I love the staff at this clinic and the dermatologist that I've been seeing for several years (Dr Skotnicki) is professIonal and very very competent. So weird that others seem to have completely different experiences/ opinions, I have nothing but rave reviews for the clinic. read more

I scheduled 4 laser procedures (IPL, hair removal etc) 3 weeks in advance due to my travels. My appointment was cancelled 2 hrs prior to scheduled time. My day, that I arranged around that appointment, was screwed up. It took them 2 days to call back to reschedule,l and they couldn't accommodate my schedule at all. They do not care, not about customers, not about their profit. I found another clinic with the same lasers that is very accommodating with the schedule, and their prices are almost 50% lower than here. Stay away, if you are coming for cosmetic procedures to this place! read more

Having no dermatologist, my GP referred me here to assess my acne prone skin. Everyone was very professional and pleasant. I waited about 25mins in the waiting room, then another 10-15mins in the patient room (which the doctor on site apologized for as it usually isn't a long wait at this point). The doctor was swift, addressed my issues, prescribed/recommended some products and answered additional questions and I was off. She was transparent and told me it'll take about 8 weeks for the acne to start to clear which I appreciated. The only downside was that I had to wait 4 months for my appointment. Otherwise, it's unfortunate what the others experienced as I had a completely different experience. read more

I go here because I have had skin cancer and my previous doctor retired. I routinely wait an hour (or more) for my dermatologist in this office. After the extended wait, my appointment is a cursory 5 minute body scan. No debate, there is an imbalance of dermatologists to patients, and as such overbooking and long wait times. I do however question if it possible to do a proper scan in that time. I also question if cosmetic-related appointments have shorter wait times. Further I was given a script once, and at the pharmacy it was discovered that it was not the correct item. Disappointing for sure. read more

I had to see a derm for medical reasons. It was excellent that this office was right in the medical centre my doctor practiced. I am always surprised by reasonable wait times - 30 minutes I'd say, in the wait room - even when I have an appointment. I am even MORE surprised that once I am in the room I'm waiting for the doctor for another 10 minutes in no- ventilation. But I am a regular complacent Canadian that's completely used to waiting. I hear that people who come to this office for cosmetic reasons have fantastic experiences - medically not so much. I had been prescribed (and NOT in small doses- which cost quite a lot in total) a few different types of creams for a rash- like thing I had at the back of my neck. The dermatologist STRAIGHT UP told me he had no idea what was going on and wasn't sure why the topical creams he assigned wasn't working because it worked on most of the skin problems people had. So, what? this dude just prescribed 5 bottles of topical cream that generally works because - he was too lazy to actually preform his job and think about what it might be, since he didn't know? Wonderful way to build credentials - really. 5 different kind of creams later, I ended up in a tiny Chinese medical store in the annex where the man sold me plant stem essence and a cream in a tiny tube ( I wasn't sure that there was enough) for $4, which cleared my skin right away. Even if it hadn't, I felt better about spending $4 on a tiny cream then on 5 bottles of ineffective topical cream that cost me well into the hundreds. It was like he prescribed me every one of the creams on his list, and hope that one of them would work. I am sure that if I'd not stopped going, I would still be trying each item on the list. Thank goodness my wallet couldn't take it - sometimes, being cheap can lead to quicker solutions... read more

I would not recommend having Dr. Skotnicki as a doctor. At my first appointment I was waiting for 1 hour. Dr. Skotnicki rushed in, quickly asked me what are the issues, wrote prescriptions and rushed out.  A couple of weeks later I saw a doctor who noticed a spot on my scalp and suggested that this could be cancerous, so I made another appointment with Dr. Skotnicki.  This time I called 10 minutes before my appointment and was assured she was running on time ("but changes are possible"). When I arrived I was told that I would be received within 5-10 minutes. I waited for another hour and when I asked the receptionist I was told the doctor was busy with a procedure and it was not clear when she would be available. At this, I left the office. I would not trust a doctor with my health who treats patients this way. As I didn't hear from Dr. Skotnicki's office after this, I concluded that this was not a one-off event. Everyone to whom I described what happened was appalled. So I decided make my experience more widely known. read more

