Safia Ahmed, MD

I visited Dr. Ahmed on two occasions when I lived in Chicago (this was a few years ago). The first visit was for a physical and standard testing. She was very pleasant. During the second visit, I went in for std testing after I displayed symptoms. She inquired about my sexual orientation. When I explained to her that I’m gay, she was incredibly rude and appeared visibly disgusted. While I was in the restroom to provide a urine sample, she screamed «WASH YOUR HANDS». She then obtained a needle to draw blood, jammed it in, missed the vein, and kept it in for 18 seconds while no blood was coming out. She asked, «what’s happening?», as if she didn’t know that she missed the vein. I had to scream at her to remove the needle 18 Seconds after she inserted it and didn’t draw any blood. I was surprised considering she mentioned how viable my arm vein is when she drew blood during a previous visit, without issue. It’s clear she was being particularly rude because I disclosed my sexual orientation to her. Her tone completely changed. After the needle incident, I told her I no longer wanted her services, to which she responded, «fine». It’s my fault for thinking that an individual, who clearly appeared to have a backwards way of thinking, could be professional. If you are a gay male, please avoid this woman. She does not like you or want your business. She appeared relieved that I left her office. This was one of my worst Chicago experiences.

I have visited once and this visit left me extremely frustrated.
I had knee and shoulder pain, and wanted to get a referral to see an orthopedic doctor so i could eventually get MRIs and/​or X rays to know exactly what is going on with my body, but I have an HMO so I have to go to my Primary Care Doctor first.
Dr Ahmed refused to give me those referrals to see Orthopaedic doctors because she said it would be «a waste of time» and «I am young, they will do nothing» she then told me to eat «egg whites and lots of calcium» and to «save up to hire a personal trainer and learn exercises and then do those exercises on my own» when I told her that I need the MRI for peace of mind she told me «And expose yourself to all that radiation? That’s not peace of mind.» Also when she asked the routine «Are you sexually active?» question I responded «No» and she then responded with «Why not? Are you a homosexual?» Also after she was done with me she called in the next patient to her office, and started lecturing her with the door open where others could hear.
I did eventually get most of the referrals I came for, after pushing for them and requesting to see the doctor again. The practice is very cramped and not very comfortable.
I understand there is a language and culture barrier and I want to be sensitive to that, but this visit left me frustrated and offended. A patient should never have to fight for their doctor for care that they need. And I am PRETTY sure it’s illegal to ask someone what their sexual orientation is.
Needless to say, I do not trust this doctor’s professional opinion. I called Harmony and changed my Primary Care Physician right away. Hopefully ALL public/​Medicaid doctors are not like this.

This office might have been great once upon a time, but it sucks now. Steer clear.
My first visit was a 4 o’clock appointment, I was seen at 5:30, and Dr. Ahmed asked me why I bothered showing up at 3:55, because she had other patients to see.
Dr. Ahmed told me to show up at 10 on Saturday for a follow-​up appointment. I showed up, she wasn’t there. I was told she doesn’t work on Saturdays but I should come back at 10 on Monday. I showed up, she wasn’t there. Ramadan. Didn’t tell the receptionist she wasn’t coming in. Receptionist was nice and apologized and said show up at 10 on Wednesday. I showed up, Dr. Ahmed wasn’t there. She arrived at 11:07 and said «hello everybody» to the 8 people in her waiting room. I’m near-​certain she tells all her patients to meet her at 10. What’s the point of that?
I had a briefing of some of my results with Leanne, who was awesome, and was told to get the official rundown from Dr. Ahmed. I was there from 10 – 12 before I had to leave for work. I spent 12 hours in that waiting room the last two weeks and I still don’t know what’s up with my tests.
I’m sure she’s medically competent and intelligent in her field, but she is remarkably, painfully unorganized. It is totally maddening, and I will never return.

Wow! In one word this place is DISORGANIZED. And in my opinion, that’s the last thing a doctor’s office should be. The staff instilled little faith in this practice, and I will not be returning. I wouldn’t even trust a diagnosis from this place if I was given one. I will not be returning to this doctor.

I made my appointment for 11:30 and was not seen for at least an hour. The did not apologize or even acknowledge my wait. Also, the nurse didn’t use gloves when she pricked my finger for tests, pretty gross. Needless to say, I will not be returning.

I called Dr. Ahmed at 3:30 in the afternoon and headed over and was seen before closing time. Both her and her assistant were kind, helpful and very reassuring in their demeanor. My visit was quick and professional and most of all *relieving* to find out that nothing serious was wrong with me. I’m glad to have found a a good no-​nonsense doctor’s office in the Ukrainian Village/​Humboldt area.

I have only been to this practice once and it isn’t worth the frustration. I have been unable to reach Dr. Ahmed since my initial visit. I have called, left messages and was even promised a call back (which was the only time I spoke to anyone) but was blown off yet again. It is nearly impossible to get her to speak to you. I work in the medical profession so I understand that lab work can take some time to get but it has been nearly 2 weeks and there is no way she doesnt have it. While I don’t question her integrity as a doctor, I don’t feel that she is capable of running organized practice. Follow up care simply doesn’t exist in this practice which extremely unacceptable.

I wish I could give this place 0 stars. Absolutely ridiculous operation they are running here. I contacted this doctor trying to find someone to give me regular/​weekly allergy shots. I went to an office visit, she said she could and would be willing to do it and today I get some call saying she doesn’t have“time” to give me my shots. The whole process in and out of the office is about 10 minutes… NO TIME… are you kidding me? Rob my of my money and then deny to see me. What a joke… find a less shady doctor.

I love Dr. Ahmed. She is extremely nice, sharp, and helpful. She is also thorough. I have been to her office three times, and never had to wait more then 15 mins. Also, I was very ill and called her on her cell phone and she met me at her clinic right before it opened. She takes insurance plans, and is in a good location. Note: Even though it looks a little dumpy on the outside, the secretary is great, the place is clean, and Dr. Ahmed gives free general advice like black pepper makes the swelling in your sore throat lessen.