I have been seeing Dr. Northcott for five years and she has been very attentive and sympathetic to my condition - even though it has been very difficult to regulate. She is kind and caring.

Submitted Feb. 5, 2024

Another immunologist suggested my GP refer me to a rheumatologist. My cytokine profile showed every one measured was off, my immune system was dysregulated. I also react unpredictably to medication (one is likely to do with the other). Dr Northcott read the letter from the other immunologist and said she didn't use or know what half those medications were in the letter and that, while it was clear there was an immune issue, it was not her issue. She went on to explain that immunologists are split up into specialty areas which she referred to as like a basket of fruit and I'm not the right fruit for her. OMG. So, the other immunologist referred me because I was having spine flares and fevers. Northcott sees my tests and says she isn't going to order more but would look at the spine. She ordered x-rays but what I was having was an inflammatory flare which was moving up my spine, this is why I was referred. She decided not to look at any of that and find the quickest way of getting rid of me. I had seen her many years before and she had quite grotesquely misdiagnosed me -- I became a poster child on the web for that particular disease and stupid me thinking that this diagnostic correction was an important part of my medical history -- not realizing I was going to trigger a shockingly insecure and unstable person, well, she certainly showed me! She was furious my GP had not done films before sending me and wrote him a shocking letter. He was horrified as that was not why I was sent to her... She began by tearing me down (sneering commentary about that diagnosis she was too lazy, again, to wrap her head around), ridiculing things she interpreted incorrectly in our visit -- she was incredibly nasty! But, at the same time it is quite awesome reading what she wrote -- because it is so unprofessional bordering vile. Then she phoned me, in her 'see-I'm-a- professional-caring-doctor-calling-you' voice, and told me I had degenerative disc disease, very typical for a person my age. When I said that was not what I was there for she switched channels to abusive so fast I just kept mumbling 'oh my' as she went on, and on., and on. (She had to switch offices to do an MRI req and was angry. by the time she picked up again I'd put the phone on speaker -- she came back on the line simply purring). I never complained about back pain until months prior when a lot of other things all came at the same time -- the DDD was incidental and the flare was progressing up my spine causing me to lose >15% of my body weight by then. I was having very obvious symptoms and BOTH physicians involved in my referral had labs which supported everything I was saying.. She told me to buy a supportive pillow, I said I need further investigate. She purred again and said certainly, she had an appointment at 4:30 but would happily take the time I needed to write a letter to my doctor. That episode felt like psychopathy. Then she wrote an even nastier letter(!) to my GP and dropped me as a patient. The last day he worked before leaving the province he got me my MRI, she was done. She had done nothing but complain and cry about being landed with a challenging patient -- like a petulant brat. The woman actually screamed at me on the phone. I kept saying 'oh my' and she was off her head, out of control and hysterical. She's clearly got some issues and doesn't handle stress well. But the viciousness of her was truly something -- uncaged and absolutely without boundary. My husband who heard her yelling from across the room from where I sat, and who had to hold me while I shook and cried after being verbally abused and assaulted, reflected that is is very clear she is, herself, not a well woman.

Submitted Dec. 19, 2023

Another immunologist suggested my GP refer me to a rheumatologist. My cytokine profile showed every one measured was off, my immune system was dysregulated. I also react unpredictably to medication (one is likely to do with the other). Dr Northcott read the letter from the other immunologist and said she didn't use or know what half those medications were in the letter and that, while it was clear there was an immune issue, it was not her issue. She went on to explain that immunologists are split up into specialty areas which she referred to as like a basket of fruit and I'm not the right fruit for her. OMG. So, the other immunologist referred me because I was having spine flares and fevers. Northcott sees my tests and says she isn't going to order more but would look at the spine. She ordered x-rays but what I was having was an inflammatory flare which was moving up my spine, this is why I was referred. She decided not to look at any of that and find the quickest way of getting rid of me. I had seen her many years before and she had quite grotesquely misdiagnosed me -- I became a poster child on the web for that particular disease and stupid me thinking that this diagnostic correction was an important part of my medical history -- not realizing I was going to trigger a shockingly insecure and unstable person, well, she certainly showed me! She was furious my GP had not done films before sending me and wrote him a shocking letter. He was horrified as that was not why I was sent to her... She began by tearing me down (sneering commentary about that diagnosis she was too lazy, again, to wrap her head around), ridiculing things she interpreted incorrectly in our visit -- she was incredibly nasty! But, at the same time it is quite awesome reading what she wrote -- because it is so unprofessional bordering vile. Then she phoned me, in her 'see-I'm-a- professional-caring-doctor-calling-you' voice, and told me I had degenerative disc disease, very typical for a person my age. When I said that was not what I was there for she switched channels to abusive so fast I just kept mumbling 'oh my' as she went on, and on., and on. (She had to switch offices to do an MRI req and was angry. by the time she picked up again I'd put the phone on speaker -- she came back on the line simply purring). I never complained about back pain until months prior when a lot of other things all came at the same time -- the DDD was incidental and the flare was progressing up my spine causing me to lose >15% of my body weight by then. I was having very obvious symptoms and BOTH physicians involved in my referral had labs which supported everything I was saying.. She told me to buy a supportive pillow, I said I need further investigate. She purred again and said certainly, she had an appointment at 4:30 but would happily take the time I needed to write a letter to my doctor. That episode felt like psychopathy. Then she wrote an even nastier letter(!) to my GP and dropped me as a patient. The last day he worked before leaving the province he got me my MRI, she was done. She had done nothing but complain and cry about being landed with a challenging patient -- like a petulant brat. The woman actually screamed at me on the phone. I kept saying 'oh my' and she was off her head, out of control and hysterical. She's clearly got some issues and doesn't handle stress well. But the viciousness of her was truly something -- uncaged and absolutely without boundary. My husband who heard her yelling from across the room from where I sat, and who had to hold me while I shook and cried after being verbally abused and assaulted, reflected that is is very clear she is, herself, not a well woman.

