Dr. Sara Woo, MD

I saw Dr. Sara Woo for ongoing pelvic health concerns. While I appreciate her time, I was told everything was “fine,” but it isn’t. I felt that my symptoms were not fully addressed, and I left the appointment without clear answers or solutions. It’s important for healthcare providers to listen closely to their patients, especially when symptoms persist and there’s a significant medical history to consider. I hope this feedback encourages a more thorough and attentive approach to care, without bias.

I am a 29 yr old female with diagnosed EDS and chronic pain. I checked in to the INOVA ER in Lansdowne in a wheelchair because my legs would not support my weight and I was in 10 of 10 pain through my arms, legs, and back. At first she was great, saying 'We're going to get through this together and find answers', while she was seeing me at triage (because I understand, a busy ER is stressful. You see patients where you can. I have no complaints about the wait). Her attitude immediately changed when I told her I'm allergic to narcotics. After just checking the reflexes in my knees, and then later my feet (the entirety of any physical exam I received), I was told I was dehydrated (I wasn't) and to consider anti depressants. Not because they would help my pain, but because chronic pain makes people sad. Moral of the story, she gave up as soon as she realized she couldn't go with her SOP and then didn't even look at me before deciding I was a lost cause. I will not be going back.

An absolute professional, willing to accept patients own decision as to the use of natural remedies, very much respected her for that it was just a swollen knee. Nothing major spoke with me as an equal and someone who knows her own body well, and her respect towards her fellow workers was obvious.

She do not listen does wants and a layer

Went to the ER for sciatic back pain at the end of 2018. I was put on 4 different opiates, all of which only briefly took the pain away and I communicated that, they eventually put me on KETAMINE. Dr. Woo initially refused to get me a CAT scan to see what was wrong with my back, saying they "don't like to give xrays to ladies of childbearing age". When I told her I don't care, she still refused until I demanded it be noted on my chart that she refused. Lied to me about why I could not receive a Toradol shot, which is standard for this issue. I was released in the same condition I arrived in, I could not even sit up due to pain, the nurses wheeled me out ON THE HOSPITAL BED, they were appalled at how I was treated (or, untreated), and I basically rolled myself into the back seat of my fiancé's car. Called to file a formal complaint, I was told her treatment, or lack thereof, was appropriate for my health issue. If I ever get her as a doctor at an INOVA ER again, I'll go elsewhere.