I was in jail in 2008 and had a heart attack. Royal Jubilee (including Howard Waldner CEO) and the doctor at VIRCC let me fall through the cracks, ignoring my questions and concerns about feeling worse. As time went on I was right. Dr. Paul Novak--of Royal Jubilee ICD clinic, (not even my doctor) corresponded with me and when he learned I had worsened and had not even been informed by Royal Jubilee cardiology as well as the VIRCC doctor Paul Henry who sat on the tests ( I actually had to get my own test results from freedom of information) Dr. Novak wrote letters, spoke to my lawyer and now that I am not in jail even though my condition has worsened continues to make me feel welcome and has kept open a line of communication for me. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Novak who does not subscribe to hospital mentality or medical cliques and does not cease to cross the line and demonstrate unbiased integrity whenever he sees a wrong--he rights it no matter what others think!

Submitted Sept. 11, 2009

Had a pacemaker implanted on May 4 for a Type II block. Dr. Novak was excellent. He took the time to fully explain the procedure, why I needed it, and to answer any of my questions in my consultation. Before the surgery he came to check up on me. After the surgery he explained exactly what they did, and why. Before I was discharged he answered all of my questions completely.

Submitted June 2, 2009

I had ablation done by Dr. N for A flutter. He was great with the analysis and risks involved and the operation went off without a hitch. Even after a long day, he still took the time to visit with me in the recovery room. It would have been easy for him to just go home and have a beer! For those that say he is aloof - I disagree, he is just confident - he answered any questions I had in a very precise and accurate manner. Thanks Doc!

Submitted May 8, 2009

Dr. Novak did my implant for an ICD/defib, as the cardiologist that was to do it was too busy. The surgery was "half" a success. I had to have another surgery, by the cardiologist that was suppose to do it. I have had pain in my arm and shoulder since the first surgery. I wish I knew how much experience Dr. Novak had with this procedure. I should have done my research.

Submitted Dec. 30, 2008

Dr. Novak is the most professional Dr. I've seen. He performed two separate ablation procedures for me and essentially cured me of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Between the 2 procedures my local specialist wanted to implant a pacemaker on an emergency basis, but when Dr. Novak reviewed the test results he believed he could fix the problem without the permanent solution of a pacemaker - and he did. He couldn't have been more pleasant and professional in the office and the hospital. The one problem I did find was that he gave me specific instructions to see him 3 months after the procedure, but the cardiac fellow who wrote the report didn't mention that, so Dr. Novak's secretary wouldn't take an appointment without a referral from my local specialist, and the wait takes months.

Submitted March 22, 2008

I have only met Dr. Novak once so far, but I was very impressed! He was pleasant, thorough and very knowledgeable. I didn't have to wait and his staff was very helpful and courteous.

Submitted Nov. 6, 2007

Dr. Novak is the most unprofessional Doctor I have ever had to deal with. I have seen him on a few occasions, and the last time I saw him he was extremely rude to me and my mother, and treated me like I was completely wasting his time. The worst part was that he had students with him that day and exhibited behaviors that should be unacceptable, for any profession. I will never see him again, and I don't recommend him to anyone else either.

Submitted June 6, 2007

I was referred to an Dr. in Nanaimo only to be told I should go on medication for the rest of my life. Being 35 I didn't think that was acceptable. Met with Dr. Novak & he gave me other options, explained the benefits & any risks involved. I had successful ablation done on May 22/07. He was very clear everything he would be doing & I felt very confident in him. As busy as his day was he never came across as being frazzled or burned out. The staff in the Jubilee are all wonderful & made me feel as calm as one can be. Thank you Dr. Novak for a great job done.

Submitted June 4, 2007

Dr. Novak comes highly recommended to me. He's in with a great group of cardiologists. That being said, hes treating my son presently..scares the heck out of me that he has a serious heart condition, orders all sorts of invasive tests that take months to be done..even though they are supposed to be 'urgent', then makes us wait another three months to get them interpreted. We finally got an appt. only to be notified the day before that its been cancelled and we have to wait another 3 weeks to get in. I like the fact he's thorough, knowledgeable. My son doesnt like his seeming aloofness..and hes the patient.

Submitted March 11, 2007