Its ridiculous to get in touch with them! I have been trying for so long and still havent talked to anyone. I have left numerous voice mails - no call back. I wonder if there is anyone working at all, how can they do business? P.S. Finally got an appointment with help from aside! The office looks very clean, the stuff is friendly and dermatologists are very nice. Except the long wait at the reception area (30 min) everything seems great. Only make sure to have problems with booking your next appointment. Also I was prescribed LOTS of medicine (expensive) that did not help me and was meant for a little while. I got 2 big jars that must be thrown away now. I dont understand why couldnt they prescribe small dosage first? Also, every time I go there I am meeting different dermatologist... each one of them have their own theories and opinions, they do not agree with previous dermatologist and I have had lots of issues because of this. If you want to see the same dermatologist, make sure you do not work and you are very flexible with time, as some dermatologists work only once a week (Dr. Alavi), for example. And, if they make a mistake (wrong blood test fields were requested), they argue with you like crazy. They also do not admit their fault, and do not apologize (receptionist who made an error). It really upset me when that happened as it wasn't my fault, and I didn't have another day off to go and re-do my tests. Bottom line: they could be more organized and take their patients more seriously. Also, this is the place where your appointment could be at 1pm, but they will see you only at 1:50pm; be prepared to wait, bring a book. read more

Never again! I would never go back to this cold and snotty expensive dermatology clinic ever again. Receptionists here are rude and unfriendly, not to mention the wait times are horrendous. I might as well have gone to ER instead. I don't feel the dermatologists are competent enough to do their job; I'm still having the same on-going issues and not to mention my husband had bad experience when he had a minor cosmetic expensive cyst removal and it hurt like hell! Never again! read more

Still think it's a good clinic and Dr Skotniki is very competent and also pleasant....but waiting an hour for a follow-up appointment booked over a month in advance that lasts approximately 4 minutes is just too long. There really does seem to be a scheduling issue here if people are consistently complaining of the wait times for medical assessment. Don't make me rush through my morning if you're going to have me sitting on a hard wooden seat in the waiting room for a full 60 minutes! My hip was in agony by the time I got in and then I completely forgot the questions I meant to ask because i was stressed and crabby. I can't imagine trying to get time off work to come to an appointment here. May as well try to take a half day and then ruin it. Best for the patient patients and if you're paying for a cosmetic treatment. read more

As of 2013, there are just over 570 dermatologists in Canada overall. Canada has a population of 35.16 million. And your ass is whining about wait times? Pffffft. yes it represents a whack issue in terms of healthcare in Canada. But deal with the hand your dealt. Canada is awesome. Everyone chill. It's just some dermatology ya'll. Bay Dermatology is doing their best. Somehow. waiting times for me at Bay dermatology have been absurdly reasonable - I've never waited more than 10 minutes to see a doctor, 15 at most, and I'm usually led into a room within 7 minutes. I tend to book on my lunch hour as I work at Bay and Bloor, so it's hella convenient (I know, I am lucky). But wait times have not been an issue for me the 4 times I've been there this year. I'm currently battling cystic acne. It's been a wild ride! I've been seeing Dr. Abdullah and she was very swift and quick to throw me on accutane, and also very swift and condescending when I explained the side effect symptoms I was suffering from 8 days later (I had to stop cause it made me feel like I was dying :) ) Still. Dr. Abdullah has been helpful, and I have also seen Dr. Salsberg who seems more empathetic and understanding to my body not liking a crazy hard drug. Both dermatologists listened to me in terms of desires and needs and worked closely and in a collaborative mindset to find the best treatment for me. I feel listened to and taken care of at this clinic. Bay Dermatology has also saved my ass, I had a big event and a huge cyst (like, think elephant-man territory) popped up on my cheek over the weekend. I left a message on Saturday on their machine for a last minute appointment, and they called me back Monday morning and gave me my favorite afternoon spot. The desk staff are kind, accommodating and a general delight. I was in and out of the clinic within the hour. read more

