Dr. Bushra Shah, MD

Dr. Shaw was rude and unfriendly. I thought I was coming to a doctor who used special modalities of treatment, not drugs, to aid people that suffer depression and anxiety due to severe intractable, chronic pain. My doctor and I were not looking for drugs. I was already on medication, which Dr. Shaw took exception with immediately. I did not ask her for drugs, nor was I looking for drugs. I tried to tell her my complex history but she was not interested. She said she would not see me unless I came off my 5mg of nightly Diazepam, and go to the Motivate Clinic. I simply told her I would talk to my doctor. My doctor was furious. I found out the Motivate Clinic was for drug addicts. My doctor worked in many areas of MCV including the Motivate Clinic. I later found a message in my file where my doctor, who was Medical Director over Primary Care, had laid Dr. Shaw out for what she said to me. Looking at other reviews I would say it appears Dr. Shaw has a problem. Her notes were fabricated.

My daughter, a freshman at VCU, had her first (and only) appointment with Dr. Shah as we sought a new psychiatrist to manage her bipolar disorder and ADHD. Her previous pediatric psychiatrist had to release her as she had turned 18. From the moment we arrived, Dr. Shah did not greet us warmly or make any effort to ease my daughter's evident anxiety about meeting a new doctor. What was most concerning was Dr. Shah's refusal to continue prescribing the medications my daughter had been on for years, medications that had successfully managed her aggression, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Shah claimed these medications increased aggression, which was not our experience, but provided no alternatives or guidance for transitioning to another practitioner. This left us scrambling to find another psychiatrist, knowing how long that process can take, and without the prescriptions my daughter depends on. It felt unprofessional and dismissive. If Dr. Shah was unwilling to treat my daughter, she should have at least provided a temporary prescription until we could secure new care. I cannot recommend Dr. Shah based on this experience. Her lack of compassion and support put us in a very difficult position.

I can only assume that the negative reviews of Dr. Shah come from drug seekers. No other explanation makes sense to me! I saw her after suffering from PPA with both of my children. She is an incredible listener, came up with an effective care plan, prescribed medications that were very appropriate given my symptoms, and most importantly, she was available over the phone whenever I needed her. I don’t know where I’d be without her. She saved me from crippling anxiety after the birth of both my children, and gave my babies a healthy and happy mother. Thank you, Dr. Shah!

Dr. Shah has little to no empathy for those who are suffering from mental illness and enduring the strain of a pandemic--not to mention financial woes, family concerns, job losses, etc. She may have been a gift to the psychiatric community at one time, but her cavalier disdain for patients during this pandemic warrants necessary reassessment. I would not recommend this dreadful, uncaring doctor to my worst enemy.

The only good thing about her that I noticed is her staff. She herself is a cruel, obtuse, overbearingly unwise woman who will throw you to the dogs during a pandemic and national riots--without your medication--to fend for yourself. That says everything. FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! You've been warned!

Horrible ! Dr. Shah does not listen. There was no "treatment plan" discussed. I was unable to participate in my own care. A giant step backwards for mental health. I would not recommend her to someone that I didn't like ! And don't ask any questions, they won't be answered. And forget receiving any explanations regarding her decisions on your treatment. After all Dr. Shah thinks she knows you better than you know yourself. Proceed with extreme caution or simply find a doc that cares.

I had an appointment with MD Shah last month and I will never return to see her, nor will I recommend her to anyone needing psychiatric care. After speaking with another nurse I work with, and hearing she had an almost identical experience to me, I have come to the conclusion that she will not treat adult ADHD, will tell you that you don't have the disorder despite a diagnosis from MDs that have seen you for over a decade and hours long evaluations. -_- could not have been more discouraged.

Horrible experience. Dr.Shah listens to concerns but does not allow her patients to participate in their own care or medical decisions. I would not recommend her to anyone nor will I return!