Fitzsimmons Patrick MD

First, let me start off by saying mental health issues are SERIOUS and need to be treated by competent and knowledgeable medical professionals. Second, I am not a doctor or have any type of medical training — other than a CPR class I took 20 years ago. But that does not exclude me, or anyone else, from having the ability to execute and rationalize those things that fall under the heading of «common sense». I also understand that the field of psychiatry, both diagnosis and treatment, is not «black and white». However, after being «treated» once a week for three years (over 150 hours) I would expect to see some type of diagnosis and treatment plan initiated.
When I go to a doctor I don’t want to get recommendations, suggestions or be asked «what do you think», «what would be best for you». That’s what consultants are paid to do. Based on my experience, Dr Fitzsimmons falls into the consultant category. It seems to me that unless you have a clear understanding or diagnosis of the patient’s illness, a «take two of these» or «lets try this» approach was nothing more than playing Russian Roulette using medication as bullets. As with most consultants, he was very good at making sure the financial aspects of my account was up to date and that the session lasted no longer than the allotted 50 minutes. It is also important to point out that he only wants to deal with the «patient» and not family members. After three years of frustration, a lost job and a divorce I left and sought medical treatment elsewhere.
My current doctor, a psychiatrist who I have been seeing for close to eight years, was able to diagnose me after my initial TWO hour consultation. She is extremely personable, patient focused, does not have an egg timer she sets for 50 minutes, understands the importance of including family members and is EXTREMELY knowledgeable in the field of BPD and the medications used to treat. She takes control, maps out a treatment plan and monitors results. In other words, she takes accountability for her performance. I clearly knew I had made the right decision when read the patient diagnosis Dr Fitzsimmons prepared and sent to my current doctor. It was so vague and subjective that it could be applied to every form of mental illness that exists today. My current doctor took it a step further stating that any intern would be thrown out of their program for submitting this type of diagnosis for any patient suffering from any illness.
As with all professions there are those individuals who excel and are passionate about their career and those who view their job as simply a way to earn income. I would strongly advise anyone to take the time and search out those professionals who are dedicated to their profession in a way that provides immediate impact and resolve to their patients.