Waited on a 3 month waiting list. Finally get there and think I will be receiving a regime to finally tackle my acne. I sit in my appointment and have acutane mentioned and when refused prescribed medicine that I said I wanted to get off of and creams very similar to ones I had mentioned I had used before. My skin was never evaluated or looked at in depth. Wasn't told or asked if I have a greasy or dry skin type etc. I could tell I was being treated like any other person who comes in and says they have acne problems. When trying to push for more advice like this, or a regime, etc. Was told just personal preference. I would not recommend this Centre especially for how long it took to get an appointment. read more

The absolute worst clinic!!!! I have had a referral from minimum 6 months ago and finally got the appointment for Nov 17 only for it to be cancelled NOV16 AND ON VOICE MESSAGE !!! I came in to reschedule and their hours are 9-3;30 HOW IS A FULL TIME WORKING PATIENT SUPPOSED TO COME IN???? (They are also closed on weekends and refused to refer me to someone more flexible) DONT WASTE your TIME HERE read more

My doctor referred me here for a wart removal. This was in September. I've had my appointment booked then cancelled and rescheduled five times now due to "scheduling changes." If I had skin cancer, I would have been dead already. At this point I can only assume that either their dermatologists are totally unreliable since they can't keep appointments or the office staff don't know how to use a calendar. read more

I took 2 hours off work to make it to my 3:15 pm appointment today. When I showed up, the waiting room was full. I filled out a medical questionnaire; 25% of it designed to assist the Dr. in up selling costly cosmetic procedures. When I inquired how long my wait would be, I was advised there were 6 people still ahead of me! I explained I had taken unpaid time from work to arrive in time for this appointment. I had travelled on 3 different subway trains and managed to be here 10 minutes early. Even though I had been left 3 automated appointment reminders before my visit, now that the Dr. was running late, no effort was made to advise me of the inconvenience. Apparently consideration for time works only one way here. The secretary offered to reschedule, as if the best solution was to inconvenience me further. It was obvious to me this Clinic, and Dr. Sonya Abdullah, have no respect for their clients time. They are interested in over-booking and up-selling. Emergency room physicians don't show up whenever they please. Lawyers don't stroll into court an hour into a trial. What makes Dr. Abdulla feel it is acceptable to treat her clientele so disrespectfully? Disgusting display of arrogance and greed. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

This place does not even deserve one star. My experience with waiting is exactly as others have written - 1 hour in the waiting room then 10 minutes in the doctor's office. I have solar keratosis (sun damage that is causing rough, raised, flaky patches on my face, forehead and a spot on the back of my leg). I saw Dr. Alavi. While waiting for her, I read many pamphets that spoke about many different ways to treat sun damaged skin. I assumed that she would take me through all my options, from creams to peels to microdermabrasion. No. She came into the room, barely spoke to me and then looked at my face and back of my leg. Then she left the room and came back with what she announced was "liquid nitrogren". I have never had this done before so I was really nervous (considering the thing looks exactly like a blow torch) and was waiting for her to explain it and that it was one of my "options". Instead, she said "let me see your leg" and so I lifted my pant leg, still thinking this was part of the assessment. Then she says "Ready, I'm going to spray" and I said "Right now? Does it hurt?" and she goes "Yes" and then she just goes ahead and does it! And I'm telling her "that hurts!" and all she says is "Almost done." Because it was a pretty big patch, it seemed to go on forever. When she was done, I think I was in shock - at the pain, at how she just did it without discussing what it was, how it would feel and what other options I had. Then, she goes "Now we do your face" and starts pointing the thing at my head! I said "I have to go to work now and a party later so I can't have this done to my face now." She said "Then make appointment for next week and come back." And she left and didn't come back. I know people who read this will be wondering why i didn't raise a stink but I was in such shock that she did that, that I just wandered out and told the receptionist I wouldn't be back when she asked when I wanted to reschedule. By the time I got to work, the patch she had burned had a water blister on it the size of a small donut and was raised about a half inch off my leg. I was freaking out because she never mentioned this might happen or what to do. No talk about after care at all. Thankfully the internet told me that blistering after liquid nitrogren isn't common but it's not unheard of and nothing to worry about. It told me not to pop it and to cover it with a bandage, then apply polysporin once it popped. I would never go back to this place. This woman doesn't deserve to be called a "doctor". I now have an upcoming appointment at Kingsway Dermatology. I hope it goes better. It can't go worse. Will keep you posted. read more

