ARROGANT, INCONSIDERATE, MALICIOUS, UNSYMPATHETIC
The fact that Dr. Finklestein was a successful medical applicant is a demonstration of the extremely flawed modern day medical admissions procedures. As a long time member of academia, I work with fellow research clinicians on a daily basis and I can honestly say that this Doctor is an embarrassment to all of us. The majority of his reviews are negative and incredibly accurate. I would strongly suggest individuals to request a different orthopedic surgeon when acquiring a referral from their physician. Do not be discouraged by this doctor. His 2 minute assessment and complete lack of interest in your state of health should NOT serve as an accurate assessment of your injury and/or condition(s). Please advise your referring physician of your experience with Dr. Finklestein. It is absolutely imperative that they understand that many of their patients are being treated poorly by Dr. Finklestein and not being provided with the health care they deserve.

Submitted March 14, 2015

I was sent to this unprofessional for an "independent" assessment. Someone should advise him that poking someone and sarcastically asking "does this hurt" when every other medical professional is providing actual treatment for multiple injuries is not exactly professional. His report was a further insult as it was full of incorrect assumptions and factually incorrect information. He is simply what we refer to as a hired gun for insurance companies. My treating ortho surgeon (who had no idea I was involved in legal action) had an entirely different medical opinion. Thankfully I was able to settle for a large sum despite the bs assessment and report of this so called doctor. I truly hated every minute with him. He didn't listen to what I had to say and spent most of his time checking his watch and reading emails on his blackberry and reading notes from defence lawyer because he hadn't bothered to find out before our appointment what the purpose was. OMG it was unbelievable.

Submitted Oct. 28, 2014

Finkelstein is a coward. He wouldn’t even agree to see me... once. I have Multiple Myeloma and hence, nine compression fractures, due to spinal deterioration. Because of nine kyphoplasties I had performed by {heroic, fabulous} Roger Smith of the Toronto Western, I am able to stand—but not upright. Sadly, the kyphoplasties have left masses of glue on the vertebrae, and thus, on my now-messy MRIs. In addition, I have lost four inches of height and have tremendous curvature of the upper spine. I am in tremendous pain and require surgery to boost my height (perhaps with a U rod or a Harrington rod) enough that one critical locus of stenosis (mid Torso) may be remedied. But sadly, in a Universal Healthcare system, doctors may pick and choose the cases they want to do. This is why doctors like Finkelstein (or Fehlings of the Western, who also declined to help me) have perfect surgery records. Your record would be perfect too, if you had the option to decline unappealing cases--to just take a pass on the tough ones. I thank OHIP and Dr. Reece of Princess Margaret for saving my life and at least postponing the inevitable consequences of my incurable cancer. But remember this: American neurosurgeons do not have the luxury to pass on the tough ones—they need to compete and get clients in order to put food on the table. Shame on all of us. Shame on the whole system.

Submitted Oct. 1, 2014

Submitted June 2, 2014

Waited two years to see this uncompassionat and unknowable doctor just to get a five minutes of his time. He didn't even perform any examination and seemingly ridiculed my agonizing pain. Told me to live a normallife and that nothing could be done. He had two MRI showing 3 herniated disks and 2 ruptured disk. Two month later after his advice of living a normal life was put to practice a trip to the emerge department and an MRI later I now have spinal stenosis and a couple of pieces of one of the ruptured discs stuck in my spinal canal. Thanks for the crappy advice and more severe pain. I would not recommend this arrogant doctor to anyone.

Submitted Jan. 7, 2013

I had 3 herniated discs. I had surgery in Alberta in '07 to remove L4-5. Still had problems with other discs was referred to Dr. Finkelstein. My appt. was a joke, waited 2 hours for a 2 minute appt.No tests for range of motion or anything, asked me if I felt surgery would help? How should I know, isn't he the pro? Spoke with his staff, asked how long I would be in hospital, would I need a walker etc. as I had been through this once before. My first surgery I was kept in hospital for 6 days and required a walker for 2 months. I was told I would be kept 1 night and I would walk out of there no walker needed. They couldn't have been more wrong. The dr. didn't even come see me after the surgery,sent his resident. They didn't even get me up to see if I could walk and discharged me. I could barely move. I was not given any discharge instructions, eg. wound care, restrictions, follow-up. now 2 weeks later still in alot of pain, numb leg, nothing feels any better. I would never recommend him!

Submitted Feb. 29, 2012

Submitted Jan. 25, 2012

This Dr is very nice. The system he works in is broken, but it is so for every dr in Canada. He is extremely knowledgeable, and took the time to listen to my story, which by now is of 6 years and ongoing. His staff was super nice with me, especially the residents. My appointment was at 8:40 AM, I was there at 8, and he saw me exactly at 8:30 AM. Luckily, I had an MRI that showed the ruptured disc on my back and the content lodged in my spinal cord, which made me lose my apartment, job and life all in all. He was very quick in his diagnosis, and i understand he doesn't have time to hold my hand and become friends. This is a BACK SURGEON people! He had other 12 people in consultation at the same time he had me! We cannot expect more than what they can do. I will be going in for surgery soon, and I know Dr Finkelstein will give me my life back.

Submitted Dec. 22, 2011

Was referred to Dr. F for sciatica on the L4/5 in 2010. After waiting about 8 months to see him, I had an 'exam?' all of 5 minutes, which was a 90 minute wait. When asking questions there was never a straight forward answer nor did he seem to care. I can appreciate his expertise but his lack of compassion far outweighs this. When on the operating table right before surgery, he asked, 'Still hurt?'. Would I be doing this if it didn't??? On post visit follow-up, he sent a med student and never even came to see me. 9 months later, pain is less, not gone but in manageable pain. Take Advil daily. Not impressed and only sorry I did not look him up before my surgery.

Submitted Nov. 29, 2011

I injuired my back in 2001 and spent 3 years in excruciating pain, walking on all fours many days as I couldn't stand on my legs. I saw evey chiropractor, physio therapist, massage therapist, doctors, all who told me I needed surgery and the waiting list was very long. Finally after 3 years I was so fortunate to end up in dr. Finkelstein's care, he did the surgery and the care right from the first moment I met him was amazing. The surgey at Sunnybrook in (2004) was successful and I thank God every day that I do not have a single day of back pain anymore. I am working full time, leading an active life and running around playing with 4 grand children. Dr. Joel Finkelstein gave me back my life, he is amazing and incredibly gifted. Thank you dr. Joel!

Submitted Nov. 10, 2011