Stephen T. Callahan MPH, MD

I like Dr. Callahan as a person but our experience at the clinic has not been very good. He is kind and respectful, but fairly inflexible in his methods. We don't get much information at our visits; they strip her down and weigh her and then ask us if she's following the meal plan. That's all. No parent education, no supplemental materials, nothing. Just a recommendation that we find a therapist, which we did, and she has been very helpful. But our experience at the Vanderbilt clinic has felt a bit like a factory for patients. They check us in, they check vitals, they check us out. It is not a therapeutic environment, and that's what my child needs.And although I'm aware that labels are not always helpful, nobody's ever talked to me as a parent about a diagnosis. I have no idea if it's anorexia or restrictive eating or what. In general, I would say the clinic needs better communication during visits and a more holistic approach to care.

Dr. Callahan was very kind, and caring. He showed genuine concern for my grandson. He was extremely thorough, and devoted much time in securing a medical history.

Callahan keeps parents at arms length. Very little eye contact or engagement with parents. Yes, the patient is a minor and should be the majority focus but Callahan's demeanor is exclusionary and non-inclusive. He is very good at engaging minor patients. Patient and almost fatherly.