I visited Dr. Van Tonder at his walk in clinic in Sexsmith. I was needing some referrals for my young child as we had just relocate back to Alberta. Needless to say, we will never be back. His overall demeanor was condescending, rushed, and uncaring.

He made several snide comments during our visit. At the end; he said “Well, I think you just really need to find a family doctor.” clearly knowing this area hasn’t had any for years.

I left with 1 of the 3 referrals I was looking for, and was so shocked I sat in my car and cried with frustration afterwards. I went to another walk in clinic in town the following day and was treated with nothing but kindness and respect - and got everything I was looking for. His receptionist is amazing and to be honest I don’t understand why she’s working for him.

If you’re that miserable in your profession please don’t project it onto people who are only looking for help in the middle of a healthcare crisis.

Submitted Sept. 18, 2023

Dr. Van Tonder was my family doctor for a few years when I was a young adult. I am now 34 and looking back on the treatment I received from him, I can conclude that he is probably the most harmful doctor I have ever had in my life. So much so, that I felt compelled to see if he was still practicing and write this. Judging by a lot of these reviews, I would say he hasn’t changed much.
As someone who experienced severe physical, mental and sexual abuse in my childhood - you would think informing him of this and the symptoms I was experiencing due to this would result in a referral to a psychiatrist or putting me on some medication immediately. I was consistently dismissed and the look of disgust on his face when I shared any kind of personal detail while trying to elicit some kind of help is still clear in my mind. Not to mention the whole ‘boys will be boys’ and ‘everyone gets sad sometimes’ chats that left me feeling like an absolute hysterical idiot.
He FINALLY put me on some medication because I insisted on it for a SECOND time. I had a bad reaction to the medication, ended up in the hospital and spiralling into a suicidal depression. I returned to be put on something else and he told me that the reaction that I experienced from the medication was all in my head. I literally had serotonin syndrome, but that’s cool. Thanks doc.
Anyways. Eventually another doctor took over his practice and I finally started receiving the treatment I needed. I got a referral to a psychiatrist and finally got the diagnosis, medication and therapy I needed.
I truly hope anyone suffering from any kind of mental health issues and/or trauma steers clear of this man, for their own sake. You will not receive the treatment you need and you deserve better.

Submitted Oct. 3, 2022

I have seen this doctor on six occassions, and I was very disappointed with his knowledge and demeanor. He did not seem to remember who I was each time, and did not read the history sheet, so we would have to begin all over again. He prescribed me an extremely strong medication for a relatively simple condition that could have been managed by change in diet and OTC medication. He has not warned me that I can have serious issues weaning off the medication, and the pharmacy did not notify me of this either. I had a severe reaction once I stopped taking the drug and one year on I am still struggling with what may be permanent damage caused by it. This ruined my life, and I can't do anything about it except write a short blurb here. As for the doctor's demeanor, he answered and conducted a personal cell phone call while performing my pap smear. Unreal. I strongly advise caution.

Submitted March 3, 2015

I went to Dr. Van Tonder and at first he seemed to care and was interested in helping my find a solution to my constant chest pain. After blood tests and him consulting another doctor they sent me for a holter monitor. The results showed nothing. So after going back to him and telling him I was still having the pain he prescribed me some medication. I went to the pharmacy and got it filled and the lady looked at me and asked if I had ever taken anti-anxiety medication before. NONE of that was discussed with me while talking to Van Tonder. He prescribed me a highly addictive anti-anxiety medication to get rid of my chest pain and get me out of his office. I ended up finding a new family doctor who actually gave me a diagnosis after many tests and I have a heart condition. I couldn't believe he had handed me medication to basically stop me from complaining and worrying about my serious problem.

Submitted Jan. 27, 2015

Not sure why he would have continued to take on new patients knowing he was leaving Calgary to go back to SA. Wasted my families time now we are stuck finding another dr.

Submitted Dec. 22, 2014

I am so very sorry to have lost Dr. Van Tonder as our family physician. We have moved out of the city and were prepared to drive the 143kms. to keep him as our doctor. Sadly, we found out he was moving away, himself. He was, by far, the best physician I have ever had.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2014

Im very sad we will be losing our family doctor, Dr. Cor Van Tonder
he has been the BEST doctor I have ever seen

Submitted Oct. 29, 2014

The best doctor I have had in 52 years. Exceptional knowledge, solicits my input and listen's to me. Considers alternate treatments that work. Very bright guy and extremely personable.

Submitted Sept. 23, 2014

I am so happy to have found Dr. Van Tonder. He takes excellent care to listen to what I have to say, is gentle and respectful. I always feel good about my choice for medical care when I go to see him.

Submitted Aug. 18, 2014

Love Dr. Van Tonder, I switched to him and my husband and kids see him as well. Very thorough, not quick to push medication and supportive of natural treatments, usually running close to on time and never feel rushed. His office staff is great too.

Submitted Aug. 11, 2014