Robert S. Kramer

I was exercising in accordance to my department's policy and while performing a bench press, I felt and heard a popping sensation in my left shoulder followed by immense pain and swelling. I knew that something wasn't right. I went to see Dr. Answorth Allen, a specialist in shoulder repair. He diagnosed my shoulder with a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. But I want to express how professional, courteous and helpful his office staff was and is, Never in my past have I ever had the pleasure of feeling so comfortable with staff like this. Now when I arrived for surgery on September 8th at the Hospital for Special Surgery, I was greeted by the administrative staff who assisted with getting me checked in. This was a flawless and smooth process. The desk reception to the assisting nurse had made me feel so welcome that the fact that I was there for surgery had slipped my mind. Once admitted into and surgical waiting room I was greeted by a nursing staff that was warm and friendly. I was now a little apprehensive and they recognized this, needless to say I am not one that likes to get an I.V., but the staff had gathered around and put my mind at ease while doing so. I felt so comfortable and relaxed that one would not know that I was going in for surgery. Finally, Dr. Allen is the best surgeon that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His demeanor is outstanding and his ability to express what he is going to do was done with detailed explanation. Granted, I proved to have a more difficult injury then originally diagnosed, but Dr. Allen being the professional that he is completed my rotator cuff repair. It is now 5 months from my surgical date and I back in the gym. My shoulder feels great other then the expected issues that were clearly expressed to me by Dr. Allen. I have now recommended Dr. Allen to several other friends and Family who have gone to see him. They too expressed to me that he and his staff are great. If there was ever an award for outstanding patient care it should go to Dr, Allen, his staff and of course to Hospital for Special Surgery.