Dr. Christopher Downing, DO

Went in for appointment with Dr Downing regarding my gall bladder. The guy could care less.

I thought he did quite well. I came in with a ruptured appendix, operated within a few hours, removed it, washed out my abdomen with 4 liters of saline, and I was discharged 4 days later. He seemed very knowledgeable and to genuinely care about my situation. I would recommend.

Dr. Downing was very knowledgeable about my condition and I was scheduled for surgery quickly and did not have to wait. Staff was pleasant and my appointment was quick.

Dr. Downing and his staff are amazing. He is one of the smartest surgeons around.

He already had my records and showed concern for how I felt and wanted me to have peace of mind. Dr. Downing has made me feel like my heath mattered. Thanks so much to him and all his staff.

Dr. Downing was very attentive and genuinely caring my situation. I would highly recommend him.

Spent an entire minute with me. Was needlessly rude, curt and aggressive. He seems like a ticking time bomb. Will not go back. Will not recommend.

I had an appointment to see Dr. Downing this afternoon. He and his nurse walked into the room. He introduced himself and his nurse. Then he said they were trying to find out what was wrong with me. I laughingly replied, "So am I". I explained what my symptoms and problems were. He was wearing a mask and said something. I replied, "Sorry I am hard of hearing" and asked for him to please repeat. He gave a heavy sigh, pulled down his mask and repeated the question, clearly showing his frustration at my not being able to hear him the first time. I got the feeling he really didn't want to spend any time with me. Then I asked him if a liver problem could elicit the symptoms I was experiencing. He said in a whiny voice, "I don't know. I have seen 30 patients today and now there's you." I thought that very rude. If he can't handle seeing 30+ patients in a day then he shouldn't schedule them. His bedside manner is sorely lacking. I would NOT recommend him to anyone.

My mother was in a lot of pain after recently coming out of the hospital. She was so excited to see this dr because she was hoping to get an answer and relief from the problem she was having . He was annoyed by my mother’s visit after telling her he had seen many patients that day and when my mother asked him about if certain things were causing the problem , his response was “ I don’t know.” Didn’t care at all . Didn’t ask her questions just wanted her out of his office . I do KNOW this .. I would NEVER want him as my dr .

Was hospitalized with gastric issues and a blockage at WCCH for a week, and when Dr Downing was the Dr on call to see me, he flat out refused and said, and I quote: Mr Payne is not a good patient for me because he is a “Complicated” case due to his health issues! Gee, I thought that’s what a hospital and Doctors were for, to help you get better? Now, I’m still sick, have a weeks worth of bills to pay for my week long stay at WCCH, and am going to Bristol! I’ll never use WCCH ever again! Folks, unless you just need a bandaid or stitches, I’d stay away from Wytheville County Hospital, and especially, any illness that would involve Dr Downing!

1. When he entered the room he acted like he had no clue why I was there, he said "What can I do for you?" In the most awful tone ever. 2. When I was explaining what had been going on since I was younger, including after my gallbladder surgery, the entirety of the conversation went to "Well do you think it's because you're morbidly obese?" "It's because you're so fat." If weight was a factor in stomach pain, why aren't all people that are overweight not doubled over in pain 24/7? 3. After explaining that I have other conditions that make it harder for me to loose weight, he continued to call me fat and state that I just needed to follow a diet and exercise like a normal person. And that my conditions weren't that severe. 4. He didn't even bother to examine me, nor ask me where it hurt. He just kept going back to the fact that I'm fat and need to lose weight. 5. He was extremely unprofessional and didn't let me explain anything. I walked out of his office crying, I won't be back

very rude and demeaning, My only regret is I didn't say we are done and take my daughter out of there sooner.

Rude, unprofessional, poor communication skills. Do not ever use this Dr.

Dr Downing removed my very "trashed" gallbladder in January. I had absolutely no issues with the surgery, in fact, went back about my business the following Monday. I was very very happy with Dr Downing's surgery, bedside manner, professionalism, and care. Would definitely recommend him. Marsha Turpin Wytheville Va

Staff was amazing!! I am 400lbs and Dr. Downing informed me that i was not a candidate for gallbladder surgery because of health concerns and possible complications such as infection and anesthesia issues. He said that if i lost some weight he would be more than happy to complete the procedure. He recommended a diet(this diet helped with my gallbladder symptoms) and exercise (he stated walking daily would be just enough). Dr. Downing seemed to truly care about my health. He recommended losing 50lbs to start but no time line. He wants me to do it in a healthy way. Once I lost the weight he completed my surgery and I feel amazing. He was very respectful and I would recommend him.

I had a consultant with Dr. Downing to have my gallbladder removed he was very rude & unprofessional didnt listen to me told me he only wanted to do it laparoscopic but because im on the heavier side he told me too lose 200lbs and come back in about a month. I have metabolism issues due to pcos so i have never been small & well losing that much weight i would look sick or like i was on drugs no thanks

In January 2016, he tried to do an Ostomy revision. He cut my spleen. He didn’t realize what he had done. At 1:00am I went code blue! I was bleeding to death! I had to be flown to Bristol hospital! I was in Bristol for three months. The doctors didn’t think I would live. He doesn’t know how to operate!

Went to hospital with abd pain. Dr Downing explained my condition, treatment needed and did surgery to remove my gallbladder. No complications

My experience with Dr Downing and his staff has been very pleasant and satisfactory! Dr Downing is a very patient, caring and compassionate doctor that seems to put his heart into his work, and at the same time, also very professional. I would highly recommend his services and expertise.