Paola Sandroni's Online Review Report Card

Hearing about the experience my friend had when she went to see Dr. Sandroni left me utterly bewildered. I'd like to begin by saying if you or your loved one is diagnosed with an eating disorder, then please find ANY other neurologist available. Dr. Sandroni first assumed which eating disorder my friend was diagnosed with based solely on her appearance alone, and when my friend corrected her with the proper diagnosis given to her by numerous professionals, Dr. Sandroni responded by suggesting my friend does not look "the type" to be struggling with such eating disorder. To begin, it is very apparent that Dr. Sandroni did not review any of my friends' notes because she was unaware of any diagnoses given or medications my friend was taking. Next, eating disorders are first and foremost a mental illness that MAY result in weight loss, but it is more rare than the stereotype leads many to believe. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, "less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight.”, and according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), "many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill." (n.d.; n.d.). Both of these citations support the truth that someone would not be able to look at, and accurately diagnose an individual with any specific eating disorder based on appearance alone, but that is EXACTLY what Dr. Sandroni attempted to do. Uneducated and unprofessional comments like the one made by Dr. Sandroni have the power to potentially send an individual into a relapse, and before this statement is brushed off as an "over exaggeration", I would like to again cite NEDA, who has said "eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness." (n.d.). Eating disorders are complicated and they are to be taken seriously on all levels. Dr. Sandroni may have many titles, awards, memberships, etc., but that does not give her the authority to make such an ignorant assumption in an area that she CLEARLY does not specialize in. My hope is that this review would accomplish two things: First, I hope it would encourage those struggling with an eating disorder to choose a different neurologist in order to protect their own mental health and recovery. Second, I sincerely hope that Dr. Sandroni would properly educate herself on the subject of eating disorders, and if she is not willing to do so, then I hope she would refrain from making any comments on the subject altogether.

Clearly isn’t fully educated in the medical field. Super invalidating and ignorant in the field of eating disorders. Super triggering. Would never ever recommend.

She made an extremely invalidating comment regarding my eating disorder.

This lady really knows her stuff. She has doctorates in several different fields, and even is a professor in Neurology. I see some folks have said she was 'rude'. Not at all. She is direct, which I appreciated. She spent quite a lot of time with me, never felt rushed. She ordered lots of testing, so she is thorough. When those are completed, I look forward to seeing her again for the results and recommendations.

A wonderful doctor! She diagnosed me and helped me get treated. I’ll forever be thankful .

My 17 year old daughter was seen by Dr. Sandroni after a tilt table test ordered by another physician at Mayo. We saw her on the “checker list”. She started by asking me to leave the wheelchair outside, “You do not need a wheelchair.” Leave it. This was before she introduced herself. She answered no questions, had zero knowledge of my daughter’s other health conditions. Which includes a serious genetic disorder which causes bone marrow failure. The more questions we asked the more defensive she became. She told my daughter she took too many medications and the only way to improve was the PPRC program. She was reading her records as we spoke and backpedaled as she saw a few of the contributing conditions we were concerned about. When I asked her flat out about the genetic condition being a factor, she responded she had been never heard of it but she felt it was “irrelevant”. She handed us two folders, told her she was not complicated and her issues were direct result of medication. She even told her to stop the meds, cold turkey “it was fine”. Then she paused...”well perhaps not this one, why do you take this?” She didn’t even know why my daughter was prescribed the medication! Which was easily found in her medical records. We stopped asking questions so she we could get out if there. She clearly had not read my daughter’s records and had no interest in thinking outside the box. My daughter was just another 17 year old girl that fit nicely into her standard diagnosis. We came to Mayo to see the best of the best. Where people worked together and solve difficult problems. A world renowned expert in her genetic condition was across the hallway. I suggested he could add to this conversation if she would like to speak with him. She waved me off and told me there was no need. She was demeaning, disrespectful, arrogant, rude and I will say reckless, because she did not review my daughter’s complete medical history, she refused to talk to the hematologist at Mayo that referred her and she suggested she stop all of her medication, none of which she prescribed. A traumatic day to say the least. Everyone else we dealt with at Mayo was wonderful.

My 17-year-old daughter saw Dr. Sandroni on short notice because of a cancellation. She had just completed Autonomic testing at Mayo ordered by another physician. We were both stunned. My daughter uses a wheelchair for long days and distances. She started our visit by asking her why she was in a wheelchair. Then telling her she did not need a wheelchair and told me to put it outside the room. Dr. Sandroni did not review my daughter's previous records (which includes a blood disorder) before speaking with her. She reluctantly discussed her results with us, told my daughter she did technically displayed signs of POTS but told her it was because of anxiety, too many medications, and doctors telling her she was "complicated". She recommended their Pain Rehab Clinic and stopping all her medication as the only way to recover. She was reckless, rude and arrogant. She refused to answer questions about the results or how her other condition (aplastic anemia) might contribute.

I came to Mayo hoping to receive the attention and treatment that they boast themselves on by this Dr. Sandroni. Her fellow spent the majority of the time with us (me and my husband) which was completely fine. He was compassionate, I felt heard, and he took a lot of time with me. However, Dr. Sandroni made her “appearance”, five minutes in total, not once looked at me, and the only thing she commented on was the fact that I must have “incredible” biceps because I am able to put on medical grade compression hose that was recommended to me by my neurologist at home to help with my symptoms. I felt dismissed, part of a factory line, and mocked by Dr. Sandroni. I followed all her recommendations for testing while there, and she never scheduled a follow up appointment to discuss the results upon the week long visit I travelled far to attend. I was told upon the initial meeting by her fellow that I would have this meeting. I came home and was so traumatized by the treatment of this particular doctor that I ended up with worsening symptoms and landed in the hospital for three days. DO NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR! She may be a brilliant researcher but she should be banned from any interaction with patients who are suffering. I am leaving my name. Melissa Guon

Dr Sandroni is a great combination of professionalism & compassion. I found her EXTREMELY qualified, VERY likeable & VERY empathetic. I was pleased with the length of time Dr Sandroni spent with me and how profession and yet how unrushed & sociable the session was. Hey, this is the MAYO clinic, the #1 neurologic clinic in the world. Because it's #1, the clinic and it's staff are very BUSY. Yet, they all seem to be able to manage a good balance between getting things done and being friendly.

I made an apptment to see Dr Sandroni for CRPSII, that resulted from a bad piriformis surgery. I made the appt based on CRPS being her speciality. She agreed that I had severe CRPS, she started pushing a rehab, I went to fix a bad surg. I did ask for an inj, helped. I asked to see sports med and was denied. I had watched my son go through an orchestrated line of wonderful Drs, and the care was awesome. She refused my request for diff Dr., I have also watched her go from diag CRPS to NOT?