I found out early Thursday morning, May 25, that world-renowned Dr. Jonathan Epstein, who has offered, with his team, thousands of men second opinions on pathology reports from prostate biopsies, is on a leave of absence, and it is not known when he'll return.
In answer to a direct query to his office, I received this reply from his long-time assistant, Suzanne Hoffman, who I have spoken to on several occasions regarding patients’ submissions for second opinions:
May 25, 2023
Dear Martin,
Dr. Epstein is indeed out on a leave of absence, and we don’t know when he’ll return.
In the meantime, however, you can suggest that they continue to contact Johns Hopkins if they’d like a second opinion. The three other GU pathologists on staff have been trained by him, worked with him for years, and will be assigned his cases to review in the meantime, so they’ll be in good hands.
Take care,
Suzanne Hoffman
Assistant to Drs. Andres Matoso, Tamara Lotan, and Ezra Baraban
410-614-6330
Active Surveillance Patients International hosted the AS101 presentation of Dr. Epstein last month with a live Q and A, for which the doctor graciously returned to answer patients' questions. You may view a recording of the presentation at:
https://aspatients.org/meeting/as-101-episode-5-second-opinions-and-biopsies/
Dr. Epstein, with his outstanding professional reputation, firm grasp, and extensive mastery of urologic pathology, has been a go-to for many patients worldwide seeking second opinions on their biopsy pathology. Receiving an average of 200-300 sets of slides to review each week, the doctor has relied heavily on the team he personally trained and continues to work with him for many years (as his office cited above) to assist him in the timely reporting of results for the patients. He and his team's passion for helping men understand their reports have been evident in his exceptional willingness to speak with patients and answer questions from them upon receiving his analyses.
I wish him well, and look forward to announcing his return, and, as his office stated, his team at Johns Hopkins stands ready, willing, and able to continue to render second opinions on your pathology, with the endorsement of the doctor himself.
Visit the JOHNS HOPKINS "GETTING A SECOND OPINION" WEBSITE
For more information on second opinions at Johns Hopkins, please email Suzanne Hoffman at shoffm29@jhmi.edu and/or phone 410-614-6330.