Dr. Lawrence Stern, MD

I was sent to Doctor Stern after my gastro told me I had rectal cancer. I was in shock as Im a young person. I was pretty much in tears when I went to the office. I checked in and he saw me as soon as i finished the paperwork. He looked at my tumor and then we had a long discussion. I had to get a MRI and other tests. He told me that he would review the results at a tumor group that discussed these types of cases so I would get a bunch of opinions at once. after the meeting he called and told me that I should have chemotherapy and radition treatment. He sent me to other doctors and I had the treatment. when i finished he saw me back and a miracle happended - my cancer went away. He told me that years ago I would still have to have surgery but now they can do a watching approach. I have to see him back every few months to look - but so far i am cancer free. I cant believe it - im so happy i met Dr Stern and he helped cure my cancer and didnt try to force me to have a surgery. Thank You!

Was referred to Dr Stern by my GI for hemorrhoids. The GI tried banding my hemorrhoids 3 times but I kept having bleeding and horrible horrible pain. It was like a knife was ripping through me when I used the bathroom. I saw Dr. Stern. He looked and told me it wasn't my hemorrhoids that were causing the problme. It was a fissure in the area. He put me on a special med that I had to get at a compound pharmacy. I saw him back in a month and my pain was gone and the bleeding gone. I had been dealing with this for months and months and I was miserable. In a month he got rid of all my symptoms and didn't even do a procedure on me. Amazing!

Saw me as an emergency within a few hours and drained my infection

I was told by my GI that I had a hemorrhoid and I needed to see a proctologist. I was given one in MD - DC area. I called and was told they could get to me in July. WHAT? I was dying in pain and needed to be seen right away. Their response - 'sorry'. I hung up, googled, and found Dr. Stern. I called and was told me he was in the Alexandria office. I didn't care as I was miserable. I was told to come in right then, and he would work me in between his office patients.I got to the office and was brought back in less than 10 mins. He listened, asked questions, and then had his nurse set me on the exam table. It turns out my GI was wrong - it was an abscess not a hemorrhoid. He drained the infection right then and within 5 minutes I felt so much better. I could sit again and not cry. I have to see him back as there is a chance I may develop a fistula - please no! But, if I do need surgery to fix it, I am so happy I found Dr. Stern. I feel confident he will treat me properly.

I was referred to Dr. Stern from Inova Alexandria ER and didn't know what to expect. His nurse asked questions that he never followed up on himself -- and when he went to do an exam, he didn't give any forewarning of what he was looking for or what the exam encompassed. It was painful and uncomfortable, and awkward. After, when he told me what his findings were, his bedside manner made me feel uncomfortable. He explained I needed a colonoscopy before surgery but then mocked his GI colleagues as he explained most of them will wait months before performing anything, and rolled his eyes at that. His demeanor just made me feel not welcomed, and that I was just another job to him. I didn't want my health to be treated as an annoyance to him, so found another surgeon I'm more comfortable with.

Dr. Stern performed an outpatient procedure on my husband. The first words he said to me after the surgery were, 'He's not in great shape', meaning that he was old. That was true, but there was no reason to disrespect him, or me, by being flippant. During a later check up my husband's questions were literally dismissed with a wave of the hand again meaning there's nothing further I can do for you. It would help if Dr. Stern would learn more about his patients as human beings. My husband was a renowned scholar. Perhaps Dr. Stern might have learned something from him to enrich his life if he had only asked.

Dr. Stern was able to reverse my colostomy after another doctor. Dr. Dekker failed to do so. He is very thorough from beginning to end. After reading some reviews, it appears he may be too businesslike for some people. He is a surgeon and the guy that’s going to change your life. If you need a friend go see a psychiatrist if you are looking for a surgeon feel blessed that you found this guy. This is my fourth surgery for this problem and my best outcome. The staff in Fairfax Hospital love this guy’s work.

Had my followup visit with Dr Stern a few weeks ago. He had to remove a part of my colon. My family cant believe he took it out through this tiny cut on my right side. Its all below my underwear so its basically invisible. Its like 2-3 inches wide. He used a robot so I guess thats how it can be so small but my brother had a similar thing and has a huge up and down scar on his belly. I had only a tiny bit of pain after the surgery. Dr Stern did an incredible job - thank you!

