05/17/09

Best psychopharmacologist world wide!

by camung

I was fortunate to meet Dr. Zavodnick when I was 48 years old, I am now 57. I had been a real psychiatric consumer beginning at age 5. At 47, I was still suffering severe anxiety, mixed with bad depression and some hypomania.

I was very fearful about medication. I had previously experienced some pretty bad side effects from most of the medications that were prescribed by other psychiatrists over the years. The side effects from of the medications were more debilitating than my psychiatric illness. A friend of mine from an anxiety support group suggested that I see her "medicine man" Dr. Z. I liked Dr. Z right away. He is straight forward/honest and has a GREAT sense of humor. He said that when a person is in therapy for 30 plus years and isn't better, medication is probably necessary. I basically knew that he spoke a truth but I was afraid of "pills". Dr. Z. doesn't get gushy, mushy, and give warm and fuzzy pat answers. What was more important was that he understood and worked with my fear. The first medication that I tried worked. I had been in torment for so many years that I felt a "high" not having to wake up to another day of obsessing and ruminating. Feeling better was not just because of the right medication, but, because of the doctor who prescribed it. Psychopharmacology is a balance between a science and an art. That is precisely where Dr. Zavodnick's talent lies. I moved to Florida some years ago. The number one psychopharmacologist here, falls a distant third next to Dr. Zavodnick. If you have been in "brain torment", give Dr. Z. a try. He saved my life!

03/04/09

Fabulous Guy

by LynnFreedmanPaul

I must disagree with the review called "Very Mixed Feelings" and suggest that it might be the client who was not able to be open, warm and sensitive at the moment of the visit with Dr. Z. When you give warmth.....you get warmth in return. Anyway, what was your goal "Mixed Feelings"? Was the goal to feel better or get warmth from your doctor? Hmmm.

Steven Zavodnick is a seasoned professional who reads his client/patients . He knows about who he is observing and how to adjust his own behavior. He is "just what the doctor ordered" for most clients. He gets to the point and makes you feel better without a lifetime of appointments and making you poor. He has the answers/solutions for your needs given your particular circumstances. He is warm and wonderful.....try asking for a hug. Love him!! What a huge difference he has made in my life!! Thanks Z.

• Pros: Dr. Z. has a great head!
• Cons: I don't care that the office isn't pretty.

12/09/08

Brilliant Doctor Zavodnick.

by KarenWainwright

I have been lucky enough to be a patient of Doctor Zavodnick for some years now. There are many reasons that make him, in my mind at least, a great doctor.

He keeps a picture of his daughter on his desk, but not his wife. When I asked, he explained that some patients have issues with "transference". Me too, but in the fact that I wish he were my father! He is warm, attentive, caring, brilliant and invested.

It has taken me way too many years to find Doctor Z, but I am so thankful that I have. His talents lie in many areas. First, he listens well, without judging, without comment, without any wavering interest. He also uses visual cues, noticing shaky hands, the fact that one is reading a book, rather than staring, the expression and demeanor: How we present. He is up to date on the edge of medicine, but has made it clear to me that our goal is less, or no medication.

When I've asked him about the dismal business of listening to sick people all day, he responded with the fact that he gets great joy out people who are success stories. He is willing to prescribe meds that others won't. He gives samples for people like me on SSDI. He returns a phone call within TWO HOURS. Many of my friends, myself included, don't!

I have recommended Doctor Z to many people. I like the fact that we shoot the breeze when I visit. Even when I am so sick I find it hard to breathe, he engages me. I get tolerant to meds and have to switch often, so I'm pretty high maintenance. But he always makes me feel like it's a pleasure to see me. He is quite the gentleman!

Also, as he has moved to the Curtis Building, you have an opportunity of seeing a great work of art. On the East side of the building (6th Street), is the amazing Tiffany glass mural. Badly lit, but still beautiful, it's worth the trip, even if you don't need help from Doctor Z.

• Pros: Rapid phone response, vast medicinal knowledge, warm, personal care.
• Cons: Ugly waiting-room furniture!