University Of Iowa Dermatology

I strongly encourage Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients go to a different dermatologist as Dr. Brian L. Swick will be beyond dismissive and rush you out each appointment along with the residents. I was battling a tunnel on one of my armpits for close to 2-years, at that time. I spoke with Brian Swick numerous times regarding the area and how it wasn't healing and I felt we didn't get all the tunnels out. Not only did he completely dismiss, but made me wait over a year to see if it'll 'improve on it's own' and had his residents call me a 'waste of time' because they though I was lying. Even showing and documenting countless pictures and videos of my tunnels, Dr. Swick REFUSED to help me. We had over 5 plus surgeries for the same area as he refused to listen to me regarding the tunnel possibly increasing (especially since I was FORCED to wait over a year before further actions) and even told me I had to go to the burn surgery for unit and that I'm basically out of options. Thankfully, I was smart enough to get a second opinion at Forefront Dermatology, where the dermatologist looked at ME ONCE, confirmed my thoughts of the tunnel being more than what Swick pointed out + I didn't need to visit burn surgery. Thank god for this doctor, as it only took ONE PROCEDURE for her to remove my tunnels, and I hadn't have any issues for over a year now! I write this to warn other HS patients, as Swick is not informed in this skin condition and refuses to refer out. I'm beyond sickened and sadden of my mistreatment at the UIHC - Dermatology clinic as I was continuously ignored by residents, fellows, and doctors due to someone refusing to actually offer medical assistance. This not only deeply traumatized me, but makes me want to visit all doctors less based on their egos and incompetency and not listening to their own patients. Stop labeling your patients as 'whining woman' and actually offer medical assistance. I get no enjoyment having to do follow-up appointments for over 2 years for the same issue. Hopefully the University learns from this and strive to treat their patients like human beings and not numbers since people's live and happiness are on the line. Please seek a second opinion, and please speak up for yourself when you're being ignored/mistreated. I never had a medical staff gaslight me so much into thinking I'm a problem for THEIR mistakes.

We saw a different provider every month. They kept him a Accutane for almost a year with minimal results. I asked more than once about about a culture which they dismissed. We have since found a new dermatologist who did a culture right away . My son had a staph Infection and after a few month of treatment on Bactrim his acne was completely gone. Very disappointed. I expected more from U of I.

Make sure your appointment is with a board-certified dermatologist! I waited a year to get in and was not told who I was seeing. During my first appointment, the nurse suddenly marked me up with a permanent marker. I asked if a dermatologist could do the removal and was told 'no'. The nurse left huge scars and didn't get all of the mole removed. I've had moles removed before and didn't scar so I believe that is the difference between a nurse vs. a Mohs surgeon or a board-certified dermatologist. I'm very disappointed by the lack of transparency and the low-level care provided.

While I genuinely appreciate my attending and chose them over another option at Mayo, I find UIHC’s approach to patient care is poor—particularly for those with chronic conditions or patients needing accommodations. Personally, I often feel like a teaching tool for the residents in the derm clinic, which has led to delays in obtaining a conclusive diagnosis and, additionally, harm to my health—being pushed to take a medication I did not feel comfortable with that ended up causing a severe adverse reaction. This seems contrary to the Hippocratic oath to "do no harm." Each visit involves a $50 co-pay, which is significant for a student like me. After seeing residents and students, I often leave with additional follow-up appointments (with additional co-pays of $50) and lingering questions. While I value education, as a student myself, it feels unfair to bear the financial burden while my health becomes a learning experience for others…

I have been a patient at Derm(and other departments ) for several years now. There have been glitches along the way, change in appointments, etc. All of those situations were completely understandable. Things happen on both ends. I've missed appointments, been late, they have canceled, but in the big picture I've received nothing but the best care and advice. From the reception clerks to the nurses to my doctors, Dr. Liu and his staff I've received nothing but excellent care. To err is to be human, it's the response to those situations that speak well for them. Take responsibility, communicate, rebound, make it better, that's been my experience. 95% of my appointments went without a hitch and the other 5% were dealt with professionally, promptly, with care. Thank you Dermatology. R.Smith

After waiting 3 months for an appointment, as the nurse left she told me that I would not see the doctor I had an appointment with but a resident. That would have been fine if the resident was at all any good - she was dismissive of my concerns, did not talk to me about what she thought was going on and at one point just left the room. Then came back with the doctor I should have originally seen and he starts going over the same questions and telling me about all of the prescriptions they are writing but not why and I just wanted to get out of there.

They are too dismissive, I've had a few good derm doctors but I don't actually have a dermatologists I see the whole clinic. I just want someone to care. The derm doctor before I was admitted to the hospital repeated over and over you've already peaked you'll feel much better in a couple days.....guess we'll got worse the next day?