Dr. Elisa Bushman, MD

It has taken me almost a year to finally leave this review. September 8th 2023 our lives were flipped upside down. My husband and I were becoming first time parents and could not have been more excited. When we went into the appointment with high hopes. Upon review of the ultrasound, Dr. Bushman comes into the room, leans against a trash can, looks at the ceiling and tells us our child has a detrimental brain disorder. She rushes through our questions and proceeds to tell us to come back in a couple weeks. In that first appointment she specifically stated, that I could request another doctor next time to get a second opinion. She then rushed out of the room and left us with many things unanswered. Also, at that time I was only 24 weeks and the brain is not fully developed enough for her to be giving any type of diagnosis. We then went in for our second appointment in October. I specifically asked for another doctor. She robbed us of a second opinion and when the ultrasound tech took the images to another doctor, Dr. Bushman immediately took over and comes strolling into the room to deliver more bad news with her eyes to the ceiling, leaning against the sink. The ultrasound tech was extremely apologetic and informed us that she gave the images to another doctor but Dr. Bushman took it upon herself to interject. She then tells us we need a fetal MRI and a more in depth ultrasound and she is sending us to John Hopkins in Baltimore Maryland. I questioned why we could not get a fetal MRI and a more in-depth ultrasound done in Pittsburgh. At that time I would have been 8 months pregnant and I did not feel safe driving all the way to Baltimore Maryland during the winter months. Dr. Bushman proceeded to tell me that my child deserves answers as to what is going on. Which yes I understand my child deserves answers but why do I have to drive 5 hours away to get them when I can get the same answers locally. Dr. Bushman ignored the request and said I wouldn't get good quality care at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She informs us that she may be biased but driving 5 hours back and forth isn't a big deal to her.... When then take the journey to John Hopkins get the fetal MRI and ultrasound to be told there was nothing wrong with our son's brain. He is perfectly healthy. The doctor also asked why we were sent there and was very confused as our baby was perfectly fine. She apologized up and down for everything that we have gone through. Later down the road I confirmed with Children's hospital that they have a whole research team that does fetal MRI's and ultrasounds. We could have saved ourselves a trip to Maryland in the middle of winter and saved ourselves the worry and heartache that we endured for months. Overall I would never recommend her to anyone. For someone who harps about professionalism, she's the most unprofessional and unkind "doctor" I have ever encountered.

Was recommended to see MFM for IUGR. Dr Bushman came in, leaned against sink. She was pregnant at the time and was rubbing her belly casually told my husband and I (1st time parents) sometimes babies could be stillborn, have genetic issue with IUGR- we won’t know until baby is born. My husband started bawling and she looked at us and said probably fine but that can happen. Hate to say it was with a smirk but almost came off as cocky. She also suggested getting steroid shot to help baby grow. I went home researched steroid shots in utero and seemed like it had more potential risks. Went back the a few days later and saw a different doctor (Dr Caine). I mentioned the steroid shot and he said absolutely would not recommend- would have been may be appropriate a month prior but at my point in pregnancy more risks in doing it. I’m logical and a realist but worst beside manner. worst advice. completely bizarre

Daughter saw on 2 occasions. Gave her and her husband a detrimental brain disorder possibility with a matter of fact attitude. Mind you they are first time parents. Gave a generic explanation and no opportunity to ask questions. On 2nd occasion again was very curt. Got an attitude with my questions after doing my own research of condition. Could tell she didn't like to be questioned, she's the so called expert. She referred us to John Hopkins, thank God. Entirely different experience. Answered questions, had Ob-Gyn and fetal neurologist involved in sonogram not come in after with a 5 minute consult with eyes closed looking at ceiling. Explained everything they were doing and looking for. And after a 2 1/2 hour consult and fetal MRI were told there was nothing wrong with baby's brain. Timing of brain development was far to soon to even suspect condition on an ultrasound. Doctor and fetal neurologist questioned what could have even warranted this appt. Beware of expertise title!!!

If i could gove her 0, it would be. I understand that she is and 'expert' in pregancy loss, but when she told me my negative results of my ultrasound, she was very 'buisness as usual'. I work in Hospice and have tough conversations a lot, so i know there are better techniques to delivering bad news to people. She leaned up against the sink, was not compassionate, and didnt tell me what to expect in the upcoming weeks while learning i am miscarrying in my first pregnancy. To use the words 'I would be shocked if it still has a heart beat next time you come in' was very cold.