I really needed to see a doctor, having recently moved to Toronto and realizing that it takes months to get an appointment. The online reviews for Appletree Medical Centre seemed decent, without a long wait involved, so I tried the one on Dundas Street.
I checked the clinic's website, and it said that the wait was for 15 minutes. I went, checked in on the machines and waited and waited and waited . . . for 1 1/2 hours! The worst part of the waiting was that I was taken to the examination room, a horrible little place with no windows, where I ended up waiting--patiently--for 45 minutes.
Dr. Stendardo finally came in with no apologies or explanations. He had an aggressive attitude; perhaps he was having a bad day. We all have bad days. I needed to get checked out so I was unfailingly polite. He, on the other hand, was rude and obnoxious.
I saw him for no more than 5-10 minutes, during which time he prescribed several tests and sent me on my way. It is without exaggeration that I say it was one of the worst experiences I have had with a doctor. As a patient who needed medical attention, what I got from Dr. Stendardo was a lousy attitude. Even if he was having a bad day, there was no excuse for his behavior.
I have contemplated taking legal action against Dr. Stendardo, perhaps even filing a grievance. I decided, ultimately, that abusive people like him don't deserve any more of my time or energy. Fortunately, I was able to find an excellent doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital a few weeks later. She is what a doctor is supposed to be: a good listener, a thorough diagnostician, and ultimately, someone who actually cares about her patients.