Burnhamthorpe Health Centre

This place is a mess. They hire within their own family rather than based on qualifications. Receptionists asking out loud reason for your visit, not respecting patient confidentiality & privacy. Was here to get a blood test but had to come back another day as no suitable nurse to perform. Finally when I did, I never got a call back regarding results of blood test. Will be avoiding in the future and would rather drive a few more blocks to Appletree with their automated walk in and more professional atmosphere.

The only reason I gave this place two stars is because the assistant was so friendly. When I called the centre to specifically ask if they do referrals, I was told "Yes, we do." But when I met the (male) doctor, he refused to give me one as the referral would be too "time consuming" and the "procedure was too long." So patients are not worth the doctor's time. Very disappointing!

I passed by to ask if they take new patients. A simple quick question turned to a very upsetting experience and waste of my time. The admin person even though she seems nice but she was not professional. Her first question to me was if I speak Arabic. That was my first turn off. why and how is that relevant?! I felt like leaving but I thought maybe the doctor is more professional. The admin lady told me they take new patients but there is a waiting list and I have to meet the doctor first to see if it is a good "decision" ! Even explaining that was a long confusing conversation. I finally understood that I can see him instantly so he can decide if they put me on a waiting list or not. She asked for my OHIP card and to fill a form, I gave her my OHIP which was also weird for me since I did not ask for a visit I only asked if they take new patients. She entered my info in her computer. I filled the form with my name and phone number only. The form asks again for your OHIP card info (which was with her ) and medical history which I believe I would share with the doctor if I am accepted to become his patient. She went to speak to the doctor. I heard him yelling at her that he wants the full form filled. I felt bad for her and put N/A for everything on the form. I was taken in immediately. She took me to the room and took my blood pressure while I kept asking why all of that to just meet the doctor for him to decide if he puts me on the waiting list or not. When I saw him finally he was arrogantly defensive. I told him that I heard him unnecessarily yelling at her. He asked why I refused to fill the form I explained because I am not even accepted to be on the waiting list. I questioned his process and when he couldn't answer he became angry and started asking me questions. His first question was where I live and if I live by myself. That was it for me. I told him I don't want to be his patient and I want my form back. I know the admin already entered my info from my OHIP. I do understand that the family physician needs to know their patients but the whole process and arrogance by that clinic and doctor is very questionable.

This clinic is a joke. We took on Dr. Ali as our family physician several years ago. At the time, the clinic was new: staff answered phones and made appointments and the doctor gave a meet and greet and was very pleasant. Fast forward several years, I have been left in the cold so many times by the physicians and staff at this clinic that it has become untenable. They haven't answered the phone in years. You have to physically walk in to make an appointment with your family doctor... but your appointment time is 150% meaningless as you end up waiting 2+ hours every time anyway (this has ALWAYS been the case, for 6+ visits). I went to the clinic with a baby that was projectile vomiting 15 minutes before closing, and was turned away by the "compassionate" staff at this clinic bc the doctor had already left for the day. I spent the next 3 hours waiting in urgent care bc the doctors at this clinic don't even respect the very hours they set for their own clinic. Today, I waited for the doctor to come in from 9:30, when the clinic opens, until 10:30, when his hours actually start (no mention of this anywhere on the website or the building itself)... 10:30 came and went, and still no doctor. We were informed at 11:30 that the doctor had had an emergency and wouldn't be in until 3... and no one would be covering for him. When you spend 2 hours waiting to see a doctor with a sick child, this is not what you want to hear... especially not from a doctor who has left you in similar lurches before. Devastating for a mother with a sick child, as well as for the 2 very elderly women who were waiting for the doctor for 2 hours as well, only to be told they'd need to call and pay for a taxi home without having seen one! The doctor's botox qualifications and chin lift literature are prominently displayed, which leads me to believe this doctor does not have the Socratic oath as a priority at all. Do NOT bother with this clinic if you value your health and time at all.

This clinic is the most unaccommodating of any. Do not waste your time. I did. I came in Monday evening around 6 for a plugged ear. The place was empty and when I saw the receptionist she indicated I would probably need to come back in the morning as only a nurse would blow out my ear. She however asked the Doctor and he refused to do it. I came back in Tuesday morning; there were three people there in front of me. When I saw the Doctor it was the same Doc as the previous night. He looked in my ear and said it was plugged and there was nothing he could do for me. He suggested I could go to the pharmacy next door and they would sell me a syringe to blow out my own ear. I left. How unprofessional and arrogant. I called up my Doc downtown and he blew out my ear right away. Stay away from this awful clinic.

Such inconsiderate rude staff. They don’t care about their patients needs. Their only reason is that we are busy, as if we are not busy. Called 100 times, no one picks up the phone for appointments and voicemail is full. Went to the clinic 3 times within the week. What if you have urgent needs? They let you die?! So un responsible. Don’t waste your time, any other clinic is better.

I have been here a few times before, pre covid and do not have anything to say badly about the Doctors. The receptionist on the otherhand, wow rude and in my opinion racist. I phoned today seeking care and she gave me attitude over the phone when i wanted to book an apppintment with a doctor. She than asked me if "the doctor was my family doctor," and I said "no" She then responds by saying that "We are not going to waste time with people like you!" What does that imply (people like me) Don Cherry from hockey night in Canada got fired for using the same vocabulary. I am extremy disapppointed and never imagined that I would experience racism. Please avoid this place unless you have no choice! or atleast until they fire the secretary with the most negative attitude that I have encountered.

While the doctors themselves are pretty awesome, please be prepared for the below factors. No one answers the phones or returns calls or checks voice mail. Please also expect to wait up to 4 hour in the waiting room for your 12pm appointment, the doctor will see your around 3 to 4p, this is pre-covid. This may be due to it being a walk in clinic and as they see urgent walk-ins, patients with appointments may get pushed down. For virtual appointments during covid, please expect to not be contacted at all with no notice, you will need to rebook.