This is the last time I'm coming here. Third time and still the same - long waits, rude staff and overpriced. I do not recommend this clinic. Save your time and money. read more

I thought the staff was very friendly, both at the front desk, and Dr. Jane Wu! I have no idea why they're getting such bad reviews - they were quick, professional, and very understanding. I went for something covered by OHIP, so I can't comment on the prices, but my experience was very positive. read more

I got in to see Dr. Jennifer Salsberg by getting a referral from my GP. I've have seen her a few times for a couple different issues and have found her to be nothing but kind and knowledgable, and I never feel rushed during my appointments with her -- OHIP covered or not. Yes the wait in the waiting room can be a little long some days, as with every other doctors office I've ever been to. Bring your phone or a book. As annoying as that may be, I feel grateful to be receiving care from someone I feel knows what they're doing when it comes to my skin. read more

I've been seeing a laser tech here for about 5 years for rosacea treatments. In the early years they had an amazing laser tech and she did a fantastic job spending 45-60 mins per treatment. However in the past three years, laser techs have not done as good a job and only spend about 10-15 mins per treatment. I agree with others that the reception is not good. The only reason I continued to go there was because I'd bought a 6 treatment package 4 years ago. Now that I have used all the treatments I will not return and do not recommend their laser treatments (ipl) read more

I arrived super ecstatic to visit Bay Dermatology Centre, as I heard great reviews from my family doctor. I got to this beautiful downtown upscale Dermatology Clinic. The front staff was very nice and welcoming, and I didn't have to wait very long in the waiting room. I had no knowledge of how many cosmetic procedures they do there. I got myself thinking I can definetly use some botox and filler treatments. I was here to meet a woman named Betty to discuss a laser treatment for my face. Betty took me to her laser room and sat me down. She didn't ask what I was here for and what laser treatment I was interested in. She immediately starting pointing ou problems that bothered her, about my face. She made me feel less attractive. I eventually asked her what treatment is best for myself, with dark skin and acne scars. She hesitated and said, "Umm, I am not sure, we can try both IPL & Profractional Laser treatment and see what works". At this point I wanted to grab my things and run the opposite direction. I wasn't going to trust Betty with my face. She didn't even ask me a single question, she just kept going on about treatments she wanted to try on me without discussing my needs and concerns with me. By the way I forgot to mention she reeked of tobacco smoke. You would think someone in the skin business giving out skin advice would not smoke, for obvious reasons. I think I have seen enough, and have lost faith in coming back for ANYTHING, especially for botox and fillers. I didn't even get to meet Dr. Skotnicki, I will be discussing this with my medical doctor and will be asked to be referred elsewhere. read more

I wish I had found Dr. Skotnicki-Grant sooner! After seeing several Dermatologists in an effort to control my painful adult cystic acne and inflamed skin, Dr. Skotnicki was recommended to me by a friend. She is the only doctor to take my concerns seriously and provide me with successful results and solid options for scar revision; and let me reiterate, I saw MANY derms before finding Dr Skotnicki and had really been 'through the ringer'! When I found Dr Skotnicki, I was experiencing regular (scarring) adult cystic acne outbreaks and suffered from some badly atrophied cystic scars on my nose due to an overly aggressive cortisone injection done by another Dermatologist. Dr Skotnicki-Grant was very sympathetic and took the time to listen to my concerns. Skin and scarring is tricky and sometimes unpredictable and she provided realistic options for dealing with my scars without giving me false hope. Suffice it to say, my cystic acne is now fully controlled ( YAY!) and my scars are much improved and are continuing to improve each month. Dr Skotnicki has been very attentive, thorough and professional and I cannot thank her enough for all of her help------Highly recommend! read more

