Institute For Specialized Medicine

I've been seeing Dr. S and his PA's for a decade now. In the past, I had been with "conventional" Rheumatologists who just prescribed meds as a bandaid but didn't look for any root causes and my autoimmune condition was worsening. Dr. S literally saved my life. I'm thankful for him and his staff including his Office Manager who has always been so helpful over the years.

I have been going to Dr. Shikhman for 12 years. I have found him to be consistent and thorough with his treatment. My condition has improved greatly over time, thanks to his recommendations for the appropriate medications, vitamins and nutritional referrals. It is not an easy fix when you have an autoimmune condition, but the reason why I have continued to stay with this practice is because Dr. Shikhman continues to thoroughly research the most safe and effective therapeutic treatments. He answers my questions and spends time going through the concerns I have related to my condition. I highly recommend Dr. Shikhman as a rheumatologist.

Office lacks good customer service. I had a very rude encounter w/the office staff, and have found they really need customer service training. Showed up for an appt. recently (been going 3 yrs and lots $$$$ paid to them), to be scolded for not wearing a mask, told to wait outside for them to bring me one, and told me to bring one in the future, that the office will start charging for them. Even though hospitals have stopped requiring them. Didn’t argue (& not anti mask, tho no one is wearing them anymore ?!) but, was rude. By the way, it was 1st time I showed up not wearing one since the pandemic. Mid level PA staff, is caring. Also, their infusion staff are rude and give you the runaround. Haven’t been able to get an IV with them in years! Pros/Cons: Easy to get an appointment as long as you have insurance they’ll accept, and they accept Tricare. Dr. Shikhman is good at diagnosis (does muscle testing -is spot on) and is herbal medicine savvy to an extent, if you’re starting out in your mystery illness journey. His bedside manner is cold & he’s not the best communicator. Can tell he cares though. I don’t totally blame him, this doesn’t come with easy answers. He is a very busy man, and is learning, but, he needs to address patient’s terrain instead of just focusing eradicating infection. He’s a straight shooter, so is this review. Recommend w/reservations.