Mark Richards, MD, PHD

I saw Mark Richards after my 20 year old sister passed away and they could not find any reason why in her autopsy. The medical examiner suggested we do genetic testing and that I, her only sibling and 22 at the time, get checked by a cardiologist. We were referred to Mark Richards. After one EKG, he told me that "if he were taking his boards right then," he'd say I had type 3 Long QT, which is likely what killed my sister as well. This is a very serious and deadly heart condition where you can have no symptoms your whole life, but just fall over and die at any second from a sudden cardiac event. He said that we'd confirm with a few other tests, and said that once we did, I'd need an implanted defibrillator. I did all this testing right away, since I was under the impression I could meet the same fate as my sister at any moment. He was impossible to get ahold of after this testing, and when he did finally call, he was as rude and heartless as could be, insinuating that I thought I should go to the front of the line and I thought I was more important than everyone else. Obviously, I did not think this. I was just concerned for my life. Maybe I'm incorrect, but I think all urgent patients get taken care of immediately, right? You wouldn't tell a pregnant lady in labor that your hospital is full and to wait outside until a room opens up. You wouldn't tell a cancer patient to wait in line for chemo. This was no different - I supposedly could have died at any moment. I think once he realized that we wanted a second opinion and he wouldn't get to do his surgery, he lost interest. Well come to find out with our second opinion and genetic testing on myself and my sister's blood sample that NEITHER of us have Long QT at all (any of the types). In fact, we have no genetic heart issues. If it were up to Mark Richards, I would have an implanted defibrillator right now. I have lasting psychological effects from this and it was nearly impossible to get through to anyone at ProMedica about my concerns. I am still not satisfied with how they "resolved" my case. Please, I urge you, NEVER VISIT THIS DOCTOR. You could end up with an implanted device or surgery that you did not need!! I'd recommend avoiding ProMedica entirely, as if you do have an issue, it will likely never be handled.

Have had him as my He has been my Electro Cardiologist for two years. My Afib this year worsened causing me to be hospitalized in March of 2020. With COVID, took a lot longer to get in. Put on a schedule.to get ablation, today with great. It appears my Afib has been neutralized and I'm on road to recovery. Excellent Doctor, well worth the wait!

Everyone was pleasant and informative.Dr. Richards explained my heart ablation and made me feel more at ease.Thanks to his expertise my heart is on its way to a normal beat.

I was scheduled a Nuclear imagining stress test yesterday.After registering with front office ,I was taken back to room with EKG pads attached to me.While laying on table the lovely nurses in back was having issues with computer they couldn't find my patient ID number or doctors orders.One of the nurses said "oh we will fill it in as we go,another nurse said her patient ID number dosent look right.My question how can nurses assume what was originally ordered by doctor.There was 3 other people being tested yesterday for same test as me.Today,I receive phone call from another nurse with what's supposed to be my results.Nurse had trouble finding my file by my birthday ,she asked for my last name.Then I quote ,I think this is you.Nurse proceeded to tell me my test was normal.I stated that's impossible I was diagnosed with Coronary Arttery disease in my right lower valve.I explained what had happened with computer and my patient ID number yesterday,nurse said I dont know what happened back there yesterday.Then same nurse proceeds to tell me "oh you could still have Coronary Artery disease.I'm beyond upset with treatment of how this is being handled.

This doctor is an absolute head case. Guys like this should not be in medicine. I hope he gets help & out of medicine