2021, Successful
10
10
Dr. Stewart's treatment protocol closely monitored my estrogen levels so as to mitigate the risks of IVF that may have been tied to my cancer history. He also took the time to consult with my oncologist before devising his treatment plan...He was methodical and thorough in assessing my situation, and explained each result and prognosis in an accessible way. He presented me with a recommendation that factored in my concerns and was honest about the outcomes that I could realistically expect...
the nursing team [at Weill Cornell Medical College] was always kind, courteous and patient, and were responsive to patient questions and needs...While the main clinic location located at Weil Cornell on the Upper East Side can feel a bit impersonal and like a fertility factory given the high volume of patients being seen at any given time, the Brooklyn clinic location had the complete opposite feel...Each provider was attentive and professional.
How was your experience with Joshua Stewart at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Before beginning treatment with Dr. Stewart, I had consultations with other providers. From my first contact with Dr. Stewart, I had complete confidence that he understood my family building goals and also my areas of concern specific to my medical situation. He was methodical and thorough in assessing my situation, and explained each result and prognosis in an accessible way. He presented me with a recommendation that factored in my concerns and was honest about the outcomes that I could realistically expect. With each step of the process, I knew that I could rely on the fact that Dr. Stewart was taking time to keep updated on my progress. Dr. Stewart was optimistic and encouraging, and also provided me the information that I needed to be able to make informed decisions about my treatment plan. Dr. Stewart is kind, personable and effectively instilled confidence. I have left each interaction with Dr. Stewart feeling well cared for and knowing that he has my best interests at the forefront of all recommendations that he makes. My only regret is that I'm not able to continue care with Dr. Stewart through my pregnancy!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joshua Stewart at Weill Cornell Medical College?
My advice for prospective patients is to be open and communicative with Dr. Stewart regarding your goals and concerns. He is non-judgemental and treats his patients with respect.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Joshua Stewart at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Stewart clearly cares so much about all of his patients. His bedside manner and communication skills are excellent, and he took the time to understand my priorities and goals and offered treatments that had taken these into consideration. He clearly explained the pros and cons and what I should expect along the way. Dr. Stewart has a kind and easy going disposition, and made me feel like he was truly following along with my treatment progress and making needed adjustments along the way. He arrived to each appointment updated on my chart and was able to quickly and effectively answer any questions I had. Even though his practice is busy, I never felt rushed and left my appointment confident that he had paid full attention to my case. His team (from front desk staff to nursing staff) were always kind, welcoming and helpful.
Describe the protocols Joshua Stewart used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
I went to Dr. Stewart for help conceiving after years of ovarian suppression following a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Stewart's treatment protocol closely monitored my estrogen levels so as to mitigate the risks of IVF that may have been tied to my cancer history. He also took the time to consult with my oncologist before devising his treatment plan. I was able to retrieve more eggs than Dr. Stewart had initially predicted, and was also able to freeze more normal embryos than had been anticipated. Dr. Stewart was also supportive of my decision to have weekly acupuncture treatments throughout my retrieval and transfer cycles.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Molly Spilka, NP)
My primary point of contact was with Molly Spilka. With each phone call to updated me on my treatment protocol, Molly provided clear instructions and made sure to include explanations for any medication changes that were being recommended. Molly was generous with her time when I asked her to explain different medications, what was happening with my body and what I could expect in terms of next steps as the process moved forward. Any questions or concerns that I raised were responded to promptly either by return phone call or email, and Molly helped me to make sure that I had the correct medication supply and worked to trouble shoot any problems with this. There were a few times that I spoke to other nurses or to the PA Celia Chen. Each provider was informative and clear. They validated any concerns that I had and offered me helpful advice. Like Dr. Stewart, the nursing team was always kind, courteous and patient, and were responsive to patient questions and needs.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
While the main clinic location located at Weil Cornell on the Upper East Side can feel a bit impersonal and like a fertility factory given the high volume of patients being seen at any given time, the Brooklyn clinic location had the complete opposite feel! Apart from my procedures and a few monitoring appointments, all of my care was provided at the Brooklyn location. This clinic site is clean, quiet and inviting. The front desk staff is warm, friendly and efficient. Appointment times were honored and wait times were short. I had both egg retrieval and embryo transfer at the hospital, and the process was efficient and ran smoothly for each procedure. The nursing team post egg retrieval were excellent, and made sure to help me manage my symptoms before discharge. Each provider was attentive and professional.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Joshua Stewart at Weill Cornell Medical College.
The egg retrieval costs were around 11K and the embryo transfer fees were around 5K. Some of my testing and lab work was covered by insurance, and Dr. Stewarts office also helped me to apply for a LiveStrong fertility grant.
Describe Joshua Stewart's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Stewart recommended that I transfer one embryo, and I felt well informed of his rationale for this.
