For those of you that don't know - Dr Val does not book the apts so the overbooking is no fault of hers. The doctor shortage affects everyone in AB and is not Dr Vals fault. She is involved in many medical research activities and is also a wife and mother. Her dedication to me after a serious stroke at age 40 for me is something I will be forever grateful. She also took extra time educating herself more on this subject as well as many others that have come along the way in order to further help & educate her patients. Yes I almost wait extra time every time I go but she's definitely worth it. She has been especially a great doctor to my son who has finally found a doctor he can trust and open up to about his issues and concerns, and she will not discuss those with me even as his mother because he's over 18, truly trustworthy & loyal to her oath. I'd like to say, if you have had a bad experience,so sorry but like the old saying goes - if you have nothing good to say don't say anything

Submitted Oct. 20, 2009

I think she can be great depending on 'who' you are or what family name you might have. I find her to be condescending and grumpy the last two visits. I was berated in front of my children for asking for a prescription for orthotics. I was unaware that my insurance required it and she chewed me out for 5 minutes accusing me of abusing the health care system. Told me had i ASKED her ahead of time she would have referred my child to Chiropractic treatment first. (hm wonder why that is). If i called today id be lucky to getin to see her within the month. Her office staff can also be arrogant but that is the norm for that clinic.

Submitted July 28, 2009

UNPROFESSIONAL! Yelled at me for wanting a 2nd opinion, said "don't waste AHC dollars", she sent me for an operation and later found out her diagnosis was WRONG! She wouldn't refer me to the specialists other doctors told her to. She was constantly scared if I had seen other doctors. She wrote mistruths in my charts...many times. She never looked at history/med records/hospital charts forwarded to her. She tried telling me to stop drinking Sprite cause it had too much caffeine. She called me names and made me cry on 2 occasions. She finally took glass out of my head and said after "I guess you aren't crazy, there was glass in your head..." . She thinks she is helpful while the whole time hurtful in not providing proper care. I saw her 3 yrs, BIG MISTAKE!!! She acts like everything is a big joke.

Submitted May 17, 2009

I moved to camrose from edmonton, I was expecting our second child and my family doctor was still in edmonton. I went to see Val because of some concerns and i also wanted a local doctor because if i went into labour in camrose i wasnted to have a doctor that knew some of my background and pregnancy history. I was amazed when i told her that. She replied well camrose is a hospital they are not going to turn you away if you are in labour. if you have a family doctor in edmonton you want to keep seeing then you dont need to see me. I was new to town and wasnt sure if i could make it to edmonton. I just wanted a familiar person if i went into camrose. I had only ever seen her one other time and i never went back. She is short with her patients and i felt like a second class citizen she didnt have time for. Maybe she knows her stuff, but take some time for your patients.

Submitted March 2, 2009

when things are going wrong this is the doctor you want on your side.

Submitted Aug. 23, 2008

Don't forget. Dr.'s are human too. They have good days and bad days. Dr. Val is qauite honest with her answersand I apreciate that in her. Would rather know before getting a bombshell later. Also be aware, Dr's often do not get to choose how many patients they have, there is a standard and there IS a Dr. shortage in Alberta. Being a Dr. means they are suject to emergency calls at any time. When ever I had to wait for Dr. Val there has always been a very good reason like a call out to emerge. Things do happen, bring a book with you if you think you will be waiting. Remember.. there may be a time someone will need to wait because she needs to tend to something for you. :). When I go to see her she's sometimes tired.. I would be too if one was up all night in emergency on call rotation. She's always honest, upfront, and talks to me like I have a brain when other Dr's talk to me like I am a kid and I am a full grown adult. I know she will tell me if she doesn't know an answer.

Submitted July 9, 2008

Dr. Val is always very personable and very knowledgeable. She refered me to specialist without any hesitation. Love their new facilities. Staff are also great.

Submitted Aug. 5, 2007

I went to this Dr once that was enough! Every question I asked, it looked like she was in pain answering, no thanks no more you can have her!

Submitted July 10, 2007

If you get her in the morning she is awesome, but by the end of the day I find that she tends to forget you. She is very good with kids, and very professional.

Submitted May 28, 2007

I was reading reviews of Dr. Smith here and I wonder if they have her mixed up with someone else. She is a busy woman, yes, but she not only provides my husband and kids with care, but she runs the Chemotherapy clinic and was treating my aunt as well as looking after my Granpa in long term. Anyone that has anything bad to say about her probably don't like the fact that she is a "take charge" doctor and isn't going to just tell you what you want to hear. If you want someone to deal with your serious medical problems, this is the person. If you want a doctor that will just give you the pills you are looking for, then keep looking. Unkind reviews of a person that has dedicated so much to this community are not only unfair, but unwarranted. There is another clinic across the street for the sheep that want to tell their doctors what to do. Thank you for the care you provide.

Submitted May 22, 2007