I am a diabetic. Dr. Malkani has been my endocrinologist for atleast 12 years and has brought my diabetes under control. I also have stiff persons syndrome, which only 350 people in the country have. It took 5 doctors, but finally Dr. Pertusi, who is no longer with UMass Memorial found the problem, medicated it with diazepam and took the incredible pain away. I also see Dr. Moonis to keep an eye on my SPS and Dr. Chopra maintains my physical condition for my SPS. My primary care, Dr. Nancy Bennet has been the most caring and supportive person for all my conditions and your lab staff have been outstanding! I will never go to another facility other than UMass Memorial, Worcester unless recommended to do so. You have been awesome to me. Thank you! -Eric Miller
… you are the best! In August of 2006, I discovered a lump in my left breast. I contacted my primary care doctor and he put me in contact with, what I feel, is the greatest team of physicians I personally want on my side. After mammograms, PET scans and biopsies, I heard the dreaded word ‘cancer’. My team came up with the battle plan of attack, and on October 13, 2006, I underwent surgery to remove the lump and have a lymph node dissection brilliantly performed by Dr. Robert Quinlin. The next plan was chemotherapy where I met Dr. Catheryn Edmonston. After eight treatments of chemo, I made my way to Dr. Cicchetti for what I believe was 36 treatments of radiation. I had been cancer free for 8 years and again in August 2014, a PET scan showed a spot on the pelvis which turned out to be cancer. I also had three spots on my spine. Again I was under the care of Dr. Cicchetti and Dr. Edmonston. Treatment has come a long way since 2006. I had 14 treatments of radiation and I am happy to say the cancer has been eradicated from my pelvis. Dr. Edmonston's assessment on how to attack the spots on my spine is through a monthly shot and a chemo pill. I am here to say I have the best team I could have ever imagined. They never hesitate to answer the smallest of questions I might have. Dr. Edmonston and Dr. Cicchetti, you are the best! - Linda White
‌ I am alive and leukemia free I went for my yearly physical with my primary care doctor, Dr. Mary Hawthorne. I mentioned I had been itchy. She checked my stomach and felt something was enlarged. She did complete blood chemistry on me. A week later she called to say I needed to see an oncologist immediately as my white count was extremely elevated. I saw Dr. Doreen Brettler at the Cancer Center at UMass Memorial who did a bone marrow biopsy and found I had a rare for of leukemia CMML. Although there is no cure for this and prognosis was 18 months, Dr. Brettler agreed with me that I should get a second opinion and suggested a physician at Dana Farber that she has worked with in the past. I had three months of chemo at UMass Memorial and then went to Boston for a stem cell transplant on November 20, 2013. My sister was a match. Not only am I well because of my PCP Dr. Mary Hawthorne, but I am alive and leukemia free. - Barbara White
I have the most wonderful group of doctors I visit my primary care doctor twice a year. I follow her advice and she keeps me informed about my conditions. She takes the time to treat me as a person and is very caring and compassionate She keeps me apprised of my appointments with my specialists (heart, lung, urologist, orthopedic and dermatologist Doctors). She explains results of tests in a way that I can understand them. I follow the advice of all the physicians I see and I can say that I am able to lead a productive and quality life style. I feel that I have the most wonderful group of doctors who, with all my concerns, have kept me healthy. I am very grateful to be able to exercise at the YMCA, do my yard work and help my grandchildren with their sports. I lead an active life because of my UMass Memorial physicians. - Joseph Monfredo
I will forever be grateful‌
Near 30 years ago, my fabulous PCP listened to me and guided me through a very difficult illness. He suggested an amazing team of doctors that worked to save my life. I will forever be grateful to the doctors and awesome nurses that got me through and am now an ecstatic grandmother. I am well thanks to you. God bless and be well. - Jeanne Parker
I have the best primary Doctor that UMass Memorial has! She will explain everything, answer all my questions and spend as much time with me that is needed. She never rushes you or herself and always takes away all my fear and anxiety. Dr. Rebeka Kasenge is the best of the best!! - Frances Rivers
I'm well because my Primary Care Physician, Dr Sameh Said, takes the time to listen to my questions and concerns. By doing this, issues can be addressed avoiding any potentially larger problems. - Wendy Davis
I have the BEST primary care doctor (Dr. Steve Erban) and his backup team! I get rapid access to the help I need when I need it and am always treated as a reasonably intelligent adult able to participate fully in all aspects of my health care. - Alice Golden
This has been the best decision of my life‌ I have been overweight since I was in high school. I had a family history of everything you can imagine (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, etc.). I was also more recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I wanted to be more active; I wanted to reverse the effects that obesity had on me. When I started my weight loss journey I was 275 pounds, not a high point in my life. So, my PCP referred me to the UMass Memorial Weight Center. Everyone there was wonderful! I always felt informed and never felt ashamed of myself. I decided on the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. I had the surgery in December 2014 and am doing well. I am down to 207 pounds, that's a total weight loss of 68 pounds. While I am still not at my goal weight, I am starting to feel a lot better. I feel more awake, not so tired. I am controlling my food impulses. Every day is a journey for me. I even believe that my PCOS and OSA could go away when I lose more weight. This has been the best decision of my life. The Weight Center team and my surgeon have been forefront in my journey of self-betterment. I feel great! I'm well because I am no longer obese and every day I am making better, healthier choices and will do so for the rest of my life. Thank you so much, UMass Memorial, you've changed my life! —Rachel Messier