Baughman Ronald D, MD

I was referred to Dr. Baughman by the Community North Emergency Room following a bout with severe abdominal pain finally led me to follow-​up and seek assistance after a few months of on-​again, off-​again issues. The culprit was my gall bladder and the recommendation was to get rid of that sucker.
Having already had two feet amputated in my life, I don’t take getting rid of body parts lightly.
That said, I was in pretty horrible pain. I was scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Baughman, a general surgeon with the Community Health Network who has a specialty in advanced laparoscopic and intra-​abdominal surgery. Being that I was in a relative crisis, his team got me into the office quickly and he wasted no time in recommending removal of the gall bladder. He explained things in a way that were both complex yet easily understood — in other words, he used layman’s terms without actually talking down to me.
As an abuse survivor, I seldom feel completely comfortable with male physicians despite having had numerous over the years. Dr. Baughman’s casual demeanor and compassionate approach calmed down my usual anxieties and made me feel like I could actually handle this journey.
I was scheduled for a short but important trip. Dr. Baughman medicated me well and scheduled my surgery for the day after my return. It was a level of consideration I deeply appreciated.
Where Dr. Baughman elevated himself from a good physician to a great one was in the day of the surgery itself. The night before the surgery, I was beyond alarmed (actually terrified) to have a dream where I died during surgery.
I hadn’t intended to share this dream, but was admittedly still anxious when I arrived at the outpatient center and casually mentioned it to the nurse.
Quite honestly, I expected it would simply be laughed off. It wasn’t. When Dr. Baughman arrived in the exam room, he immediately addressed my concerns with sincerity and honesty. In fact, he offered me the chance to reschedule the surgery because he was concerned about my level of anxiety. I think he went down to Risks 101 and really explained the entire process and was nothing short of respectful, compassionate and patient. It was exemplary medicine.
I had the surgery, which was a little more complicated than expected, and experienced that same level of compassion and patience in a couple of follow-​up appointments. The problem was successfully addressed and Dr. Baughman displayed a high level of knowledge and care throughout the entire journey. I would easily and wholeheartedly recommend him.