Barish-Wreden Maxine MD

I had ongoing stomach issues for at least 3 – 4 months when I saw Dr. Barish. She and I discussed potential food reactions, and she encouraged me to try an elimination diet. The problem is that she wanted me to continue the elimination diet forever, and essentially prescribed Terry Wahl’s hoax of a diet of all meat and vegetables (there is a lot of criticism of Terry Wahl online). I explained that I am a mostly pescitarian and found this extremely difficult. After spending tons of time googling, I found a description of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth that sounded like my symptoms. I had extreme stomach bloating, gas, bowel issues, and very low energy. I couldn’t even go to work, and tried to schedule an appointment with her as soon as possible. But she couldn’t see me for weeks. When I finally did see her I asked if I could possibly have that condition and she brushed it off saying no, just stick on the elimination diet forever.
Well I finally scheduled an appointment with a PA at a local gastrointerologist’s office who agreed about the condition I probably had, and prescribed me antibiotics, and it went away. I want to be a proponent of natural medicine and its uses, but Dr. Barish came off as extremely narrow-​minded and useless to me. I also am not one to always run to antibiotics but at that point it was necessary for me to live a normal life again.

Was referred to Dr. Barish by a Sutter Internal Medicine specialist for support post neurological Lyme disease (8 yrs antibiotic treatment for multiple tick-​borne diseases) and chronic health issues after Lyme. Had multiple issues: GI problems, digestive issues, wasting illness, multiple nutritional deficiencies.
Dr. Barish is extremely thorough in doing her patient workups. She has a great breadth of knowledge in family medicine, internal medicine, and is now earning or has earned professional certification as a functional medicine doctor.
Maxine Barish, M.D. ordered complex metabolic, digestive testing, sophisticated endocrine function lab testing, etc., as within the scope of her medical expertise.
For the first time, I think my M.D. specialist (internist) is uncovering longstanding medical problems I’ve probably had since childhood. That would include adrenal issues going back to childhood, and a number of other complex medical issues. I’m also a chronic fatigue patient, so having someone work closely with me to regain my health and energy is HUGE; I’m very thankful for her help.
I just can’t say enough good things about Dr. Barish and her office staff. She’s not only extremely competent and knowledgeable, she’s also personable and genuinely cares about her patients. She has a warm and loving personality, and is an all-​around GREAT physician. I’d give her ten stars, if the ratings went that high. She’s that good!

Dr. Barish is an MD who specializes in integrative holistic medicine. I met with Dr. Barish recently for some delicate mental matters. Her office staff is extremely professional, compassionate and kind. Dr. Barish spent over an 1.5 with me and I never felt rushed! She took time to listen to me intently without judgement.
She is interested in treating the root cause of people’s issues — not just their symptoms.
I highly recommend this doctor!