Testimonials

Dr. Malone, while I haven’t met you in person, I’ve spent so much time in your practices’ waiting rooms, listening to your various televised interviews, I feel like you’re a long-time neighbor. So, I hope you’ll excuse me for being so blunt to assume I can reach out to you directly. But I feel like there is an important issue with one of your fellow physicians that is long overdue for you to hear.

I’ve been a patient with Advanced Pain Care for about five years. I originally came to your practice as a patient of Dr. Robert Wills. I started seeing him in 2000 after coming to Austin from the Philadelphia area.

I have been receiving the expert services of various Anesthesiologists since 1996. I was first diagnosed with RSD while I was active duty in the Marine Corps. Because of my unique interstate circumstances, I have been under the care of many doctors, and I know exactly what to expect when having procedures or surgeries.

With that said, I feel like my quarter century as a fairly regular patient gives me the experience to offer you my seasoned chronic pain patient expertise.

Shortly after arriving at Advanced Pain Care, I was assigned to Dr. Ryan Michaud. Because I am single and live in Wimberley, when I receive procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation (I love these) or various nerve blocks, I always choose to undergo these procedures without sedation so I can get myself home.

The first time Dr. Michaud performed his magic on me, I was genuinely surprised. Up until that day, I was always able to tell when my physician was getting closer, I could always feel the pain levels slowly increase as the doctor slowly pushed the needle in. Historically, I could feel the doctors approach the nerve area as they were about to inject the medications.

But the first time Dr. Michaud did his block; I literally was surprised when he told me we were done. Each and every time I’ve had Dr. Michaud perform a procedure on me, it has always been a pleasure to receive. Not just for the months-long, long-lasting medicinal benefits; Dr. Michaud’s surgical suite techniques are easy to receive. His procedures are the least evasive despite me doing them without sedation. They are the easiest and least painful CRPS medical provider I’ve ever had the pleasure of receiving.

Recently I’ve been making the changes in my life to move to Alburquerque. I told Dr. Michaud that I have such a high regard and respect for him, that I’d like to keep an annual appointment with him and Advanced Pain Care. And when my intrathecal infusion pump eventually needs to be replaced, which is inevitable, I would make the trip to Austin to have him do it.

Dr. Ryan Michaud’s patient care, laser sharp professionalism, and potent aptitude has earned my upmost respect and profound appreciation. Far too many times have I hesitated for getting care because I have felt pain during a procedure, but not with Dr. Michaud.

Dr. Malone, as a person who’s had to receive some of these painful procedures, I’m sure you can see the enormous value of Dr. Michaud’s practiced and gentle hand for a patient’s future healing. Dr. Michaud’s patient care isn’t just a promotional credit to him, Dr. Michaud’s performance is the highest distinction on your business and your profession as a whole.

When I was in the Marine Corps, there were various ways to recognize individuals that excel. But I don’t see a chest full of colorful ribbons or medals being an option to you. At the very least, Dr. Michaud needs to know that his hard work has made a difference. He needs to know I appreciate the work he’s done for me. And perhaps he’ll receive my comments through your accolades.

Thank you,

— Adrian — Advanced Pain Care Patient

I’ve told many people including Dr. Malone that APC saved my life (which is an exaggeration of course,) but the treatment I’ve received from Dr. Malone and his staff have allowed me to live an active and mostly pain free life these past 10+ years.

For many years before becoming a patient of Dr. Malone my first thought upon waking was the pain in my legs and as it was also the last thought before falling asleep most nights. I had put off going to pain management for many years trying massage, yoga, supplements but nothing seemed to work for more then a short time. I will never forget my first appointment with Dr. Malone as he really listened to me and from the questions he asked me I knew he had read my medical history and had specific knowledge of my condition which is rare in my experience. He took the time to make sure I understood the plan to treat my pain and to even sign a contract.

My pain is no longer the most important or controlling part of my day and I have been on the exact same plan for 3+ years.

Anthony, my present PA also took the time learn my medical issues treats me with respect every appointment.

In these times of negative Opioid news I am so glad I went to APC and they are professional and careful. To all the people complaining about the wait times and appointment issues I don’t totally disagree but with all the regulatory issues I can understand why some appointments go long and we have to wait more ideal but I am glad they are careful.

Again thank you Dr. Malone and Anthony,

— Robert S. — Advanced Pain Care Patient

Dear Dr. Mark Malone and Staff,

I would like to take a moment to thoughtfully and honestly respond to your patient satisfaction survey because I believe it to be important.

Today was my forth appointment at your clinic. My first appointment was with Dr. Malone and the past three appointments were with Anthony. I would like to begin my impressions of your clinic by simply sharing my experience during my visits.

As I arrived at my first appointment and found the waiting room to be packed with people and two thoughts went through my mind. First I felt like I was in a free clinic because there were so many people waiting to be seen. Second, I very wrongly assumed that the Doctors were running behind schedule and that it would most likely take a long time to get in to see the doctor. Both of these assumptions turned out to be very wrong. I was not only promptly called for my appointment but as my appointment began with Dr. Malone I had his undivided attention during the appointment. This same experience has held true for all of my appointments.

With that said I would like to share a few other observations. This is the first doctors office where I actually feel that the doctors honestly know what I am feeling in regard to my different pain situations as well as the emotional and every day living conditions that I have to deal with on a daily basis. I get a clear feeling of understanding and caring from the doctors as if they have been in my situation themselves instead of just trying to tell me something that they think I might want to hear. To put it another way, I feel like I am having an actual discussion with the doctors and being talked “with” instead of being talked “at.”

When I have left each appointment I felt that I had been “heard” and that the best decisions have been made between me AND my doctor regarding my situation.

The one aspect of my appointments that I find so valuable is the fact that Anthony always offers me literature to read regarding the subject that we have been talking about. My personality is such that I like to understand and research information for myself and by offering me the written literature it is extremely helpful. With not only understanding the topics which we discussed but it also helps to guide me to other information that I can follow up with on the internet.

While I am speaking about Anthony I just want to say to Anthony, thank you for letting me call you by your first name. I do understand that you have spent many years studying to respectfully be referred to as “Dr,” however, it has been my experience that too many doctors are more interested in their titles than being able to have an honest and open relationship between doctor and patient. It seems like such a small thing to even mention however when someone comes to you in chronic pain there is an even greater degree of respect for a doctor who is more interested in putting their patient at ease by offering that patient the opportunity to relax and relate on an open and personal level by simply being able to call someone by their first name. This shows the patient that their doctor has their best interest at heart.

In regards to the question on the survey “what can you do better?” Please keep the information sheet to a bare minimum with returning appointments. I bet if you were to ask your patients the worst part their appointment was, most would answer “filling out the paperwork over and over with every appointment. I realize that some of it is necessary however keeping it to a bare minimum would really help.

The main thing that I come away from your clinic knowing is that everyone there truly has an attitude of wanting to help you accomplish what you came for and that is ultimately relieving pain. Everyone always seems to have a caring and compassionate attitude and I cannot think of anyplace that having these attributes would be more important. Anyone who has been in management knows that this attitude comes from the top down. So for this I want to say thank Dr. Mark Malone. Your employees reflect your compassionate caring attitude of excellence.

— Robert S. — Advanced Pain Care Patient