Was told I had colon cancer and needed surgery. I saw Dr. Stern and thought I was just going to have the surgery. It turns out that I really had a rectal cancer. This meant a much bigger workup and maybe chemotherapy and radiation. I was really scared. He took the time to explain things. I had multiple tests and in the end I just needed surgery. I had a great result - he used the robot and my incisions are tiny. My brother had a similar surgery and has a gigantic incision. I showed it to him and he was actually mad that his surgeon had made this big an incision when he could have had such a small one. Dr. Stern did a great job.

I took my 18 year old son there for a 2nd opinion on a pilodinal cyst. He had already seen his PCP and another colorectal dr with a concluding diagnosis from both. I came to Fairfax CR because they were listed on the INOVA hospital website and that would ultimately be where I want my son to have surgery. I did not accompany my son into the examining room. When he returned to the waiting room, he just looks at me and says “can we leave now?!” I was expecting another concluding diagnosis and to schedule surgery at INOVA. Once in the car, he cried and said he felt he had been violated. Nothing done to him was explained and he was asked to pull his clothing to his ankles and bend over. His testicles were touched during an exam to look at the bottom of his spine!Also, while in this position, another doctor entered the room to ask a question - no knocking, no apology, no protecting his modesty. He’s then told he does not have a pilodinal cyst and there’s nothing wrong with him!

Dr. L. Stern performed several surgeries in the last 2 years, due to my medical conditions. Dr. Stern is highly competent and maintains a very high standard during his office meetings, such as, Patients receive very detailed information Package, showing preparation and post operation, step by step to guide and prepare you for the upcoming surgery. Dr. Stern will go through this Package. ensuring the Patients fully understand " general surgery", taking time and showing a very High Level of Care towards his Patients. Dr. Stern cares, and is a Super Doctor ! Besides Dr. Stern is understated but very clear with his guidance before, during and after the "general surgery" event, Dr. Stern is a Top Notch Professional in this complicated/challenging medical field.

Mr. Stern deviated from standard of care. He chemically cauterized an open wound without numbing the area with lidocaine. I checked the standards for the procedure. I checked with his nurse later. Standard of care: numb the area. Thanks for one of most painful, and unnecessary, experiences of my life.

Quick professional service.

I had a colonoscopy. Dr. Stern, the anesthesiologist (Dr. Sham), and the two nurses clearly explained the procedure, answered all my questions, and prepared me for the practice quickly. Everyone was very kind, which reduced my anxiety about the procedure. The discharge instructions were clear, too. I would recommend them to anyone needing the same procedure.

I thought I was having a hemorrhoid problem and was in so much pain. After nearly a week I couldnt make it into work. I called Dr Sterns office and they got me in fast. It turns out it was an abscess not a hemorrhoid. He numbed the area and opened it up right in the exam room. OMG - the pain was gone in like 1 minute. I could finally sit down again. He warned me that I could develop some weird connection but on my checkup it was all healed. His entire office staff was awesome - the front desk got me in fast and his nurse Nancy was really nice. I will never wait a week if I get pain again. Thanks!!!

The worst dr. I have ever been to, he did a colon resection, told my husband it had been done "Laparaoscopic" but it hadn't. I understand it probably wasn't possible but why didn't he just say so. BUT the worst was he just never cared about me even before surgery.

My father was in the middle of a colon cancer work-up with Dr. Stern and then .... Coronavirus... we were not sure what to do. My father is at high risk and we were scared to bring him to the office to discuss surgery. No problem - Dr. Stern's office set up a "virtual" visit. It was simple - they emailed us a link, we clicked on it and then the program opened up. There was literally no wait - we signed into the waiting area and within seconds Dr. Stern was on the screen. It was easier than checking in at the "real" office. Dr. Stern spent more time talking with us than any doctor I have ever been to before. At the end, we had a plan and we felt we were in good hands. With all the fear about leaving home, I have many friends who won't even contact a doctor despite having serious problems - CALL - they have other ways for you to reach a doctor/surgeon.

Dr. Stern is very calm and to-the-point, explains conditions carefully, and is good at reassuring patients at outcomes and what to expect of any procedures. Colorectal conditions are typically very uncomfortable—Dr. Stern put me at ease with understanding my condition and treatment plan. Side note: Nurses and staff at the locations are always kind, excellent listeners and highly professional.

Very professional. Very helpful. Seems like we got the needed Information for a diagnosis and treatment plan very quickly! Also my wait was only about 3 minutes even though I arrived early.

I like it.It was remarkable.