I got a referral to see Dr. Karen Schneider about my torn achilles to discuss the possibility of surgery. My first appointment with her was June 28th. To give context, I’m a 36 year old African American female, and a former athlete.

I went into my appointment prepared with a lot of questions so I could prepare myself mentally for surgery. This process has been incredibly long as I initially got injured in April during a work trip meaning I have had to deal with workers comp. During my first visit with Dr. Schneider, after I had asked a few questions and listened intently to what she was saying, she accused me of “attacking” and said “I’m sorry I just feel like you’re attacking.” At no point did I threaten, give attitude or even get within 5 feet of her besides when she was examining my leg. I assured her I was not attacking but was very taken aback by her response so I just continued to ask the rest of my questions. This one interaction made me extremely uncomfortable and did not give me confidence that she would be able to perform the surgery up to my, or any other patients standards.

I asked her to submit the request for surgery before I left, to which she agreed because she mentioned the approval/denial process could take weeks. She asked me to come in for a follow up appointment on July 19th - and I was prepared with more questions about surgery and recovery. During this appointment I also asked about the status of the paperwork she was supposed to submit after my last appointment and she said “Oh well you just seemed so adamant about not getting surgery, I don’t remember you asking me to submit.” This was a lie because she confirmed she was sending it in before I left my last appointment.

While I was sitting on the exam table, I noticed her hands shaking profusely. When she noticed that I saw her hands shaking, she immediately grabbed her hand and accused me again of “attacking.”

This is unacceptable. Not only is it dangerous in today’s climate to falsely accuse a black woman of attacking, it is completely baffling that a Doctor, someone who is entrusted to provide the utmost care and respect to all patients would act this way. I have come to my own conclusions as to why Dr. Karen (the name is fitting) was accusatory, being intimated and scared by an assertive black woman, but she needs to be investigated because I am sure she has done this to patients before. I immediately emailed her assistant and asked her to cancel the request for surgery so I can see a confident, respectful and competent doctor.

I would advise anyone to steer clear of this woman.

Submitted July 25, 2023

Excellent doctor. Have seen her for both our teenage boys--sports issues, and even for myself. Highly recommend her, and I am a person who researches our doctors--and seeks out the best.

Submitted Aug. 12, 2008