible pain and it is not decreasing despite being three weeks after my surgery.” And with your cold, uncaring, horrible tone responded with “well there’s nothing I can do about it.” I pointed out that you were my surgeon and I was in pain after you performed my operation, and I didn’t know to whom else I should turn for help. And you again responded, “there’s nothing I can do about it.”
It seems that you believe that with your “thirty years of experience,” you are perfect. You don’t need to prepare or treat your patients because your work is flawless. Well, sir, it isn’t. Sadly, I don’t think you care. Because you are a narcissist. And you are callous. And you are cold. And honestly, you’re a j*rk.
Lastly - let me address the fact that I am referring to you as “Daniel” and not “Dr Donato.” In 1964, the Hippocratic Oath was updated and today includes a stipulation which reads “I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife.” You obviously chose to ignore that basic tenet when you swore the oath. You don’t deserve the title.
I hope you retire soon so that more patients are not subjected to your arrogance and your uncaring attitude.
With no respect at all,
Tamara
Submitted April 10, 2023