Elizabeth Kurkjian, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Dr. Kurkjian is terrific. I have been seeing her for approximately 4 years now. I was referred by a friend who had a high risk pregnancy and loved Dr. Kurkjian. I am post-​menopausal and I feel the doctor listens and understands my issues. She thoroughly explains different options to treat my symptoms and the pros and cons. The front office, lab and medical assistants have been professional and courteous. I couldn’t be happier with the service and care I receive at this office and by Dr. Kurkjian.

Went for a first OB appointment at 6 weeks. I met Dr. Wong and she seemed really nice. She looked at my medical records saw that I have had 3 vaginal births, 1 loss, 1 c-​esection, and 1 vabc (15 months prior) She immediately declared I «have to» have a c-​section. I explained I already had a vbac and wouldn’t CHOOSE a c-​section. We go back and forth for a minute before I mention that I’m only 6 weeks and we can discuss this later.
Dr. Wong decided to do an unexpected ultrasound. I was glad I’d get a peek at baby! She pointed out the heartbeat and told me it was too slow. I was a little confused because I’ve had several children and it looked perfect to me. She didn’t even measure the heartbeat… just kept saying it was «too slow».
She removed the probe, gave me a pamplet on miscarriage and told me to schedule a follow up appintment in two weeks or to come in sooner if I had miscarried before then.
I left and called another OB who sent me for a dianostic ultrasound the next day. Everything was fine. Baby’s heartrate was 160. Not slow at all.
All that upset was for NOTHING.
I was crying, my husband was upset, I hadn’t ate or slept.
Imagine if I had waited two weeks!
I’m not sure what Dr. Wong saw that indicated to her that she should declare an impending miscarriage… but the other tech saw NOTHING of the sort. I have since had all my blood work, and 3 more ultrasounds, and I’m now in my second trimester. All signs point to a perfectly healthy baby. I have yet to recieve any type of acknowlegement or apology for the upset she caused.
So my next visit I’m seen by Dr. Kurkjian (8 weeks).
She confirms that baby’s heartbeat seems normal but that their machine actually doesn’t even measure the heartbeat! Strange but okay. I was just happy to see my baby and have a doc say everything was ok. Then Dr. Kurkjian starts in on the C-​section pressure. I’m a perfectly healthy woman, with a normal healthy fetus, no clinical indications for a c-​section AT ALL. Dr. Kurkjian was like a c-​section nazi. This woman would NOT let up. I mention that I am only 8 weeks, she didn’t stop. I mention that they are my local OB’s, but I may switch later, she doesn’t stop. I mention that the ACOG states that a woman should be alowed a trial of labor, and that my previos history of 3 vaginal birth, 1 low transverse c-​section, a VBAC, and almost 2 year between births should be PERFECT for another VBAC. This just ticked her off. She tells me no VBAC is safe. I counter that statistics show VBAC is in fact SAFER than a repeat c-​section. This only infuriates her further. At this point she is almost yelling as I just look at the floor wanting to leave. She tells me if I refuse a c-​section, she will make sure that none of the doctors in this practice see me. She was very angry. I don’t think I have ever seen a doctor so angry. Definatly would not want her near me in labor, or around my newborn. I scheduled my next appointment and mentioned to the front desk that I don’t ever want to see her again. The woman at the front desk just winked and said «I know what you mean.»
Next visit I was 13 weeks. I met Dr Calhoun. Much better than her partners. Calm, let me ask questions, and explained that that practice does not do VBACs. Washington Hospital does not «allow» VBACs. I could show up and it be «too late (baby falling out) …or flat out refuse a c-​section last minute… but I’d be better off delivering elsewhere.
Quite an issue for me as my 3 shortest labors were 20 minutes, 41 minutes, and 1 hour. But at least she wasn’t rude or yelling at me like Dr. Kurkjian.
At 15 weeks I called about a yeast infection. I’m allergic to Monistat. She said to take Lotrimin, which later the pharmacist said to NOT take because it is the same drug family and if you are allergic to Monistat, you’d be allergic to Lotrimin most of the time. So I was a little worried she didn’t think of that… but over all ok.
My next visit with her will be my last, I may even cancel, not sure yet. I’m switching to a midwife.
I would highly encourage this practice to:
1 — do not carelessly tell women their babies are dying.
2 — Just fire Dr. Kurkjian, she’s beyond help
3 — Deliver VBACs and pressure Washington Hospital to change their «policy» since it is NOT in the best interest of women or babies.
Remember — First, Do no harm.
By denying women the right to birth, you are in fact harming them, and their babies.