I have a very severe type of a condition related to arthritis. Dr. R. A. Cartagena made the correct diagnosis, admitted me to the local hospital, look after me x several days. I was discharged on a couple of medications which worked, like a miracle. Eventually, 3 years later, before his retirement, he referred me to a Rheumatologist in Winnipeg for continuation of my care. He sent all the records required for a long term care. Everything went very well. I still regret he is not in active medical practice any longer.

Submitted Dec. 25, 2022

Sometimes it is not easy to find a good doctor, who is prepared to listen to his patients and has the knowledge needed for a complex illness. However, Dr. R. Cartagena was more than good, he was outstanding in every aspect I can relate to. I was his patient for
5 years. He is the best.. Unfortunately, I moved to Calgary and now I am searching for a good doctor again.

Submitted Aug. 2, 2022

I have gone to see Dr. Cartagena for the last 3 years. Every several months he provides a follow up and adjust the treatments I get for my chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis. He is a very clever doctor, who knows everything one can imagine. He answers all my questions and all his recommendations work very well. He is always available to look after my medical needs. My family doctors speaks very well about him. My quality of life changed since I was referred and treated by Dr. Cartagena. Thank you very, very much.

Submitted July 11, 2022

I have recently met this doctor for the very first time. A really wonderful specialist. I felt that I had found a medical practitioner ready to listen and to use his vast knowledge to my complex health care needs. Regretfully at the end of the visit, he explained that all the tests will be copied to my family doctor and that he will send her further correspondence about any abnormal results, as he was retiring!

Submitted July 6, 2022

Dr Ricardo Cartagena was a very kind hearted man. It's very rare for a doctor to treat you as a human being. And this kind doctor explained my disease as best as he could to me. He didn't just see the disease he saw a patient in pain. He explained the diagnosis and treatment plan. He was also very thorough on the examination. I highly recommend this kind doctor. 👌

Submitted April 21, 2022

After 2 years visiting rheumatologists at the HSC in Winnipeg, I came to see this doctor accompanied by my wife and daughter. I was on a wheelchair, depressed due to pain, immobility and lack of hope, as the specialists at the Faculty of Medicine have told me that they could do nothing more for me. I met Dr. Cartagena at least 10 y. ago. A very friendly doctor who checked me over completely, reviewed x-rays, etc., and started me on a type of treatment (biologic), which worked surprisingly very well. Last year I repaired the roof of my house!. He has been always there with my medications, appointments and lab reports. His staff calls me promptly if adjustments are needed. He will transfer my care to a rheumatologist in Winnipeg (3 hrs drive) this Summer. My entire family is most grateful to this doctor, who made a difference in our lives.

Submitted Jan. 20, 2022

I saw Dr Cartagena one time after waiting 1.5 years to get in. He seemed helpful and promising the first visit. He told me to try some medication. I tried it and it did not work. He refused to see me again and I was told to find a new rheumatoidologist to see. Was absolutely no help and I'm still in chronic pain.

Submitted Jan. 18, 2022

I started seeing him 4 years ago and for a short time he was OK. He made the diagnosis, put me on medication and I began to improve. After about 18 months, he decided I had psoriatic arthritis as well, no symptoms, no psoriasis no indication at all that I had it and he put me on methotrexate. Long story short, I ended up with Stage 3 Lymphoma.
He wouldn't listen to anything I had to say, he seemed to just dismiss me and the pain as something else entirely. After chemo he decided to cut my medication in half (no bloodwork to indicate he should) just said the chemo sometimes cures it??? and all my autoimmune disease symptoms reappeared. Now his poor receptionist has to keep sending him several "messages" to get him to give them my blood results and renew prescriptions because he doesn't talk to his staff unless he chooses to. He certainly seems to be just marking time until he retires in June as well as concentrating on selling his house.
Too bad he wouldn't concentrate more on his patients.

Submitted Jan. 7, 2022

Dr Cartagena is awesome. He is very knowledgeable he gave me the proper medication and I am now in remission from my severe arthritis .

Submitted Sept. 6, 2021

Dr Cartagena is brilliant, ethical, and very kind. Simply the best. His staff is amazing too. Love them! So professional and efficient.

Submitted June 1, 2021