I met Dr. Passo in 1984 when he diagnosed me with JRA. Thirty years later, I have him to thank for showing me that patients SHOULD be knowledgeable about their health issues. I've had drs. who did not seem to like having a patient like that, and they were not my doctors for very long. I've had drs who, not knowing my background, flat out lied to me about something. They did not last either. I'd rather a dr say "I don't know, but we can find out." than lie to me. He is one of the drs I've liked the most, and I've seen a lot over the last 30 yrs. And while much can change in 30 yrs, if I knew someone who had a child experiencing joint issues, I'd tell them to see him. Given the way rheumatic issues tend to run in families, I'd take my own child to him. In fact, before he came to SC, when he was in OH, I considered going to OH from SC to see him because my son was having joint issues. The ped. rheumy we consulted tried telling me that, solely on the basis of being RF negative, nothing like JRA could be wrong with my child. Wrong. There's this thing called seronegative JRA. I asked him about that issue and he decided to change to there's nothing wrong and that either he was mimicking me or I was projecting my own pain onto my son. Needless to say, we left. My son had pain even if I was not around so it wasn't him mimicking me and the thought of me projecting my pain on to my son is ludicrous. Fortunately, it seems as if my son isn't hurting like he was.
I knew better about the seronegative JRA because it was Dr Passo who had diagnosed me with JRA, despite not having positive RF. I was also one of many patients that saw students, and I paid enough attention when he asked them questions that after a few times of having student groups come in, if no one answered him, I could. You hear something enough, it tends to stick with you. Because of that, as I got older, I began reading more about JRA and RA. I ended up working with support groups for a number of years, with a role in providing info for people. And it was all because I was encouraged to learn as much as I could about my health issues from Dr Passo & my mother.

Submitted Sept. 4, 2014

Dr. Passo is wonderful with children and parents alike. He stayed 2 1/2 hours after office hours to see our son who was in excruciating pain. He took the time to expain his condition to us until he and we were sure we understood. He speaks and listens not only to the parents but to the child. Our son has conditions called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, fibromyalgia and hyper mobility. The RSD involves severe nerve pain and he was unable to walk. He saw three doctors and none could tell us what was wrong with him. Because of Dr. Passo's quick diagnosis and direction our son is doing very well. There is no cure for his condition but we understand it and have a plan to deal with it. Dr. Passo is one of a kind and I doubt we will ever meet another doctor like him.

Submitted Oct. 4, 2008

What an incredible doctor! His specialty is pediatric rheumatology, and I have never seen such a thorough joint exam EVERY TIME with any other pediatric rheumatologist. He is at the top of his game...and has excellent rappor with children. He is also the department chair, and does research as well. I HIGHLY recommend this incredible doctor!

Submitted Feb. 4, 2008