Douglas Square Medical Centre - Calgary, Alberta

Daren S.

I just received news that Dr. Penniston is going to retire. Even though I am happy for him, I am sad has he has been a fantastic doctor over the many years I have been seeing him.
Dr. Penniston would speak the truth, and spent the time with his patients to make sure they had the information they needed to make decisions or changes.
I know a story of Dr. Penniston stepping above an beyond for a young fella that was very sick - without going into details, his actions were very noble.
Enjoy your retirement Niel, please stop by Specialty Beverage Solutions for a coffee anytime, no need to make an appointment - or as I would call it when I called in, a reservation... LOL.
HAPPY RETIREMENT!!!

Brandon H.

After a couple of RUSHED appointments later, I understand the overwhelmingly negative reviews of Dr. Nel and this clinic. I am changing my review. I am also exploring other medical options. I need to feel heard by my physician. I need to know my concerns are at least of SOME importance. I need to feel safe from judgement. That is not the case here.

Stephen L.

Dr.Nel has absolutely zero interest in your health, he simply wants to fast track patients through the door. He can't be summed up any further then unprofessional and unengaged.

Juris B.

Unfortunately everything you can read in reviews abour dr. thomas nel is true. He doesn't care about you and your medical problems, incompetent and rude. If you're sick don't waste your time, this clinic shouldn't work with him, in fact he should not be legally allowed to practice in Canada. Some patient could really screw up his health because of his lack of interest to do his job.

Ashley P.

I wish there was an option for zero stars. My first and only experience here was nothing short of absolutely disappointing. I booked an appointment through FindMyDoctor to find a family doctor. I completed their long questionnaire before my appointment. And on the day of my appointment I showed up early. Waited 30 minutes past my scheduled appointment time. Finally sat in the room waiting for my "meet and greet" with hopes of finding a new family doctor only to be told by the doctor (Dr Nel) that he would refuse to see me because I was technically registered with another family doctor. I explained why I was looking for a new doctor and he continued to blab on about how plenty of people are waiting and my health concerns are not his problem and proceeded to walk away. I'm at a loss of words. Is this really how people are being treated these days? Has our healthcare system failed beyond repair or what? The fact that a doctor would turn someone away who has health concerns that need immediate attention baffles me. I would NOT recommend going here for any help as they clearly do NOT care.

Bonita W.

The Doctors are lovely, extremely understanding. The receptionist that has been there for years is extremely nice, good listening skills. She happy to assist you. The latest receptionist doesn’t listen when you talk, constantly interrupts you argumentative and doesn’t know her way around. I’m constantly making appointments for the same issue.

Annalise W.

I booked an appointment 8 weeks ago. Never received a reminder notification. I called to ask when my appointment was and found out I missed it by a week. I was then informed the cost of missing an appointment is $80. When I asked why I wasn’t provided an appointment reminder, they told me they got a new system, that the new system provides reminders, but because I booked it out of the time frame the new software was implemented, I was not entitled to a reminder.

I asked to speak to the office manager, Shelly, (as I have legitimate concerns about my health and seeing a family doctor is really important to me now) and asked if I could rebook the appointment. She said I can but I have to pay first. I asked if I could have the fee waived as I was calling to find out when my appointment was (missing the appointment was not intentional) she said I have to pay first. She did say that she would speak to the doctor as Dr. Nel is the one who charges and would call me back. She hung up on me.

She did call back the next day to tell me the doctor declined waiving my fee. As I was saying thank you for taking the time to respond to me, she hung up on me again. She was rude and not empathetic or compassionate.

I work in healthcare and this is the opposite of how you treat people. I would never recommend anyone to a clinic like this. Patients are meant to feel safe and understood and communicated to. Reminders for appointments make 2 months prior should be sent out despite the change in software.

I recognize that I lost the sheet with my appointment info on it, but to be treated like this is not respectful or appropriate. I don’t usually send negative reviews, but this is not the way healthcare should be treating their patients.

Lyle J.

Dr. Nel is worse than useless. He only wants patients that are in good health, but he can't say that up front, so he just strings you along for a few visits to collect his billable hours and then dumps you as a patient without providing any treatment.

I have a pretty severe anxiety disorder and medical appointments are one of my major triggers. Dr Nel literally sat there and stared at a blood pressure and pulse rate that would be fatal if sustained for very long and had the audacity to tell me that it was impossible for anxiety to affect blood pressure. He wouldn't even discuss the issue, let alone medication and then berated me for drinking despite alcohol being the only thing that keeps my anxiety in check.

Now, after 5 wasted months, I have to start all over again finding a new doctor all the while the anxiety is eating away at what's left of my mental health. Thanks for nothing doc.