Dr. Maria Velasco Acuna, MD

Very Kind and had patience with me

I was ecstatic to have received the call from U of F about referral, it took 7 months to get in. I have several endocrine issues and symptoms can be debilitating. First appointment Dr. Acuna adjusted my thyroid meds and removed interfering meds for further testing and follow-up in 6 weeks. I had a reaction, possibly related to med changes and went to ER to rule out CVA. I contacted her office for post ER visit since the med changes were done by Dr. Acuna. I was told to see my primary which I did.I followed up in 6 weeks and told all was good. I was still very symptomatic. Dr. Acuna ordered one more test. According to the Endocrine Society guidelines this test was positive, just above the cut off, which should have warranted more testing. I received a message, all was good, and to follow-up in 6 months and instructed to see primary if symptoms persist. Dr. Acuna adjusted my meds, with no aggressive followup to determine if med changes were in optimal ranges for me.

Had an appointment with Dr. Acuna because of the outcome of bloodwork I had performed at my family doctor and my doctor recommended her. She was with me for over 40 minutes. She carefully listened and explained everything to me in detail. I am currently having more bloodwork, etc. but I am extremely pleased with Dr. Acuna's 'bedside' manner and overall knowledge of her specialty. Would highly recommend her to anyone with a Thyroid problem.

I just had my first appointment with Dr. Velasco. The entire office was exceptional.She was spectacular. Listen to my concerns explained everything clearly.Gave me a proper plan of care going forward and what to expect. I would highly recommend her.

Granted, in the wake of covid many health care professionals have suffered under the increased burden. I observe two basic differences in how doctors are dealing with the effects. Those who are in it from a pure interest to help reduce suffering deepen their grounding in compassion, while those who are in it for ego grow cold and have, well, little patience for their patients. As someone who has been recently disrespected and dismissed by some of the latter (and is the worse for it), I can attest that Dr. Velasco is a grand example of the former. Just experiencing her proactive and sincere interest in doing whatever she could to be of help, and offering clear, concise explanations in the process, has in itself provided a measure of healing that I much needed.