Dr. Chow is extremely knowledgeable, but like many other reviewers he spent more time telling me stories than he did explaining what was wrong with me. He prescribed physio at a very specific clinic/location, despite me telling him that I was already receiving treatment from a qualified physiotherapist and other medical specialists without much improvement. I am overweight but the extra weight is in good part due to the pain and mobility issues I have been living with for many years; the patronizing appraoch was not helpful.

Submitted March 22, 2024

Dr. Dhow spoke to my husband prior to back surgery saying “ my part is the easy part your part is the hard part losing weight and needing to go through rehab. The morning of the r surgery my Husband walked into the hospital carrying his suitcase the night after the surgery my husband had no use of his right leg. Dr Chow had torn the dura covering the spinal in the process allowing nerves to float out. In putting the nerves back in the spinal cord the nerves were “abused” according to Dr. Chow. This occurred the year my husband retired. Thanks Dr. Chow…NOT

Submitted Feb. 4, 2024

A long time ago I went to see Dr, Chow because I was referred because of an injury I had, and I’ll never forget him, he told me about his accident and how he was told he’d never walk again, he told me “ one of the key things to do is keep moving”, he was absolutely amazing

Submitted Jan. 29, 2024

Very kind, knowledgeable doctor. If it would not for him I would be in a wheel chair.

Submitted Jan. 20, 2023

This Doctor was so bad I filed a complaint with the College of Physicians and surgeons, and he was found negligent in my care among other things. He was ordered to the college for a meeting and he would have been ordered to take a course on the proper etiquette on patient care, but he was already in it based on previous complaint to mine. Not even sure how this dr, is even allowed to continue practicing considering the complaints he's had at the college. But you'll learn lots about his pain, motorcycle accident, and grandpa and the farm. Horrible experience.

Submitted Sept. 12, 2022

My experience with Dr Chow has stretched over 13 years. First with my husband who was treated as an obese man with a bad back but unworthy of his help unless he lost 50 pounds and got in the shape of an athlete. Thankfully he retired to go full time with the Sens and my husband got handed to another orthopaedic surgeon who has treated him with respect and provided necessary surgeries, hope and encouragement. Now, I have a chronic neck issue, was referred to him by my family doctor. I was hesitant to see him but thought I would go in with an open mind and see. We’ll, total waste of time. Stopped him from lecturing me on spine health by telling him I had already gone through 3 spine surgeries with my husband and then had to suffer his usual stories about farmers, hockey players and his history of how he got to his position in retirement. I don’t care!!! I just want to know why my neck hurts all the time. No answer to that. Just the lecture on strengthening my apparently and suddenly weak neck muscles, and to make sure my physiotherapist provides more aggressive treatment. Even though we still have no idea what is causing my chronic neck pain. Some have had positive experiences with Dr Chow. They must be athletes or farmers. This was likely my 10th visit with him and they’re all the same. Never again.

Submitted March 27, 2022

Dr Chow is a very talented decisive orthopedic surgeon. Thanks to him that my mother is able to walk again without surgical intervention. He is one of the very best in ottawa.

Submitted Feb. 17, 2022

I was referred to Dr. Chow in early '99 because of a lower back injury. He came across as a bit gruff at first, but it was only because he didn't have time to waste. I put my trust in him, followed his instructions to a T and was back to work in nine months - without surgery. I'm writing this at Christmas,2021 . Still remember him as a funny guy and rock solid doctor.

Submitted Dec. 27, 2021

This doctor is a complete Joke. They treat my child and don't discuss his problem or treatment plan or options with the parents. Would not let any parent be present while the doctor examines him, or even afterword. We are completely in the dark about what is happening with his treatment. Then they call my child and set up a follow up appointment keeping me in complete dark. My child can't explain anything, he says, he didn't quite understood what he was talking and then when he missed his followup appointment, the office calls me to held me accountable? Wow! you never talk to me to set up an appointment and then held me responsible for that? I do have a job, and I live 200 km away from your office. If I need to visit your office, I need to take the day off and plan ahead of time. And you need to talk to me to set up the appointment. And you need to discuss the treatment with the parents. He is only 16! can't drive 200 km by himself to visit your office or decide the best option for his treatment.

Submitted Aug. 17, 2020

I saw Doctor Donald Chow over a period of 3 years and had lower back surgery with him. The thing is he knows what he's doing and he's willing to call a spade a spade. Some people don't like that and that's why he gets bad reviews. When it comes to your health, the truth is the most important factor and Dr. Chow is still willing to tell you the real issues and what can make you better. He will never push you into a surgery, and if it comes to that, you can be sure you will have one of the best surgeons that can be found anywhere. Anyone who poorly reviews this man should honestly be ashamed as they risk depriving people in great need of the care of one of the very best surgeons that can be found in Canada and beyond.

Submitted July 6, 2020