I was referred by my doctor. The dermatologist told to get chemical peels along with a cleanser to treat my acne and acne scars. I bought a package of six. 6 treatments later and I am still breaking out and my scars are no better. Now they are trying to sell me on the derma-roller treatments which are even more expensive. I would not recommend, they just seem to want to make money. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and the Bay Dermatology Centre for 8 years. The majority of services I have had at the centre are cosmetic. Dr. Skotnicki and her team are always at the forefront of advances in cosmetic treatments. I always feel that the treatments I receive are carefully edited to be the most appropriate and effective for my individual needs. Dr Skotnicki's work is always subtle and I have been extremely happy with the results. The staff are courteous, knowledgable, and caring. Most of the staff have been there as long as I've been a patient. This says a lot about a company. read more

I have seen three different doctors here and I am going to try a different place. This Dr Skotniki, I waited in a treatment room for over an hour and she was in such a rush she could barely give me 4 minutes of her precious time. She already had decided what I was suffering from, without even checking. She was off hand and rude. It wasn't until another visit with a third doctor who diagnosed a pre cancerous lesion on my face. However even that doctor has missed the second small lesion, even after I told her that I think I have another one. If you are going to spend several hundred dollars for botox, or filler or laser, then they will give you all the time in the world, for OHIP, forget about it.... read more

I can understand the frustration of some patients who have to wait long past their appointment time to see the doctor. I've experienced this during almost every visit so yes, it does happen, plan accordingly. There is a shortage of dermatologists in this country and in general, it takes a while to see any specialist. That's the healthcare system we have folks. With that said, I've been seeing Dr. Salsberg for a few years and even though she isn't the warmest person I've come across, she did put me on an effective skincare regimen to get rid of sun damage, hyperpigmentation and got my melasma under control. I get so many compliments on my skin now - I really thought it was a lost cause but she has transformed my face. It's not perfect but it has significantly improved over a short time. I am happy I found her and will continue seeing her. If possible, get a referral to see her specifically. read more

Offered me a free session due to luck of results, but charged me after I arrived because they "experienced financial difficulties". That's exactly what they told me - "we need to charge you because we are experiencing financial difficulties" read more

Administrative staff were pleasant and helpful. My appoint was for 11:00am to see Dr. Jane Wu to have removed and to have her look at some eczema around my eyes. They called me in 10 minutes early and Dr. Wu arrived 5 minutes later. Removing the milia was quick and easy ($100 + HST though; ouch!) and she wrote a prescription for the eczema. She's very professional and kind. Overall, it was a good visit and a positive experience. read more

Dr. Skotniki is extremely knowledgeable in her field. It's difficult to get an appointment because her services are in demand. I agree that it can be frustrating to book an appointment but it's worth the wait as she is one of the best dermatologists in the city. read more

My appointment was at 10:00am and I waited for 90 minutes before I was seen by the Doctor. When I asked the Doctor about the delay, the response I got was that it is always that way. Perhaps you should worry less about scheduling the maximum amount of patients - i find this very disrespectful. read more

Over an hour wait for a 5 minute appointment is absurd. This isn't an emergency room or a drop-in clinic where one might expect long wait times... these are specialists. The scheduling system is clearly flawed - and its seems that to mitigate these long wait times, the doctors spend the bare minimum time with you in the rooms. The whole interaction was mechanical and impersonal - I was never even told what kind of acne I have or why I have it! There are so many causes and kinds, and in order to take some kind of control over this condition outside of the doctors office requires more communication than what was given. Not impressed. read more

