UMASS Med Center Worcester

[Anne1717]

Hi - Just looking for thoughts of or experiences with this clinic.  My first appt is Wednesday and just curious. Thank you, Anne

[fiver49]

I am also being treated at UMASS by Dr. Zivna. She is in both the infectious disease and gastroenterology departments. When I see her at the GI dept that at the big university medical center campus; the ID dept is at the smaller hospital in downtown Worcester.  Don't know which you'll be at.  I haven't begun treatment yet, but will probably do so in a few weeks - one more preliminary test left. My impression of Dr Z is that she's competent, no-nonsense, and willing to answer my very detailed questions.  But I generally want more information (including references to the published journal articles that establish evidence for the protocol she and UMASS follows) than I think she can readily provide at the spur of the moment. She's stricter than I expected about alcohol-- ie none allowed for 6 months prior to treatment, but I may have had a skewed impression of standard practice from someone who went through it years ago.  Anyway, must admit, I feel better having stopped drinking. I think the plan, once treatment begins, is for frequent contact with her nurse practitioner, Lisa V, who seems quite knowledgeable and approachable, and as-needed contact with the Dr. Z.

Good luck with your first appointment.

[Anne1717]

Hi - thanks for your response.  The doctor I am seeing is a specialist in viral diseases at the hep c clinic at the Umass teaching hospital.  He is very well recommended.  I was just curious bout the "feel" of the place.

[spectda]

do you have an appointment with a hepatologist there? Do you have the Doc's name? i would check their credentials and experience in diagnosing and treating hep c.
- Dave