Southern Alberta Surgical Center - Calgary, Alberta

Lisa N.

While it took a while to get the initial appointment based on the referral from my family physician, was quick to schedule and have surgery. The team provided phenomenal post surgery wound care, seeing a nurse and surgeon every time. I went 5 days a week for a month based on the wound depth and size. They also referred me to dermatology as a result of a skin condition that developed. The surgeons and nurses communicated very well, and were friendly and approachable. The front desk staff understand the work being done at the clinic and manage the huge amount of work, managing all the schedules, and various pre and post op requirements.

Pappy

Not sure why they’d get low marks, I suppose it’s true, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. However as a former paramedic now living with aggressive MS I “get” it. What’s really sad is that more signs are going up in Doctors offices advising that abuse will not be tolerated. Abuse?!? When did we forget the basic points of being civil & kind that we need reminders like this? It’s far easier to complain than to take a moment to focus on the good. Don’t get me wrong I’ll pipe up when necessary l, I’m no shrinking violet but, I also take the time to give kudos when they’re deserved too. I have nothing but good to say for the people here at SASC. Very accommodating, patient, professional & kind. From Jordan (apologies if spelled incorrectly) & Kris in Administration/Reception to Dr. Austen who I have the pleasure of dealing with. I’m afraid I cannot remember his assistant that I dealt with briefly but she was super as well (Brunette with very cool tattoos). It takes very little to be kind & express a little gratitude, try it sometime, you’ll be surprised by the results. Overall always a great experience & I appreciate the opportunity I have to see professionals like these when needed.

Brevin S.

I would strongly advise against going to this hospital. The doctors are incredibly rushed and fail to take the time to truly understand or address patient concerns. Appointments are so brief the doctor will talk to you for 5 seconds and leave the room without giving you any time to ask questions.

Both the doctors and staff lack empathy and provide the worst quality of service one can ever receive at a hospital. At the lowest points of your life you seek help from professionals but they do the exact opposite and steer away from providing that.

Aimee P.

I have met with 3 surgeons at this clinic. I have had 1 surgery, 1 small in-clinic procedure, and I’m currently on the wait list for another surgery.

The doctors, nurses, and administrative staff at this clinic take patient care to the next level. Up until I came to this clinic for my issues, I felt dismissed & hopeless. Now I feel like even though things aren’t easy, I have intelligent, caring, and qualified doctors looking out for my best interest.

I have seen Dr. Sun, Dr. Lipson, and Dr. Datta. All 3 have shown a high level of medical professionalism & knowledge, & have been extremely comforting to me in some of my worst moments.

The high calibre of doctor at this clinic, & the kind and compassionate care from all staff makes this clinic worth the 2.5 hour drive for me. Highly recommend.

Danny P.

It took almost a year to be seen. I’m dealing with extreme pain that no medication is helping with. Dr. Kwan was condescending, insensitive and dismissive. He wouldn’t listen to what I was trying to tell him and the things I’ve tried over the last 8 years. I was told to take a supplement and “wait” a while longer. I’ve already tried that, and it’s only made things worse. Just as it is now. I had a beacon of hope when I finally got an appointment to see a specialist, only to be let down and disappointed. I’m not sure what the alternative is, but I guess I’ll have to seek help outside this province. Don’t waste your time. Try to go somewhere else if that’s possible and if you can afford it.

Edit: just adding that the nurse was fantastic though!

Casey P.

Was referred here by my GP for rectal bleeding possibly related to hemorrhoids. When I enquired about the referral taking some time with this clinic I was advised in a curt manor that they received it and I would be contacted. I was finally able to see Dr Li in early 2023. She seemed very attentive and concerned for my issue, an RBL was scheduled for July which she performed. An additional RBL was performed by Dr Chau in September 2023 after which he advised I didn’t need a follow up unless I experienced any other issues. “ Since you’re already a patient you can just call and we will schedule another exam and necessary treatment”. Still experiencing issues throughout 2024, I contacted SASC in early December. Told past one year, we will need a referral, another six months of suffering! Contacted a private clinic with my benefit package ( guess I should’ve mentioned the benefits to SASC ) and paying out of pocket. The specialists at SASC failed to diagnose Chronic Anal Fissures as an additional issue requiring treatment. The website SASC has touting how good their care and treatment is and how they care for you as a patient and how they work with your Dr for your best care is not as exactly as illustrated. I will consult my GP in January as to his referral preference moving forward.
Of note, I did send an email advising my displeasure with my recent experience and received a nice reply letting me know that when my referral is received, I will be fast tracked for follow up.

Amrita N.

I would not recommend this place or even attempting to make an appointment here. The service is disappointing, as the doctors seem more interested in rushing through appointments than listening to patients' concerns. Patients are in and out in under 10 minutes, which says a lot about the quality of care provided.

It's unfortunate that, despite having numerous doctors, none seem able to offer proper care, attention, or even basic empathy.

Edit:ending up going to the emergency room for surgery when the “specialist” at the center said it was nothing and to just take tylenol

Alicia P.

My husband recently had surgery in a rather awkward area, and I can't say enough about how fantastic the staff here have been. They truly made the whole process comfortable, despite the stress that comes with the poking and prodding of sensitive, and sometimes embarrassing, areas.

Our main nurse, Megan, has been incredibly patient, kind, and helpful throughout. She always takes the time to answer all our questions and never makes us feel rushed.

The main surgery was performed by Dr. Lipson, who did an excellent job, as my has husband healed quickly, despite some complications out of their control. We also had the chance to meet with Dr. Chau and Dr. Datta, both of whom were wonderful. Dr. Datta, in particular, is easygoing, funny, and took the time to answer our questions and ease any concerns we had. He also performed a small procedure for my husband which healed without issue.

The front desk staff were also great. They made booking and rescheduling appointments simple and hassle-free.

Honestly, kudos to the entire team. We truly appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into running a clinic like this, where patients like my husband can avoid long wait times and receive the care they need promptly. Without this clinic, we believe my husband would still be waiting for treatment.

Thank you to everyone for what you do.

Sincerely,
The Petersens