The wait time is insane. They make you wait. There's never people in the office when you need them. I went for my appointment only to find the doors locked and after waiting for someone to come to the door ( there were doctors inside) they informed me that my doctor is on leave for FOUR TO SIX WEEKS. I woke up at 8am on my day off and walked there. Of course they didn't notify me that my appointment was cancelled. UGH they are the most unprofessional people. I do NOT recommend this place. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews. The only way I can explain it is with the notion that some people are impossible to please and will find anything to complain about. For starters, the staff here are incredible. The woman that greeted me and provided me with the forms to sign was so nice, I actually felt the need to tell her since, in my experience, you don't come across that too often. I also did not wait more than 10 minutes. As for Dr. Skotnicki, she was incredibly nice and knowledgeable and actually talked me out of a cosmetic procedure I was thinking about. Notwithstanding the fact that she was not going to be making any money off of me, she sat with me and answered all of my questions. I will definitely be coming back in the future and would recommend the clinic to anyone who is considering it. read more

Has 2 appointments with Dr. Grant, one at her office and one at St. Mike's Hospital. Yes, the wait was a little long but I found the staff pleasant, kind, and helpful. Dr. Grant being a very busy doctor doesn't spend time on chit chat and gets right to the diagnosis which I like. Personally I found her excellent. I have been in pain and suffering for too long and she explained what was happening and why. To finally have a proper diagnosis and plan going forward is such a mental and physical relief. I highly recommend her! read more

Dreadful experience. I waited months for an appointment. Then, after arriving on time, I waited nearly 1.5 hours while numerous patients whose appointment times were later than mine were seen. When, after one hour of waiting, I approached the desk to ask whether I'd been forgotten, they barked at me to sit down. Half an hour later I got up more nerve and approached again and insisted they tell me whether I would be seen soon; turns out they'd indeed forgotten me, having "accidentally" left my chart out of the regular rotation. When I finally saw the doctor she was brusque and rude and made condescending comments about my freckles, although honestly I believe I look pretty normal and fine and have never thought of myself as a person with unattractive or bad skin. I was there for a full-body check for potential skin cancer, but she hardly bothered to even glance at most of my body; thus I felt I hadn't really had the checkup she was supposed to perform. After failing to interest me in expensive cosmetic products, she rushed me out of there. She shouldn't even be licensed as a doctor. Zero stars. read more

I really wanted to have a good experience at Bay Dermatology. Dr. Skotnicki is competent & knowledgeable, however it seems she could use some help on being more solution-oriented. Information is great, but actually helping & solving skin problems doesn't seem to be her strength. I went to see her for hormonal acne & walked out with my head down because her solution was to go on birth control (which I had tried previously with nothing but worst results). Years later, I went back to see if she could help with my acne scarring (yes, my skin completely cleared WITHOUT the pill) & I was referred to Betty in her office. Betty is kind & understanding, however, after $2200 I did not see results. And finally, I sent my husband to Dr. Skotnicki recently for a totally unrelated issue to acne (thinking "she is knowledgeable, couldn't help me but maybe she could help him") and I am so disappointed. She told him to get an allergy patch test (which I was excited about because his issue could be related to food). His first appointment was cancelled an hour before it was scheduled because the person was sick (ok we get it, things happen) and at that time, he clarified what they were doing (i.e. foods to be tested, timing for the patch, etc). Today he went in and they told him they don't do food patch tests at that location and he would only be tested for dust, mold, etc. He waited 3 months for this appointment and what a WASTE OF TIME. He could have gone elsewhere & had the tests done & reviewed by now. We are done with this place. There is NO area within her practice that we will ever believe "could be good". It isn't. If you want information, by all means, go sit in her waiting room for 2 hours to get what any other derm can tell you. But I seriously caution anyone to bother with this centre if they are busy professionals who live in Toronto. There are SO many better dermatologists in the area who can help in ALL areas... finding a solution, recovering from your skin issue, and cosmetic treatment if you need it. Do your research & don't give up! I should also clarify that if you go in for cosmetic treatments (not with Dr. S), your appointments are somewhat on time unlike when you have an appointment with Dr. Skotnicki & they did apologize for the "miscommunication" on their part re: the allergy testing. (if only you could see my eyes rolling) read more

