Today 21 JAN 2018 5 Years after my spigelian hernia successful op at Arnprior Hospital, all is still well, after 10 years of inexplicable abdominal pain. Normal lunch 2 hours after op. Back at desk work the same day & night! THANK YOU, Colleen & Judy & Dr Rodney Syme!

Submitted Jan. 21, 2018

A kind and pleasant man. He performed a two hours surgery after informing me well of possible consequences. All turned out well and I did recover slowly after several months - as he had predicted. This was not my first time meeting a surgeon, since I had four operations so far and I have no hesitation recommending him if he still takes patients.

Submitted Dec. 8, 2014

I do not recommend this doctor. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is investigating my case. I had a very small skin tag in the rectal area. Dr. Syme advised me to remove it. Instead, without any informed consent, he performed a Hemorrhoidectomy, an extremely painful surgery with many risks and complications. He did not prescribe antibiotics, painkillers. He did not advise me to take time off from work. He did not offer me a follow up appointment either. I was under the impression I could go to work the next day. However, I had to stay home for almost 2 weeks following surgery, and had pain for many months. Also, I developed other serious complications that lasted months. I had no idea about the risks and complications of this surgery.
Two-working days after surgery, I phoned Dr. Syme’s office in desperation and informed them I was in so much pain, that I had passed out during the weekend and that I was bleeding heavily from the wound. I needed to see the doctor urgently. His secretary said Dr. Syme does not follow up for such "minor" surgeries. I begged her to let me see him. She reiterated it was an "office policy" and that she was only following Dr. Syme’s instructions. I was not granted the appointment. I had to go to a walk-in clinic. Months later, due to further complications, I went to a private clinic in Toronto and stayed there for 3 weeks undergoing treatment.
Dr. Syme has responded that he did not perform a Hemorrhoidectomy. However, medical records (including OHIP billing) indicate he performed a “Hemorrhoidectomy”. I have raised many other issues about Dr. Syme’s conduct and care to the College. Members of the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board have expressed “serious concerns with all the issues raised” and they stated they were “left perplexed”. Full report below:
https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onhparb/doc/2014/2014canlii37261/2014canlii37261.html

Submitted Aug. 8, 2014

I had two hernia surgery's performed by him. Both in different places! Last surgery I went in at 1:20 PM and actually walked out of the hospital at 3:30 PM. I could not believe that there was no pain!

Submitted Aug. 4, 2014

I took my Short term disability form to his office 1.5 weeks before my scheduled surgery, Jan. 20 2014, he did not fill it out, it is now Feb 3 2014 and the form still has not been filled out. It was sent into Physimed uncompleted and unsigned by his office. I am not impressed with his incompetence. I have been trying to call his office and get no response. I have written a complaint to the College of Pyscians and Surgeons of Ontario. I do not recommend this doctor, as he will leave you hanging.

Submitted Feb. 4, 2014

I can not say enough about Dr. Syme and his Assistant. I had hernia surgery in May 2013. Even when I called the office, his Assistant was there to answer the phone without it going to voice mail. How rare is that. I have met with him on several occasions after because I felt that something was not quite right. With the assurance given to me by both Dr. Syme and his Assistant, I felt that I was in the best of care. He reminds me of what doctors used to be. (Caring, kind, easy to talk to). nd

Submitted Aug. 30, 2013

Pretty much awesome! Dr Syme is very knowledgeable and will answer any questions and alleviate any concerns. He has a good sense of humour and is easy to talk to. He did surgery on my head and neck and left minimal scarring. His staff went out of their way to assist in getting all the required ct scans ,ultrasounds and blood work scheduled quickly. Overall a very good experience.

Submitted May 15, 2013

Dr. Syme is an amazing surgeon. I lived in pain for two years and had such a hard time getting doctors to listen to me. Then I had the luck of meeting Dr. Syme. He listened, he refused to let me go home from the ER (despite a different doctor disagreeing with him) and he got to the bottom of my pain...within a week I had a foot of my colon removed and have been healthy and pain free ever since. I can never ever say enough about this fine doctor.

Submitted Nov. 9, 2012

What can I say...the man saved my life. I will be forever grateful for that. In addition, this doctor has an amazing bed-side manner, very rare in surgeons.

Submitted Oct. 21, 2012

Dr. Syme was truly a life saver for me. He was very thorough and reassuring. Highly recommend him and would seek him out for any future surgeries

Submitted Jan. 3, 2012