Dr. Jared Spoons, DO

Dr. Spoons was dismissive and lacked experience and compassion coming across as arrogant, at times. When bringing up my list of complaints, was told that I was 'fishing.' When I expressed my concerns in a survey at the Internal Medicine Associates office, I was told that they would no longer care for me and that I'd have to find a new doctor. Dr. Spoons even sent a registered letter to that effect. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with cancer. Shameful behavior by this doctor and the medical practice in Powell.

I had been looking for a local doctor to discuss an increasingly worrying set of symptoms that had been developing over the last year and was recommended to Summit Medical in Powell. Dr. Jared Spoons was a new doctor there and was one of the few that was taking new patients. Initially, I found him to be easy-going and I was hopeful that as a DO, perhaps he’d have more insight into what could be causing my symptoms. At one point, I was diagnosed with a diverticular infection for which Dr. Spoons prescribed an antibiotic. I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics developing a red, itchy rash all over my body. When I went in to see him for the rash, his reaction was, “Why didn’t you tell me you were allergic to amoxycillin?!’ as if I would knowingly take something that would make me so sick, but I’d never had a reaction to any antibiotics or any medication, in the past. That was the first red flag as I’ve never had a doctor blame me for something that I had no control over. But, I thought that the rash was so severe and perhaps he was just taken aback by it not thinking before speaking. Due to an abnormal AFP tumor marker result previously discovered by a nurse, I had been pushing for him to order bloodwork outside of the usual CMP and CBC panels as I was thinking that perhaps I had an autoimmune disease. He eventually ordered it, but not without adding that he felt I was “fishing.” I’ve no doubt that doctors use that term amongst themselves when discussing patients, but I feel it’s inappropriate to actually say that to a patient. At the same appointment, when I told him that my wife is really pushing me, too, to get more labwork done, he told me that his wife tells him to “suck it up” when he’s not feeling well. Another red flag, but at the same time, I think that by him saying these things, it almost gave me a sense of hope that perhaps I was just being overly concerned for no reason. His comments were definitely lacking bedside manner, if not a bit arrogant or just lacking experience. I received a survey soon after the appointment and answered it truthfully mentioning the “fishing” comment, but not stating that I didn’t like him or that I wanted a new doctor, but basically stating that I was a little disappointed in his lack of compassion. It soon became clear that Summit Medical, Powell is not interested in hearing how you REALLY feel. They should just state that feedback is welcomed as long as it’s positive. As a matter of fact, Jennifer Long, the office manager, actually denied that Dr. Spoons said these things basically calling me a liar. Jennifer spoke with my wife telling her that Dr. Spoons would no longer see me and that none of the other doctors within the practice would see me. Dr. Spoons sent me a letter via registered mail ending the relationship. The main priority of this practice is their doctors, not the patients. When the liaison between doctor and patient, in this case Ms. Long, automatically sides with the doctor and doesn’t even attempt to display a stance of neutrality, that is a medical practice that is putting doctors and profits first. Less than 2 months after my final appointment with Dr. Spoons, I was diagnosed with cancer - multiple myeloma, hypogammaglobulinemia and they found a schwannoma in my right thigh which is the reason my leg gives out when walking, just one of the many symptoms I mentioned to Dr. Spoons. If you’re relatively healthy, then Summit Medical is as good as any local medical practice. They’re good about getting you in relatively quickly to see one of the nurses when the doctors are unavailable. The location is convenient and the labwork is done on site, but I cannot recommend it if you have serious health concerns. Ultimately, you must be your own advocate. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t stop asking questions and if your doctor isn’t listening, find another doctor. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is not at all what I expected, but I’m glad that I pushed for the labwork even though I was told I was “fishing” and I’m glad that I pushed for the referral to the oncologist when I did. As much as I was shocked by the way the practice dismissed me and hurtful to receive the letter by Dr. Spoons terminating the relationship, it was for the best. It forced me to find more capable and compassionate healthcare providers and I now have a great team of doctors and oncologists helping me to manage this horrible disease.