Office of Dr Tawfik & Associates - Collingwood, Ontario

Lori P.

Subject: A Message of Caution and a Warning for Others

I feel compelled to share my experience because I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did. If you ever feel that you're not receiving the right diagnosis, please, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

For over a year, I struggled with severe illness and was repeatedly prescribed five different antidepressants and anxiety medications by Tawfik. Despite clearly expressing my frustration about my ongoing health issues, I told her 53 times during that year that I was experiencing dizziness. But instead of listening, she dismissed my symptoms as purely mental health concerns. The truth is, I wasn’t a “mental case” – I was a medical case.

After leaving her care, I discovered that I had been living with carbon monoxide poisoning (from low levels in my home), a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), a form of blood cancer. All of these were overlooked, and the consequences were devastating.

Please be careful. Trust your instincts when it comes to your health. I now live with a brain injury as a result of prolonged carbon monoxide exposure. Ironically, the detectors in my home didn’t go off because they were set to the emergency standard of 70 ppm, but carbon monoxide alarms are life safety devices, not injury prevention devices, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Further to this, recently I received my report from my oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital, and I learned that my blood work from as early as October 2022 showed mild cytopenias—a low platelet count of 99 and an elevated MCV around 101. Upon reviewing further results from 2023 and 2024, there were at least 8 instances where cytopenia was evident. Yet, Tawfik either ignored these results or didn’t have the experience to address them.

This is where she should have sought a second opinion. Had cytopenia been addressed early, my treatment and prognosis could have been very different. Unfortunately, Tawfik ignored these warning signs for over 1.5 years, and in doing so, she jeopardized my life. I only wish I had been given the right care sooner.

I hope my story serves as a cautionary tale for others. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, seek a second opinion, and trust your body when it tells you something is wrong. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I did, or to have their health dismissed when it’s something much more serious.

God Bless.

Alex B.

I have Doctor R.Tawfik for almost 2 years. Since very beginning and up until now she always very caring and helpful to me. She takes her time to understand me and my physical symptoms. I am 61 years old and had many doctors before. Dr. R. Tawfik is far best one of all. Highly recommended.

Sharon D.

Dr. Tawfik is a doctor who truly cares about her patients, especially the children. We feel incredibly grateful to have her as our doctor.

Anonymous A.

Dr. Tawfik listens to her patients. She takes her time and genuinely cares. She is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend her. I wish more Drs were like her. Since she left the GTA, it’s been hard to find another to replace her. She is amazing!!

Mina B.

Dr. Tawfik is an exceptionally amazing Doctor. She is so professional, experienced, knowledgable, caring and supportive doctor!

Karen Y.

We are so happy to have not only found a doctor when we made a move to Blue Mountain full-time but we found an exceptional doctor. She is thorough, kind, and extremely knowledgeable in all things medicine. Thank you for being you.

Julie

Dr. Tawfik is an AMAZING Doctor, if I could give her more than 5 stars I would, my family and I are so incredibly happy that she took us on as patients.

Donna A.

Dr Tawfik is exceptional. I am so happy she is my doctor!