Richard R. Lotshaw MD, NCMP

Absolutely love Dr. Lotshaw!

He didn't ask me anything about my history or symptoms. He was unaware of my genetic risk or mastectomy history. He was not interested in following me long term to assess the effect of the HRT after my surgery. He was knowledgable about the literature with regards to HRT, but seemed more focused on sharing that than understanding me or my specific concerns. This is a emotionally difficult journey (requiring prophylactic oophorectomies when I am not yet peri-menopausal), and I didn't get the sense that he was aware of that aspect of the visit for me. I think overall, more compassion and attention to my personal experience would have been appreciated.

I had to schedule the appointments many months in advance because I needed two at the same time. When he came in he said he could do one appt or the other and I'd have to come back for another appt. In addition, we talked about all of my current meds when we were going over the interactions with possible new script/treatment. He indicated there shouldn't be any issues and said he'd prescribe the patches. I reminded him that I'd like them at Vanderbilt since I was there and he agreed. I went for labs, then pharmacy and pharmacy said there was NO script. I walked back to Dr and reception talked to Dr who said he'd send to CVS. I said please change to Vandy. He said wHe would. I went back to pharmacy who said it wasn't through yet. After waiting a while, they looked and saw it was sent to CVS. They contacted CVS for me to transfer it to them. I had stay almost two extra hours to do this. I could have drive across town to CVS in that time. Also, when I got home, I got notice of the summary and labs. I looked at them and then followed the links to the education part because knowledge is wealth. I went through drug interactions and found the new prescription he gave me actually does have interactions with one of my current important ones. Why do we go over meds if they aren't discussed or considered. Or if he really thinks it won't be an issue, then he should have at least mentioned it to me.

This really was kind of the poster child appointment for lack of care regarding women's health. This man told me checking my hormones would do nothing, and that it was not worth testing for endometriosis. Despite me explaining that almost every phase of my cycle includes paid. He recommended an iud over and over again - mind you this releases progesterone and I was just told hormone levels don't matter and mine were going to be normal. The dismissive personality this man had was the worst I've experienced and truly a part of a bigger Issue - and a part of the reason so many women go untreated. Thank goodness I am 33 and well informed or I would have left with no answers and an IUD. I urge Vanderbilt to look into this for the sake of young women seeking care.

All my questions were answered in a noncondesinding manner. In the past I have experienced this, but not with this doc.

All good thank you

Seemed like a decent guy but lacking knowledge of more recent studies and trials with postpartum women's hormonal care and how deeply it can effect their overall well-being and quality of life which also greatly impacts their family unit. I feel like women's health in a whole is very lacking overall many places by many doctors

I was very impressed with the amount of time & education Dr. Lotshaw gave me. Unlike my regular GYN doctor, he did not dismiss my concerns with outdated & Incorrect information. His information was evidence-based, took my specific situation into account, and I felt heard.

I was disappointed by the lack of updated, evidence-based information provided during my visit. My concerns regarding [insert symptoms like brain fog, insomnia, uncontrollable weight gain, anxiety, mood changes were dismissed as not being 'medically provable,' despite these being recognized symptoms by the Menopause Society. The provider stated that only vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats) are valid menopause symptoms. I am seeking a specialist who takes a more comprehensive and modern approach to midlife women's health.