Susan Berendzen, MD

Dr.Berendzen became my physician in 2010 when I suffered a transient ischemic attack, or mini stroke. She was very successful in bringing down and controlling my blood pressure and also reducing my cholesterol. I have had annual checkups with her ever since then. Now she is engaged in diagnosing a urinary problem, and she has brought to bear all the needed resources of the UNC system to help solve this mystery.

I have always found Dr. Berendzen exceptionally thoughful, careful, and caring, and I have reason to believe that many of her patients share my high opinion of her.

Dr. Berendzen came highly recommended and did not disappoint. I was seen promptly and she was extremely thorough and caring. She has a sincere manner and I will be seeing her again next year for my regular check up!

A superb professional, caring Doctor - don't come much better!

The physician visit was fine but when I went to the lab for blood to be taken, the phlebotomist was rude and condescending. Being a nurse and a long time Red Cross donor, I know exactly where to draw blood from in my arm. The phelbotomist was struggling with finding a vein so I suggested where to attempt the blood draw and she told me she could not feel the vein there so she wasn't going to stick at something she could not feel. I assured her I understood but I also knew exactly where I needed to be stuck and if she didn't feel that vein then she might have trouble locating a different one. She asked me if I wanted to just go to the hospital and have the blood drawn. I told her no that it was fine for her to stick me, but I didn't want to be stuck two or three times, and I was only trying to help her since I know I am a difficult stick.

In the meantime my arm was becoming numb and I asked her to remove the tourniquet and possibly reposition it. She became angry at this point and told me if I would let her do her job she would be fine. I apologized for making her upset and after letting her poke on my arm with her finger to find a vein, I again suggested the vein that I had no trouble at all feeling. She then began to berate me for trying to suggest where she attempt the blood draw.

After a minute of so of this, I removed the tourniquet and told her I was not going to be talked to like that and walked out, I could hear her yelling behind me from the lab room that she wasn't going to be talked to like that either, etc.. I left without having my blood drawn.