I became a patient of Dr. Spencer when I married my husband who has been a been a patient of his since he was a child. I find Dr. Spencer very knowledgeable and practical but his bed-side manner borders on cold, especially with my children. It is also extremely difficult to book an appointment, every time I call they seem to be closed and the answering machine never provides the operating hours. I often have to call back several times before I can reach the receptionist the make an appointment. However, Dr. Spencer is part of the Nepean Family Health Clinic - an after hours clinic that's only available to patients who have a Dr. within the Nepean Family Health group. The clinic is great, appointments are easy to get (you're in the same night you call) and maybe the only reason I haven't switch Drs.

Submitted Dec. 21, 2017

Dr. Spencer has been my parents family doctor before I was born, and now at 25 years old, he is still my doctor to this day. He can be reserved, but has never stepped over the line, he exudes professionalism. I trust him with my female medical inquiries, and always feel safe and secure (not all woman feel that way with a male doctor).
It will be a sad day when he retires, I know he fondly respected by other patients of his. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication Doctor Spencer- you deserve to be told more often!

Submitted Aug. 18, 2017

Dr. Spencer has been my doctor and my husband's for years. He and his staff have always treated us with respect and listened to concerns. He is practical, he listens to problems, he is caring and always recommends excellent further care if needed. I'm sure that the patients who give him less than 5 for punctuality never complain when he takes extra time with them. His appointments last until he has explaned fully his diagnosis or his follow up appointments with experts in different fields. We are so lucky to have him and would recommend him and his staff highly anytime. They are special!

Submitted July 28, 2017

We were lucky enough when we came to Ottawa in 2000 our neighbor introduced us to Dr. Spencer and he took us as patients. We both suffer from chronic pain and Dr. Spencer is excellent in pain management. I would not want a different doctor the odd time I get him to lol. Yes his secretary is the best she is polite and kind.

Submitted Dec. 1, 2016

Our family and in particular myself have been blessed to have Dr. Spencer as our family doctor for some 28 years. He is CARING, PUNCTUAL and always DOES HIS VERY BEST for us all. He always goes out of his way to help you, does not judge and is so very hard working. He is simply wonderful and we are not only blessed but genuinely appreciative of both him and his services.

Submitted Nov. 17, 2016

I have been seeing Dr. Spencer for over 15 years. His new secretary is amazing, sweet, and a major, MAJOR improvement over his past one (who was very rude). Dr. Spencer himself is very knowledgeable, patient, and will help you with even the smallest problems. He goes out of his way to help you, and keeps amazing records on each of his patients. I wouldn't want any other doctor. He doesn't judge you and is hard working.

Submitted Oct. 20, 2016

Dr. Spencer has been our family doctor for almost 20 years.
He does have a direct, no frills approach but he is exceptionally knowledgable and not an alarmist.
He had seen me through the discovery, diagnosis, and repair of a congenital heart defect, fertility problems, gall bladder issues, and now liver problems. He is wonderful with quick referrals to top notch specialists and surgeons, requisitions for testing, and prescriptions.
His new receptionist Eunice is fantastic at squeezing you in for a quick appointment same day when you really need it.
He is great about providing copies of surgical reports or lab results without charging you an arm and a leg like other doctors do.
When it comes to prescriptions he will take into account the patients concerns and wishes as well.
I was most surprised that he is so open and up to date on newer medical trends and practices for babies and young children (ex. Baby led weaning vs. Traditional purée and cereal feeding, attachment parenting style, etc)
I will be sad when he eventually retires and we need to find a new doctor.
His appointments are usually short and sweet but that is how he tries to keep things moving so patients don't have to wait forever. He also has a great partnership with an after hours clinic across the street that has always been able to fit me in when I've really needed it.
I do wish he was open on Fridays but it's not something that has drastically affected me personally and I know if I really needed medical attention we would be able to call the after hours clinic across the road.

Submitted June 13, 2016

Dr. Spencer has been my doctor for almost 30 years. Couldn't be happier. Very lucky to have such a thorough and caring doctor. New receptionist (18 mos or so) is wonderful and a breath of fresh air after the last one. Nothing but great things to say.

Submitted Dec. 18, 2015

Our family has been going to doctor spencer for 18 years, he is phenomenal. He is a no nonsense, practical guy who is proactive and takes good care of his patients. When my dad had a scary mole, spencer had him in to a specialist in a couple days. It was cancer but because of his proactive attitude my dad was ok. I've also gone in over the years with female issues and he has never once scoffed or treated it as a non issue, but has always looked into what the problem may be. He is a very considerate doctor, however, it seems some people do not appreciate his no nonsense approach. But seriously, his job is to diagnose, treat, and make sure your problems are taken care of. Not to hold your hand and tuck you in at night. He's a great doctor. As far as his receptionists, they have always been professional and got the job done.

Submitted Dec. 8, 2015

Been a patient for over 30 years, average less than one visit per year. Quality of service has been going downhill for some time. A few observations over the years:
-Generally very punctual with the exception of the walk-in clinic
-Dr. Spencer expects you to thoroughly research your issue, or else you can expect an aloof "well what do you what me to do?" attitude
-He is a good listener, hence it benefits you to have a detailed understanding of your concern before going in
-Not at all proactive; has a dismissive attitude. You will have to push hard for a proper diagnosis or to see a specialist
-Don't expect any sympathy or warmth
-Often prescribes a short-term reactive fix as opposed to a long-term proactive solution
-Very much a jack of all trades, master of none (multiple misdiagnoses over the years and significant pain could have been avoided)
-Can be very moody, it is very evident when he is having a bad day
-Miserable receptionist thinks she is an RN, acts as a gatekeeper and will do anything to avoid giving an appointment. No matter how pleasant I am, she is rude, condescending, lazy, impossible to reach, and will never come through for you if you have an emergency. Should have never been in the customer service business
-Clearly shows Dr. Spencer's poor lack of judgment to have kept a bitter, difficult person as a secretary all these years. Not a pleasant experience for the patients who provide their salaries
-Being highly organized, I was once billed for an appointment I had no knowledge of...the receptionist set up a follow-up without my knowledge (and will never call you)
-Claustrophobic, dirty, shoulder-to-shoulder seating area with no ventilation or natural light. Typically come home feeling sicker, no doubt due to the unsanitary conditions
-Both receptionist and Dr. Spencer have large windowed rooms with significant natural light, while Dr. Spencer's waiting and patient rooms are tiny, depressing rooms without a window (who do you think is priority here?)
-Suddenly does not offer a walk-in clinic, and Dr. Spencer's patients can not visit his partner (Dr. Nagpal), thus only available up to 4pm MON-THU, secretary does not answer on Fridays

Submitted Sept. 15, 2014