Submitted Dec. 19, 2023

I have a rare disease (wegeners granulamatosis vasculites). Dr. Northcott is wonderful and helpful and knowledgeable. And her admin staff is awesome as well. Love them!!

Submitted Nov. 30, 2023

She is always so good at explaining what is going on and treatment options

Submitted Sept. 11, 2023

Wow, I haven't had such professional and thorough care... ever. The initial assessment was thorough with all kinds of information given about what could be the source of my problem. She did a thorough questioning and exam for possible physical signs and symptoms. She ordered comprehensive blood work. She followed up with a phone call immediately upon receiving the results. And all this while her MOA was not in the office. If you are lucky enough to be offered a referral to this physician, TAKE IT! You won't receive better care in my experience.

Submitted Sept. 8, 2023

Dr. Northcott has always been a kind, caring and understanding person.

Submitted July 3, 2023

Dr Northcott has been a pleasure work with - she is very accessible very knowledgeable and gives lots of options for treatment plans

Submitted June 26, 2023

I first saw Dr Northcott in 2004. I was in a health crisis and really needed medical help. She was a abrasive and blunt. And turned me away as a patient, leaving me very confused. My 3 children were very young, dependent on me as their mother and I was not coping under the burden of all my confusing symptoms. It was a difficult rejection for many reasons. I suffered for many years with much pain. Over time I found ways to cope mostly from creating my own medical team over time involving caregivers such as a family doctor, naturopathic doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, Eastern traditional practitioner and pain specialists. (most not covered by MSP, at my own cost) Recently my symptoms changed and I asked my family doctor for a rheumatologist referral. He sent me to Dr. Northcott, not realising that I had seen her before many years ago. I went with an open mind hoping that either her medical knowledge or caregiving experience over 24 years had evolved and that my experience would be different as a patient. She remembered me, mostly because my diagnosis is rare, I think. My second appointment quickly began to feel abrasive and argumentative. The appointment was doctor-centred as the doctor is the medical expert and the patient's perspective is negated. There is little sense of patient-doctor partnership. Then later in the appointment she softened a bit and she tried to shift her approach, but I felt patronised. It felt very disrespectful. The only difference is that now I'm older, more experienced , mentally stronger and not pressured by mothering responsibilities as my children are all adults now. This time I can walk out from the appointment confidently with the knowledge that I will once again seek medical help elsewhere and figure things out for myself. I really do not recommend Dr Northcott. I wish that she had been capable of saying: I simply don't know how to help you. It would have been more respectful and honest. Use caution when using this doctor. Hopefully you too will find other sources that help with more compassion. Trust is important for medical care to be effective.

Submitted April 28, 2023

I just requested a referral to a different Rheumatologist. Dr. Northcott didn't show much interest in providing real care, just going through the motions of getting me in and out for billing purposes. My first appointment was pre-covid, so in person. She was better but pretty rushed to get me in and out. Every appointment since has been very brief video calls with either her or one of her staff. A couple yes/no questions and a 'take your pills and see you in 6 months'. I still don't even know if I have a diagnosis. I'm past due on required bloodwork and eye exam. Time to try a new doctor.

Submitted Dec. 9, 2022