Dr. Downar helped keep my husband alive for several extra years after he was given his death sentence by not making the transplant list. I will forever be thankful for the extra time Dr. Downar gave us together. His bedside manner was so pleasant and kind, yet even a very tasteful sense of humour. When we were given the word that Dave didn’t make the transplant list, Dr Downar told us that he still had a couple of tricks up his sleeve! It was in the very early days of ablation and Dr Downar very expertly performed several on his more than willing patient. He also watched over while a bilateral sympathectomy was performed to try to disturb the electrical signals to his heart! He never gave up and neither did my amazing husband. They were from the same area of England and had a lot of funny stories to share with each other, which only kept my husband’s moral up as high as it could be. We had an EXTRA 4 years together more then what the transplant surgeon forecasted. He is the kindest and most caring person you could ever ask for! One day while just passing each other in the hall of the hospital, he stopped and said “well i know how he is doing, but how are you doing?” That meant so much to me that even this many years later I remember his words! If you are fortunate enough to have Dr. Downar on your health team, you couldn’t be in better hands! Even though my husband passed away 14 years ago, I will ALWAYS. Be thankful for Dr. Downar’s brilliance, expertise and genuine caring touch!

Submitted Jan. 30, 2024

Dr. Downar is a true medical professional, extremely knowledgeable in his field and someone who is humanly caring for his patients. I have been blessed to have seen Dr Downar for more than a decade and every visit has been a positive experience. He has been the most humane, caring and decent medical professional I have had to deal with. He is truly a unique and exceptional doctor. Thank you doc for your care over the years.

Submitted Oct. 21, 2023

I was seeing Dr. Downar in 2001 for arrhythmia (Wenckenback Phenomenon). Dr. Downar is by far the best cardiologist I have yet to meet. He’s very knowledgeable, professional, and respectful. I have never felt better since my Carto-Ablation in 2001. His secretary is also the best! I will be forever grateful to him! I travelled to Toronto General Hospital from Sudbury.

Submitted Sept. 11, 2023

One of the best ever! Professional! Knowledgeable! Researcher; professor;

Submitted Dec. 23, 2021

I was referred to Dr Downar for palpations. Due to Covid restrictions our appointment was by phone. He was incredibly detailed and despite having not been in his office in person, I felt he reviewed my case thoroughly. He ordered appropriate tests and followed up with the results and referred me for an ablation. I was disappointed he was not doing the procedure himself as he no longer does ablations but he was present at the ablation so I felt very comfortable. I had a successful ablation and am finally relieved of my palpations!! So sorry to hear he is retiring…his knowledge, expertise and compassion is a rare find!!

Submitted Nov. 18, 2021

EXCELLENT, knowledgeable, professor, kind, listens, understanding

Submitted Jan. 18, 2021

I have been a patient of Dr. Downar's for 20 years and before that another member of my family was under his care. He is an exceptional, doctor and teacher for patients and is just so calm no matter what the situation is. His secretary Tess, also is just amazing. He may be busy, but when he with you, he is fully focused on you and knows all your medical history. He is just a very good person which is a hard thing to find in a doctor these days. A professional who is doing his job and yet still manages to be very kind and take his time with you at every appointment or even when you are in the hospital. He has a calmness about him that I have never found in a doctor. He cares not only about your heart health, but other health problems and has always championed for me and my care. Thank you Dr. Downar

Submitted Nov. 2, 2019

Yesterday Dr Downar, who has cared for me for over 10 years did an av node ablation on my heart to deal with my atrial fibrillation. Let this story illustrate the kind of gentleman and doctor he is: his fellow was talking to me before the procedure and while he was doing a great job I was still in a high state of anxiety. This was my third cardiac procedure in 3 months. Then Dr Downar appeared; I jumped into his arms, and received the warmest hug and greeting! I was fine after that! He again spoke to me as the procedure began. Instead of insisting on much sedation as I usually do, I relaxed into Dr Downar's care with minimal sedation. When I was back in recovery, he visited me and reassured me. Dr Downar has no equal as surgeon and certainly no equal as a caring man!

Submitted June 6, 2019

I suffered from palpitation for several years and had an unsuccessful surgery at sunny brooke until my family doctor told me about dr downar and that time there was a six month waiting list he is great cardiologist i had a 100 percent successful operation he is amazing ,very kind and caring doctor

Submitted April 16, 2019

Dr Downar was absolutely fabulous with my Mother! He came highly recommended due to his world renowned expertise in arrhythmias (by another Cardiologist) and certainly lived up to his reputation!! Kind, gentle and caring....he did an ablation on my Mother and she is now living life to the fullest!! Absolutely wonderful!!

Submitted March 4, 2019