Dr. Smith delivered my sister and her son, and I grew up with him as my Dr. He knew everything about me. He wasn’t just a Dr. he asked you how you were doing and listened to your response. I still called him Dr. Smith in my mid 40s . I just couldn’t call him by his first name out of respect, even though he insisted. I loved him as my family Dr. But luckily he had a wonderful replacement when he retired. Dr. Michael Putland.

Submitted Oct. 16, 2023

Saw Dr Smith at a walk in clinic. Great doctor!!! Helpful, knowledgeable and listens to your issue instead of trying to rush off to the next patient. I don’t have a GP in Victoria however he treated me like I was his patient. Highly recommend him!!

Submitted March 23, 2019

Was seen by Dr. Dereck Smith (16881) at St. Anthony's Treatment Centre to obtain blood work requisition for the monitoring of several vitamin deficiencies and to repeat tests that were ordered originally by my GP but was rejected by lab due to specimen collection issues as well as tests necessary for an upcoming medical apt with a Gastroenterologist. Doctors are trying to find the underlying cause of symptoms associated with a recent but now cleared H. Pylori infection.
I had lost 30+lbs in 2 mths, huge muscle mass loss, and unhealthy BMI due to eating or digestion problems caused by unknown secondary or primary condition related to H. Pylori infection. Also asked for basic lab tests to monitor my deficiencies: Iron deficiency anemia, Vit B12, Vit D, general Chemistry( an, k, creatinine, eGFR, ca, TP, ast, alt, ggt, mag, lipase, urea, bicarbonate, chloride, phosphate Uris acid, Hematology, Thyroid tests including free T3 & T4 (because last doc ordered but wasn't done by lab and doc didn't reorder), Carotene for investigation of malabsorption (was previously ordered but rejected by lab and GP didn't re-order), Serum Tryptase and 24hr urine chemistry to evaluate Endocrine Functions (24hr urine creatinine, sodium, cortisol, N-Methylhistamin, metanephrines and Aldosterone) to aid in ruling out Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (Dr. Karen Down suggested my symptoms are indicative of MCAS). And a lipid panel as it was abnormal last testing and because I have hypertension that's not yet under control and is thought to be secondary to PTSD but has not been investigated enough to determine if it's secondary or primary condition. Dr. David McDonald (Internist) is apparently monitoring my hypertension but has yet to state the underlying cause. 24hr blood pressure monitor proven I'm in stage 2 hypertension-was given 10mg Amlodipine per day to keep np under control but home monitoring shows my body is still high with home readings of 144/94 HR78 while sitting after on meds for over 2 mths.
I suggested another 24hr bp holter but Dr. McDonald didn't order it.
Further complaints to my GP of weight loss, fainting, and lack of ability to keep food down, constipation, etc promoted a rxn of PPI Prevacid FastTab 15mg (lansoprazole) which helped with the intense stomach pain.

Dr. Dereck Smith was very rude to the point of stating that "I should stay off google and let the doctors, who actually know what they are doing order the tests they see fit and to not go into clinics asking for blood work that I apparently have no knowledge of. Even though, I have a degree and work in a lab testing for all of the above tests(some send out exceptions).
He mocked, criticized and degraded me while laughing as I sat crying because no matter how much I try to stay healthy no doc seems to want to help me (evident by my obvious weight loss, and many deficiencies and known health disorders).
I'm frustrated with the Canadian Health Care system that seems to spend more time and money on allowing doctors to pass a "difficult case" (complex mixed illnesses not yet diagnosed) along to the next one in fear of ordering tests that will show abnormal results and then the doc will have to actually do some investigation using their vase medical knowledge learned in med school instead of what they are used to, which is to write a rxn and send the patient out the door.
I want real health care with doctors that are interested in treating the primary underlying condition instead of simply writing rxns (from their friendly drug companies that give docs perks under the table) to "bandaid" the symptoms.

Bottom line for my experience with Dr. Dereck Smith: He's a snobby, out right rude doc that is not interested in anything the patient has to say and has no sense of compassion or bedside manners.
Terrible Attitude & Lack of Knowledge combined with a fear of ordering necessary lab tests bc then the ordering doc has to investigate any abnormal results.

Submitted March 6, 2017

Kind, friendly, knowledgeable and caring. Best doctor in town !!!

Submitted Feb. 19, 2017

I saw Dr Smith at a walk in clinic to get some forms filled out for a new driver's license as I have just moved from Winnipeg. There are not enough characters available to describe what a skillful, thorough, kind, compassionate man he is. I would pay anything to have Dr Smith as my family doctor.
Michael G Bowes

Submitted Aug. 1, 2016

We saw Dr. Smith at a walk in clinic for my son yesterday! He was absolutely Fantastic. Great with my child, and I felt like he genuinely cared about my sons sickness regardless of just meeting us. He listened and didn't rush me at all and just showed overall compassion and concern! It's rare to fine this type of Dr. Especially in a walk in clinic. Kudos to Dr.Smith for actually caring about his patients! Great experience!

Submitted May 29, 2015

Until recently, I was unaware of this site or would have sent my kudos to Dereck many years earlier. I had been Dereck's patient since I was 19 yrs old lasting until his retirement and beyond as he occasionally does locums for his successor. What can I say beyond him being the most understanding, caring, and compassionate doctor I have ever known. I never had occasion to question his judgments or diagnoses--he always instilled me with confidence and care. I wish him a long and happy retirement with all the gratitude and love I possess.

Submitted Jan. 31, 2015

Dereck saved my life! It doesn't get any better than that. He has always been friendly and interested in what I have to say. Was going to him for 20 years, right up until he retired. He subs for his replacement, so have been seen by him since he retired. Great!

Submitted Oct. 10, 2014

i have been a patient of the "good" Doctor for several years now and have never had better care in my life.he is kind, concenteous,on time,pleasant,understanding,and always willing to listen.to give you the extra little bit of time to let you know he do care bout you.he always seems to have a smile for you.and what can you say bout Wendy? kind ,always a smile and extremely efficient.caring,and understanding of her job and your needs.i really feel so very fortunate to have Dereck as my doctor.

Submitted Nov. 8, 2011

Dr. Smith is amazing. He is very professional, wonderful with my children and always on time. Not once have I gone in and had to wait more than 5 minutes. Wendy is truly an asset to the office. She is kind and caring, if either of my little ones are sick she will have them in that day or the next. They never have to wait. We feel very lucky to have them looking after us.

Submitted Oct. 31, 2011