Recommended Doctor
John Dewey ERKMANN MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology - Alaska Anchorage

John Erkmann delivered my son four years ago. I was high risk and wanted to try for a natural birth. The labor went great until it went bad. I am someone who hates nurses condescending to me and telling me stupid things. With him, the nurses seemed like they wanted to treat me like I was smart. They didn't tell me to remove my panties when I went in (as L&D nurses are wont to do-- like I'll deliver with my panties on?) they said, "Dr. Erkmann said this is your __th baby and that you know what to do." as they handed me the easy access gown. They never called me "Honey," "Sweetpea," "Sugar," or any other name ad nauseum that nurses like to give women they've never seen before. I think that the fact that the nurses didn't give me lectures on "no need for modesty here!" was a direct result of him either telling them not to say that to me or maybe he doesn't like them saying that to ANY of his patients. Dr. Erkmann's care comes with a heavy dose of DIGNITY.


When the cord prolapsed and he had four minutes to get my son out, he was a class act! No drama, he quickly explained to me what was happening and why my "dream birth" had to come to a happy ending in a different way than I'd planned. He averted a nightmare and he kept my body in great shape. He had also delivered my first baby via c-section and marveled at his work, as have other doctors since!


I felt like he really appreciated that every woman's body and every pregnancy is different and took my quirks independently, didn't judge me or compare me to other women. My labor was fascinating-- he is a very well read person and I'm an English major and-- I think I learned more in one hour with him than I have in some of my classes. If you have time to kill, let this man do the talking. He sees the whole picture as well as details.


I run from doctors whose patients say that they or their staffs are comforting or whatever. To me, that is patting someone on the head and makes them seem like they are five years old or have an IQ of 12. Dr. Erkmann's staff knew what to say to me when things were not going well. Was I comforted? I was put at ease. No surprises. If he had to give me a test, he told me the usual scenarios and what he'd do. there was no waiting and wondering what would happen next. It was like getting to sit in the cockpit or the pilothouse.


One word to the wise, if he says to not eat before an operation like a possible c-section if you say, get a prolapsed cord or the baby goes into distress, DON'T EAT. He knows what he's talking about! He doesn't give orders because he is bored.


Great guy, talented doctor. There is nothing soft about this guy and he hires good people. I will end this with, "To know him is to love him is to know him very well, indeed!"