790 Bay Street , Suite 604
Toronto, ON, Canada
M5G 1N8
Ratings for Dr. Karen Bir
I have been seeing Dr. Bir for three years for complicated symptoms of gout and arthritis. She is compassionate, friendly and thorough; always available for addressing "flares". She provides helpful direction on symptoms and treatment. She is highly recommended.
Submitted Feb. 9, 2024
It concerning when on your first visit you ask the doctor "what are the next steps?" and Dr. Bir responses with "I don't know". She has the memory of a goldfish and does not seem interesting in helping you. Her ability to examine and diagnose is sub-par. If you can find another doctor I would strongly recommend. I will not be going back
Submitted Dec. 8, 2023
I went to see Dr Bir because I suspected I had Sjogren’s disease (dry eyes, dry mouth). She did tests and told me I had “a good story for Sjogren’s”, which I eventually realized meant she had diagnosed me with it. As my symptoms got worse and I developed joint pain and fatigue, Dr Bir refused treatment with Plaquenil, stating that she wouldn’t be able to tell if I was getting better from the drug because my test results were good. She looked in my mouth and said “It’s pretty dry in there” and did not offer to prescribe me Salagen. When I requested she prescribe me Plaquenil as I kept getting worse, just to see if it would make a difference to my symptoms, she said “Sjogren’s is more about dryness” — except that it isn’t, Sjogren’s is a systemic disease, and it can affect any part of your body. If you have Sjogren’s, I heartily recommend you choose a different rheumatologist. I have since switched to a rheumatologist who is more up to date on Sjogren’s.
Submitted Sept. 8, 2023
I've been going to Dr. Bir for 13 years - I was one of her first patients. She has been incredibly helpful, she works with me, she is patient and kind - but she is straight forward. She's direct, and doesn't sugar coat things, but if I wanted to sugar coating, I'd go to a candy store. What I want in a specialist, is someone who knows their craft, who wants the best for her patience, and is constantly trying to find the next best drug that will help. Dr. Bir deals in Science, research and facts. If you want to try dietary changes, and want to look at alternatives - she will support those decisions - but she'll also strongly recommend to pair those treatments with medicine and science so that you're benefiting from both strategies. I can't imagine fighting this disease with out her working with me.
Submitted Aug. 24, 2023
First of all, the doctor was running about 1.5 hours late - no apology from either the staff or the doctor nor any information as to why the delay !! Front desk staff could surely do with a course in customer relations !! There seemed to be a lack of communication between my family doctor who seemed to think that I needed to see a rheumatologist and Dr. Bir who seemed to think there was nothing wrong with me/my blood work. Total waste of time with no real resolution to the problem or the pain I was suffering !! Not at all a good experience....
Submitted Aug. 22, 2023
Patient's update
Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry if this was your experience at our clinic. We want every patient that leaves to feel taken care of. We would love the opportunity to discuss your experience and learn from your recent visit. Please give us a call at (416) 204-9200 at your earliest convenience.
Submitted Sept. 5, 2023
My doctor referred me to Dr. Karen. From first visit itself was rude, condescending and argumentative, including arguing about not giving proper diagnosis tests. I found her to be completely lacking in compassion and professionalism.
Submitted Aug. 4, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of being treated by Dr. Bir and I am beyond impressed by the exceptional care I received. Dr. Bir not only demonstrates exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and expertise in her field, but she is also an incredibly personable and compassionate physician.
From the moment I stepped into her office, I felt at ease. Her warm demeanor, combined with her sense of humor, created a comfortable atmosphere that immediately put my mind at rest. Dr. Bir took the time to thoroughly discuss my concerns, ensuring that I understood every aspect of my condition and the available treatment options. Her communication style is both informative and engaging, without a hint of condescension.
Dr. Bir's remarkable knowledge in her field is evident in the level of detail she provides. She is attentive to every aspect of a patient's well-being and is dedicated to providing comprehensive care. Her punctuality and efficiency are also commendable, as she manages to maintain a smooth and timely schedule without sacrificing the quality of her consultations.
Moreover, Dr. Bir's thoroughness is unmatched. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to diagnosing and treating her patients, and she goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Dr. Bir is an exemplary healthcare professional who effortlessly blends her vast knowledge and expertise with her personable, compassionate approach. If you are seeking a physician who truly takes the time to listen to and understand your concerns, while providing the highest level of care, look no further than Dr. Bir. My experience with her was nothing short of exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a dedicated and highly skilled physician.
Submitted April 5, 2023
My family doctor referred me to Dr. Bir re chronic shoulder pain. She was very professional and friendly. She listened patiently to all my concerns, and told me the pros and cons of the various treatment options available to me. I came away with a better understanding of my medical concerns, and there was no pressure to undergo further interventions. I can recommend Dr. Bir unreservedly!
Submitted March 2, 2023
I can fully appreciate the mixed reviews on this site. My first time in her office she was pleasant enough, effective enough and simple blood tests resulted in a confirmed diagnosis, I suppose thankfully she didn't treat the condition she diagnosed me with and I didn't require to be in her care after that. The second visit a few years later, for a different set of symptoms and complications, she was rude, condescending and argumentative, including arguing about having not diagnosed me with the condition she previously diagnosed me with. I found her to be completely lacking in compassion and professionalism. I have since sought out the opinion and treatment of much more gracious, understanding, compassionate and professional rheumatologists who take the time to listen, run thorough tests and offer effective outcomes for my multiple autoimmune conditions.
Full disclosure: the staff and punctuality is not scored as high as it could have scored as I did not want the review to be rated higher than I felt she deserved, it's great that you are on time but clearly it comes at a very high cost.
Submitted Jan. 27, 2023
Referred by my Family Doctor , who knows from prior exeperrinec I am not easist patient and perhaps quite picky . Dr Bir easily and gladly accomodated my hectic and unpredictable schedule , and her office has booked several appointments with ease and professionalism. Great location and her assistant very pleasant and courteous , and unlike most doctors rarely runs behind and never makes me wait and wait and wait . My overall exerience to date with Dr Bir has been excellent . She is extremely professional and obviously very knowledgeable, and yet quite personable , as she took time and explained various questions and symptoms and various issues as well as possible treatments and medications , range of effects , possible future scenarios (without overpredicting ) etc . I felt she very much genuinely cared for my well being, and peace of mind . She might not be one for idle chit chat ( I do not want that from my doctor to be honest ) , but she is defintely friendly enough , pleasant demaeanor , prfessional and asked intelligent relevant backround questions, listened and seemed genuinely interested without being phony . She also definitely knows her stuff . I am delighted that I was referred and even better my symptoms are under control and pain management much better . An excellent specialist in a very difficult , sometimes challenging area. And if her most of patients are all lke me she has alot to deal with. Thanks very much Dr Bir , and her staff.
Submitted Oct. 19, 2016