Memorial Hermann Health System review: Unprofessional and traumatic care by Dr. Jennifer Nguyen at Memorial Hermann during preterm labor and retained placenta management

On December 23, 2024, my partner was admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital due to preterm labor at 21 weeks gestation. The experience was already devastating as we were forced to come to terms with the loss of our baby. However, the conduct of Dr. Jennifer Nguyen during a critical part of the care process compounded our grief and turned an already difficult situation into a traumatic ordeal.

Following the delivery, the placenta did not pass naturally. Dr. Nguyen arrived late at night, visibly frustrated, and carried an impatient, dismissive demeanor. Rather than providing compassionate care, her actions made the situation worse:

- Unprofessional Conduct: Dr. Nguyen accused my partner of "not listening" and "freaking out" during attempts to remove the placenta manually. Her tone was harsh, her words were dismissive, and her behavior demonstrated no regard for my partner’s physical pain or emotional state.
- Painful and Rough Treatment: Dr. Nguyen forcefully tugged on the umbilical cord in jerking motions and repeatedly shoved her hand into my partner’s body to scrape and pull at the placenta. These actions caused immense physical pain while my partner screamed and cried.
- Dismissal of Concerns: When a D&C was deemed necessary, my partner expressed legitimate fears about the procedure, including the risk of a hysterectomy. Instead of addressing her concerns compassionately, Dr. Nguyen refused to explain the risks thoroughly and dismissed my partner’s concerns with, "You signed the paper."

Her actions were so unprofessional and damaging that we demanded she leave the room and not return. The nursing staff, who had remained silent witnesses during Dr. Nguyen’s actions, later apologized to us privately, acknowledging that her conduct was not aligned with the standard of care at Memorial Hermann. Another provider, Dr. Morgan, took over and treated my partner with compassion, professionalism, and the respect she deserved. The contrast in care was striking.

This experience left my partner emotionally scarred and physically harmed at a time when she needed the utmost compassion. I urge Memorial Hermann to evaluate Dr. Nguyen’s conduct and take action to ensure no other patient endures such treatment.