Dr Alan Hakim

Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

He listened really well to what issues I had and showed empathy to problems with other services so far. He went through things systematically and clearly. He wrote a very detailed report clearly outlining the issues and then his recommendations for my gp etc. Overall a really successful appointment where it felt like you were listened too and understood. Also gave clear outcomes and plan provided for future.

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Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

I saw Dr Hakim at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in London. I found him through Elhers Danlos Support UK, when investigating Elhers Danlos Syndrome. From the moment I walked into his consulting room, I felt comfortable, and confident that I was going to get an accurate diagnosis, and support. I had prepared rather a lot of written materials, giving a detailed medical history (as I tend to forget exactly what I want to say otherwise) and Dr Hakim looked at all of this information, while talking to me to understand both what I hoped to gain from the appointment, and my medical history. He quickly 'joined the dots' of my medical history, and asked thorough questions to further establish family history. He conducted a short examination, and was very gentle with my hypermobile joints. Dr Hakim then gave me his diagnosis, but said that because of features of my family history, he would like to ask my (NHS) GP to refer me for genetic tests to check for a couple of other conditions too. We then discussed possible ways forward with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, and dealing with pain. He showed me a couple of exercises which have already made a difference, and I am attending an appointment with one of his specialist physiotherapy team shortly. The idea from this is to get enough information to bring back to my physiotherapist at home, as I do not live close enough to London to visit regularly. The letter he sent was the most thorough I have ever had, and my GP and regular physiotherapist were immediately able to use the advice to improve my care. Both commented on the high quality of the diagnosis and advice given. I was also impressed with how well he had understood me not just in terms of my condition, but also my circumstances and temperament, to devise a plan which would actually work for me, and I felt able to sign up to wholeheartedly. Dr Hakim makes it clear that his support does not finish when you walk out of the door, and gives his contact details for any follow up. When I did go back with a question, his response was both very prompt, and helpful. This doctor has helped me to understand and lifetime of injury and illness, to feel acknowledged in the impact this has had on my life, and most importantly to have a realistic idea of being able to make gradual improvements, and start a lifetime of management, with a real understanding of how the condition is specifically affecting me, and to be supported as I do so. I recommend his services without hesitation. He is kind, thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and very professional.

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Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

Dr Hakim is the most knowledgeable yet compassionate doctor I have ever been treated by. I went undiagnosed, while suffering from a serious genetic illness, for over 7 years until my appointment with Doctor Hakim. Booking that appointment was the best decision that I made in all those years of searching for a cause of my pain. In my experience, it is extremely rare to find a doctor who has such a high level of expertise, yet also retains genuine respect and compassion for his patient. I only wish I had seen Dr Hakim sooner. I can't praise him enough.

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Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

I saw Dr Hakim for a second opinion following a diagnosis by a different rheumatologist of hEDS. Dr Hakim was extremely attentive, he listened carefully to a long and complex medical history, answered every query I had and offered further support and assistance following on from our appointment. The appointment was an hour long and we ran over, he was very generous with his time. His offer of continued support makes me feel very much as though I am a patient of his, rather than a one off appointment. Dr Hakim, took me seriously and did not question any of the information I gave him. This is so important as a patient; I think that being believed and validated is the first step toward recovery, or, learning to live with a diagnosis. Dr Hakim's letter to my GP was clear and accurate, it was easy for the GP to understand and used a numbered series of recommendations. I had been struggling to cope physically and mentally prior to the appointment, but as I begin to follow his series of recommendations I have been able to greatly improve the status quo. The drug he recommended has, without exaggeration, changed my life, I only wish I had seen him earlier.

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Written by a patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

Dr Hakim is the closest I have found to medicine's guardian angel. I have suffered from seemingly unrelated, bizarre and otherwise unexplainable and sometimes debilitating symptoms that no doctor has been able to work out, even some of the supposed best private ones in their fields, in both London and New York. He was so patient, so thorough, broke everything down into digestible bite size bits of information. Despite my incessant curiosity and rather neurotic questions, he didn't rush me out of his clinic like some doctors do. I felt beyond reassured by his confidence and expertise and very sound, cautious and rigorous, amazingly informed judgement. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

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