I have had 3 operations performed on my back by Dr. Benoit over the last 9 years. He has explained what would be done & why & what effects it would have on me. As for bedside manner, I would say he does a good job more often than not - we all have "off" days. I know he is highly respected by other physicians. Although I had a few issues with his office not responding at all when contacted several years ago, the last time I dealt with them(3 years ago) they bent over backwards to help. Three times I was in severe pain due to a degenerative condition for which there is no permanent cure. Three times he fixed it with minimal "side effects". I would definitely recommend Dr.Benoit.

Submitted April 6, 2010

I had this Doctor for an Arterior Vascular Malformation (AVM)- like an aneurysm. His diagnosis was perfect and his referral to a specialist group in Toronto for an experimental treatment was timely. His only error was in telling me I had only 10 years max to live - 24 years ago. Of course, he told me that before the experimental treatment was invented. I would agree about his bedside manner and sense of humour - they're strange. When my wife and I asked if we could have sex again after my leakage he told us ok but no swinging off chandeliers.

Submitted March 11, 2010

This doctor was great!!! good bedside maner careing takes the time to explain things to you and tell's it as it is.I seen him for a brain tumor and happy i did.

Submitted Oct. 16, 2009

ok people, doctors do not always have great bedside manner you want a doctor that knows what he is doing, sometimes you just can't have both but if I were to choose between expertise and manners I would choose expertise with dealing with your back and I would recommend Dr, Benoit. He is a highly skilled surgeon who has been around for decades way before a lot of you were even walking. He saved my father many years ago. I recently had surgery and I am doing fine in my 2 nd week of recovery. Yes he is right if you are not in shape and overweight your recovery will be harder and you are straining your back more. I know it hurts to hear that from a stranger but sometimes the truth hurts. Lump it! He is very informative and will answer your question if it is asked properly. There aren't many skilled neurosurgeons around like Dr. Benoit. We in Ottawa are very lucky that we have him.

Submitted Aug. 23, 2009

Very professional, knowledgeable, and pleasant. Long waiting list, but was prompt for office visits. Explained problem and procedure very clearly. Performed endarterectomy successfully. I would recommend this surgeon with no reservation whatsoever.

Submitted June 8, 2009

He knows what he is doing but has really bad bed side manners. When my mom asked him questions he spoke to her in a very condescending way and at times did not even answer her. He only spoke to my father and boyfriend. When the results came in from my MRI he wanted to speak with my parents instead of connecting with me first. Other than that he is a really good doctor and has a weird sense of humor but everything went well in terms of surgery and at the end of the day thats what we cared about.

Submitted June 2, 2009

I was in the hospital for a month, had every test done imagineable. Finally, the neuro doctors decided that I had cervical myelopathy. One day Dr. Benoit came to me and said he had room in surgery in the next three days to perform the surgery. I asked questions, but he NEVER even looked at me, he seemed more interested in my young female visitors. How does one get another neurosurgeon referral, if he does not want to give you one. NO BEDSIDE MANNER AT ALL.

Submitted May 7, 2009

Did a microlaminectomy at L4-5 - very precise surgery to free up a nerve stem that prevented major problems later in my life. Very direct in conversation but caring and professional. I would have him operate again any time.

Submitted March 6, 2009

This Doctor is an excellent example of old-time doctoring. He has terrible bedside manner and talked down to me. He explained the procedure fairly well though in a condescending manner. Before the operation, he told me that I had back problems because I was too fat. After the operation he told me that I was not expected to get better. The aim was not to get worse. After the two office visits, I was depressed and had to work hard to get myself into a better more positive frame of mind. he has an excellent reputation as a surgeon but as others have noted, he has no people skills.

Submitted Feb. 26, 2009

I felt very uncomfortable talking to him. He talked down to me and made me feel as if I was wasting his time. I had an Acoustic Neuroma. When I asked for a referral for a 2nd opinion, he became angry. Very unprofessional. It took almost a month for his office to send the referral I requested.

Submitted Oct. 27, 2008