M. Fahad Khan, MD

"I would rather *live in pain* than see Dr. Khan again. I've never had a doctor make me feel the level of 'ick' he made me feel. My original NYU Langone pain management doctor left the clinic. After extensive research, I chose Dr. Khan and waited a month to see him--meanwhile, living with pain and diminished quality of life. My appointment was on a Friday. That Monday, his secretary called to say Dr. Khan wanted me to cancel because I was not the kind of patient he saw. They tried pushing me off onto a new doctor at a different location who had just completed her fellowship. I kept my Friday appointment with Dr. Khan, still looking forward to some relief (as my first doctor, Dr. Largi, and I had discussed pain injection therapy as a next step--physical therapy only aggravated my pain). Dr. Khan stormed into the room without introduction and went straight to the computer. "Clickity clack" on the computer, and said he had looked over my chart and even though the CT scan shows merit to the injection therapy, the EMG did not. He attempted to dominate the conversation and contradicted himself when it came to the importance of test results. I thought, "Well, are they or are they not important? Choose one. Unless, of course, we have a case of confirmation bias." It was a nightmare being in a room, while in pain, with someone who chose pain management as their specialty, but who does not humanize you in any way--in fact, I felt dehumanized in those moments. I realized this appointment I had been long awaiting, the appointment to relieve my pain, or at the very least answer my questions, was not going to happen. It all culminated, and I got tearful. As I took a deep breath to regain my composure, I look up, and Dr. Khan smiling, as if this was humorous to him in some way. That is where the 'ick' kicks in. I asked where I was supposed to go from there to which replied, my previous doctors--"the neurologist, rheumatologist, sports medicine and rehabilitation doctors?" Yes, and your PCP. Total reset. I left the office and went straight to the bathroom, where I had not planned on crying, but there I was. After a brief little cry, I walked to a private area and as I waited for my car, I started to quietly cry to myself--I can barely move from the pain: I can't walk without pain, I can't sleep without pain, I can't even enjoy my couch without pain. It was devastating. That Sunday, my neurologist sent her (first and only) report of the EMG completed the day before seeing Dr. Khan (a reminder: the same result he said invalidated issues with my nerve). My neurologist states she suspects nerve damage is the cause, even if the electrical tests are still negative. I sent him a message via MyChart that same evening right after I read the report. I quoted her notes verbatim. Dr. Khan called me Monday, and in his best bedside manner attempted to backtrack by stating he had not seen that note in the EMG report and claimed my neurologist *must* have edited her notes. Well, I am not certain what results Dr. Khan saw less than 24 hours after the EMG test, but my neurologist's clinical notes weren't signed off on until that Sunday. I drew my personal conclusion that Dr. Khan is not fit to see patients who are not black and white, cut and dried. Are those of us who are in the gray area disenfranchised? During that call, I had the satisfaction of telling Dr. Khan that I had reached out to the office requesting a move to a new doctor, and that I understood from the secretary the medical director would be made aware of my decision. I blankly told Dr. Khan I did not like his bedside manner and that I did not feel heard. I asked him if he realized the psychological toll taken on someone who lives in pain. He replied he did. I said, "Well, then you must understand why I no longer want you as my provider." That was that. Don't leave an office feeling defeated, like your experience is inconsequential--don't let doctors like Dr. Khan make you feel that way. It's your health. Take your business elsewhere."

"New pt visit: 2 minutes of time. Dr was very disinterested in my history or trying to help me. He had his own agenda trying to "sell" me by stating repeatedly that "all I do is spinal injections." He should have said that I should just go home bc he couldn't have professional conversation with other options other than to continue to take my pills or to have acupuncture. This is not called a Care Plan. I am a Masters prepared RN. I know when a health professional is full of BS. Being pompous doesn't make a good doctor."

"I'm in healthcare administration so I know good quality doctors. My doctor was on leave and he was actually a covering doctor. He met me before my epidural injection which my doctor recommended to establish care and day of injection he explained all the side effects. During the procedure he walked me through every step and made sure I was comfortable. As just a covering doctor he was amazing and so personable. I also messaged him bc I was in so much pain and he responded very quickly and prescribed me medication. I have no hesitation to recommend him!"