Can't give this clinic any higher, or speak to the actual experience with the doctor, because I didn't actually get to my appointment. I booked a midday appointment 2 months in advance, and was told to arrive 10 minutes early to fill out forms, which I did. 30 minutes later (20 minutes after my appointment time) I ask the receptionist how long the delay is and am told they doctor is just "a little behind" and it will only be a few minutes more. 15 minutes later I ask again, and am told a room will be free in a couple minutes. 10 minutes later I ask again, as I really need to go back to work, and am told the room is available. I say that's fine, but when is the doctor available, I'm not here to see a room, I'm here to see a doctor, and am only then told that there's still yet another person ahead of me, and only just went in. I tell them I will need to reschedule and they seem surprised that a person can't casually wait around for an hour during the middle of the day, when they've had to take time off work. I'm tempted to no-show to my re-booked appointment (which, by the way, is another two months away... ridiculous). read more

As far as the doctor competence goes, this place should get 5 stars. The doctor I met with prescribed a great skincare ritual and even discussed briefly about my makeup habits, etc. Now, you'd probably wonder why I've given it only 1 star. Well, it is the overall experience...let me explain. We (my husband and I) got there at 8 30 am for an 840 appt. The doors didn't open until 9, there were other patients waiting and later I found that even my doctor was waiting outside to be let in. Just for a moment, let's assume this doesn't bother me, once the doors opened it was hardly ten minutes before I was let in to see the doctor. I met with Dr. Skotnicki. We began talking about my skin concerns when she asked if I'd like a full body check up. I was fine with this, and told her that I am doing a laser treatment and was just done with the first session, I wanted her opinion on my skin's status...when she asked me where all I'm doing the treatment and I told her, she says," Wow, that's ambitions!". I was offended by this open judgement but I second guessed myself, gave her the benefit of doubt and tried to look past it. Next, we talk about natural skincare vs. non-natural, and she was not for natural skincare - that's totally fine, everyone's entitled to their opinion, more so someone who's been practicing for many years. She talks about my skin, and since I'm brown-skinned/Indian she talks about issues specific to my pigmentation - again, I'm not worried about this, skin is a organ after all and has various specific attributes...the point when it got very puzzling to me was when she asked about my knowledge to random plants by its botanical name- something apart from her, only a botanist would know. She says, it grows in the "Indian region", and those plants even though natural are bad for skin. I'm not sure what to think of this, India is a country that's 4.72 times the size of Texas, has multiple variations in climate and its absolutely impossible for me - who's moved to Canada since I was a teenager and while in India, lived in a metropolitan city, to even be aware of this. There's no way in hell, any Indian, Indo-Canadian or not, except those who study plants would know this. When I told her I've moved here a very long time ago, is a Canadian and grew up in a city, she said, "Oh okay". This is the single most odd experience I've ever had-- I go in for a skin consultation and I come back (A) being judged by a medical professional on personal decisions regarding what treatment I choose for my body in a professional place which is the only place probably most people don't mind speaking about their bodies, (B) being asked random questions on the basis of me being what I look like and (C) being made to feel suddenly conscious of my ethnicity, in a manner that it should never have been. This incident happened many months ago, and I tried to ignore it. However, it stayed with me and my gut kept telling me that I should let someone know. I wonder, why I was asked those questions, wonder if she asks those questions to other people, from different backgrounds too...and mostly, I want to know if I was asked because of complete ignorance of different countries or lack of knowing what might offend or what won't. It's a pity because this is someone who deals with skin day-in and day-out, and still doesn't think through about what to tell patients. I was dealt with a complete lack of professionalism, someone who I allowed to look at my body for strictly medical reasons and it's strange for me to discuss this in public but I think this is something, medical professionals and patients need to be watchful of. This is a matter of ethics and as patients we have the right to expect that from medical professionals. Needless to say, I never went back there again. This only reminds me that it doesn't matter how good you are at what you do, you simply need to have the humility, sensitivity and professionalism when you deal with patients. read more