Dr. Blanca Serna, MD

Blanca is soft spoken but is quick to remind you to not be late to your appointment, even when you are on time. As a long time patient of NWPG I found myself with the necessity of finding a new PCP. I selected Dr. Serna and I regret my decision. Dr. Blanca was rude and her bedside manners leave much to be desired. I did not feel welcomed or respected at all. She demonstrated her frustration with me when it took me a moment to find the words to describe my symptom. I did not appreciate her using her index finger as she reminded me a second time about the importance of being on time. (I was on time) Homegirl needs a prescription of patience combined with a dose of empathy in her practice. Avoid Dr. Blanca!

Dr. Serna is probably the best doctor I've ever had. She's patient, caring, has a great 'bedside manner' and takes as much time as needed to go over my treatments. And she really involves me in the decisions about my health care. Most doctors I've had will tell you what you're going to do without asking how you feel about it. Dr. Serna always wants to know my thoughts about what we've discussed. She is the best.

I had an appointment with a new primary doctor which was for a transfer of care from a doctor I didn’t care for from January 2024. This is my first experience with primary care doctors from Northwestern. The doctors I see on a regular basis are specialist doctors. To date I’ve seen five and they have all been amazing. I can not say the same for their primary care doctors. I met with a Dr Blanca Serna located at the new Old Irving Park location. She’s been with NW for 6 months. My appt was at 2:40, I was called in at 2:50, Doctor came in at 3:05; at this point it left me with only 15mins to meet with her. I was told a patient only gets 40mins which starts at time of check-in. I came prepared with many questions ranging from pains I was having, vaccine questions and medication questions. First thing I noticed was how unapproachable she was. She was wearing mask and gloves; I am completely fine with the mask because I still wear one at times. The gloves however I thought was a bit odd. As she was talking to me, she had a soft-spoken voice, and I was having a hard time hearing her and I kept having to say excuse me. She then asked me if I had a hearing problem, I was floored by the question. She was constantly looking at her watch, rushing the appt., her demeaner was distant and cold like she was scared to get close to the patient or even touch me, no bedside manner whatsoever, did not show understanding or empathy. Finally, when I asked her certain questions, she had to look up info on the internet while using her phone. I have to say, this was the most worst and strangest doctor appt I have ever had. The one positive thing was meeting the assistant tech who took me to the room and did my vitals, her name was Patrice. She was absolutely wonderful and so kind, as I walked out, I said I wish you were my doctor. The doctor wanted to monitor me closely for a certain issue, however she has no availability until August. Choosing this doctor was a last choice because the doctors I actually wanted at the loop location were not taking new patients. I can’t believe Northwestern would have a doctor like this on staff. At this point, I have no other choice so I will have to stick to this doctor unless I start looking elsewhere for a Primary, which I might.

I was in need of a new local pcp and was excited when the NWern location opened in Irving Park. I was also excited to see such a young Dr who list focus areas I have concerns with. She came into the room, clearly with an agenda. Would not allow me to speak. Was obviously unhappy. When I brought up a new genetic diagnosis I had received and needed referrals for she responded with anger because I had not told her before my appointment! There was literally no way to do that.When it became clear she was very unhappy with me I asked if this Dr patient relationship was going to work, if I was the type of patient she wanted. She responded by saying she can’t choose her patients. She then left the room and send in her “manager”.This manager was very understanding, I was in tears and completely humiliated by Dr Serna. I also got the impression this was not the first experience like mine.Avoid this physician! She should not be in a direct patient care position!

Upon relocating to the Chicago area, I chose Dr. Serna to be my new healthcare provider. However, as someone who values thoroughness and clear communication in medical care, my experience with Dr. Serna left much to be desired. During my appointment with her I felt like the basics were covered, but I didn’t realize her lack of thoroughness would affect me until my pharmacy wouldn’t refill any of my prescriptions. After being denied refills of medications I have taken for years, I called Dr. Serna to sort it out. She refused to refill the medications, claiming we didn't discuss the dosages enough during my new patient annual exam. When I confronted Dr. Serna about why she didn’t bring up her concerns at my appointment, she became defensive and then hung up on me. It was unprofessional and left me feeling disrespected and abandoned as a patient. Needless to say, I wouldn’t recommend her to anyone.