Gardner, Sandy L, Md - Samaritan Ob/Gyn

I am a low-risk patient with a natural birth plan, and, contrary to the previous reviews on here.... ive gotten nothing but positive responses for my birth plan. Dr. Smith doesn't deliver, but he's a warm, funny guy... straight to the point. Dr. Choi is very nurturing, with a great bedside manner. Dr. Schuermman is the best--he takes the time to listen and respond to all questions you may have. I thought Dr. Gardener seemed a bit rushed, but she may just be high-energy (I've only met her once). And Dr. Hoopes was nice as well. I'd reccomend this practice... and I am VERY picky about doctors! more

I have been going to this group since I was 18. In a span of about 10 years I've gone for every annual, dealt with a miscarriage, and now have another baby on the way. \r \r I have seen all the Md's at least once, but highly recommend Schuermann, Hoopes, & Gardner. I dealt with Schuermann through my miscarriage and he took the time to explain everything and let me know how things would change the next time around since I would be considered ""high risk"" after the miscarriage.\r \r After finding out I was pregnant again, he sat down with both my husband and I and explained everything that would happen over the next 9 months. I can honestly say I certainly never felt like a number and I was fully prepared for what was to come during my visits.\r \r They all are highly experienced individuals whom I value there opinions. more

I too left the practice in trimester 2 for a more natural-friendly doctor. However, I must give Good Sam OB a lot of credit for being so thorough and attentive with their patients, especially in early pregnancy when nerves and emotions run high. I always got a call back from the doctor or nurse when I had questions and they were very attentive to my questions and fears. I too wish they would be more accepting and supportive of doulas/natural childbirth but at least they were honest about it from the getgo when I asked. I really appreciated that and would rely on them again in the future during early pregnancy when peace of mind is more important than ever. After 2 miscarriages I know that anything can happen and it's good to know that your doctor is involved and aware. The 3rd pregnancy they put me on progesterone through week 14 and I'm now at 34 weeks with our first - a healthy baby girl - on the way. more

I left this practice this summer and am still frustrated and disappointed after 2 years of being a patient and sending my money there. Totally agree with kd2011 that they are good for routine visits but you are truly just a number so do not expect any understanding or respect for your wishes during birth. No empowerment whatsoever. I so much as mentioned a ""birth plan"" and a natural birth preference during my second trimester and they looked at me like I was crazy and told me to go elsewhere. Seriously? Why? I was a good patient but have since come to learn that the practice is notorious for this, they internally schedule or plan for c-sections months in advance and it's all about maximizing profit through minimizing patient input. Trust me if you want a say in your birthing process, and are low-risk, go elsewhere or you'll regret it. Problem is you don't figure this out until you've built a trust with the doctors and then they turn their backs to make you feel like the relationship was never truly there. I've been told via my birthing class that they've ""kicked out"" at least six other women this summer for the same reason. Can you believe it? What nerve! Hopefully they'll change this in future years but as of 2011 STAY AWAY!!! I am now with a more respectful practice and have also hired a doula, I'm due any day now and the situation suits me much better. It's heartbreaking - but ladies knowledge is power. Know your rights. p.s. Re: the 2006 review there is no Stephen Johnson there...? Maybe he left or something. more

Evidently things have changed here since 2009. This practice is affiliated with a great hospital (Good Sam), but I would only recommend them if you are going for a routine reason (like for an annual exam or if you're a pro at pregnancy) and are pretty sure you won't require any special treatment or attention, because you won't get it. The doctors in this practice are very rigid. They don't think outside the box, and you will be treated as a number rather than a person. The nurses for the most part (not all of them) are cold and have no concern for how patients feel when something does go wrong. On top of this, there seems to be an inefficient amount of communication amongst the office staff. I have switched to a practice that was recommended by a maternity nurse and feel like I am in much better hands. more

I've been visiting this office for over two years now, and they are way better than my previous OBGYN. All of the doctors seem to care about the patients and the reception staff is really nice too - in fact the office even sent me flowers after the birth of my son! The only draw back to the place is that all of the doctors are a little on the conservative side, and they would not tie my tubes after the birth of my second son (claimed a conflict of interest as the office is affliated with a religious hospital) - which is the only reason I did not give them five stars. This is not a super big deal to me as there are many other birth control options but I was initially put off by it. Dr. Schuermann is my favorite and has always taken the time to fully answer my questions. I have recommended a friend to the facility and she has been completely satisified as well. Pros: Friendly, closely affiliated with a great hospital Cons: Religiously orientated, sometimes really busy more

I've been under the care of Dr. Steven Johnson since January of 2006.\r \r Dr. Johnson has met or exceeded my expectations as a physician. He is caring, compassionate, has a good bedside manner, and takes the time to listen to his patients' concerns.\r \r I also like the fact that he will take the time to personally contact his patients in the event that his staff cannot answer your questions over the phone.\r \r His main office is in the medical ofc. bldg. at Good Samaritan Hospital, with a secondary office in Harrison, OH. There are 5 docs in the group, including him.\r \r I plan to keep this doctor for my future OB/GYN because I trust him and don't want to keep switching docs (mainly due to insurance reasons). Pros: Doc listens to your concerns Cons: Doc is on conservative side but is a reasonable do more