I went to see Dr Pezim for an exam. In difference to some other reviews, my experience was positive. It started with the doctor asking questions and taking notes. The following examination didn't hurt. Thereafter the doctor explained to me what causes problems like mine and provided advice on how to minimize and prevent future problems. To summarize: Dr Pezim was professional and respectful. If required, I would not hesitate to see him in the future. read more

Reception staff was friendly and very accommodating. However, that doesn't speak to the authenticity of Dr. Pezim. He prescribed me an OVERKILL drug dose and always insisted that I get it from the clinic downstairs because "that's the only place that sells it". I have done my research and discovered that shopper sells it as well, for a much cheaper price. I believe I saved $15 there and it just takes just a couple hours longer for them to prepare it. Additionally, the Nifedipine he prescribed me was 0.6% potency. I read online that the typical doses prescribed to patients for this drug is 0.2%, 0.3% or 0.5%. and I'm not a doctor but I think it's common knowledge that when you start a medication, you should start at the LOWEST dose not an OVERdose. Keep in mind the higher the dose, the higher the cost. Needless to say, I personally feel like the combination of prescribing a stronger drug than need and telling me that it is only available at the pharmacy linked to his name... probably means he just wanted my money. I can't confirm that his intentions were truly for monetary gain. But it just doesn't make any sense why you would start a patient off which such a high dose. I felt horrible for the entire time that I took it. I was walking sideways with a migraine all the time and slopping over my waist as I walked. I felt like a drug addict on east Hastings (respectfully) AND he didn't tell me about the WITHDRAWAL effects of the drug. Only about the possible side effects of drowsiness and said "don't take this before you drive". Oh, thank you. If I havent heard and read enough horror stories, I may have quit the drug too late to stop myself from getting past all the withdrawal symptoms. Even with such a short amount of time, I was suffering with withdrawals. He told me to take it for months, but my heart was racing too much and too much nausea in the first 5 days of taking it. Forget it! I confronted them about why they would prescribe me such a high dose and they said "this is what we give to all our patients" so... you just drug all your patients carelessly?? And they were hesitant to even prescribe me the lower dose. They said "well, we could give you that but the effect might not work". Well, obviously it will have less effect and that is the point. You should haven't given me that in the first place.... Then increase it gradually like all the medical sites about Nifedipine have mentioned! read more

Pezim Clinic - My prescription upon first visit - Gastroenterologist Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Waited 5 months to see Dr.Pezim so of course the actual concern was not there anymore. Still thought it would be good to figure out what are hemorrhoids and why they would bleed. Was nervous about the appointment and felt even more nervous talking to him. Was not prepared for the internal finger exam, that to me was bothersome and slightly painful. Once he wanted to finish the exam with a rectum scope I said NO ! sorry I was not prepared for this mentally and once he mentioned it would hurt I could not go through with it. He looked annoyed and told me my report will mention that I did not have a full examination today. I still have questions about my hemorrhoid and how to manage it? read more

Let me preface this review by saying I first went to the Cleator Clinic whereby 2 appointments later of wasted time I decided to check out other clinics. Glad I did. The aforementioned clinic put me on a waiting list for skin tag removals as they're cosmetic (not covered on medical) and non-priority. (I'm still on the waiting list at Cleator Clinic four months later. I won't cancel it because I want to see how long it takes for this customer-paid elective surgery.) The Pezim Clinic advised skin tag removal can be done without a waiting list and also less expensive! True Fact! Long story short, Dr. Pezim was professional and thorough in his examinations and advice (and Rx) to prepare me for the surgical procedure several weeks later. The removal procedure was painless (good freezing) and the doctor and assistant explained every step of the way. It was well worth every penny. Dr. Pezim and his staff Gillian and Allison are fantastic! Some reviews have painted the doctor in a negative fashion, that was not my experience over several appointment-visits. I don't go the doctor for a chin-wag session, I go for polite/cordial personality and mostly for solid medical knowledge and expertise! Thank you Dr. Pezim and your team for your professional support. read more

Got a referral from my doctor to this clinic over a month ago an no one has ever called me. Not that I mind after reading other people's reviews. The place seems a bit slap dash. read more

The most appalling, unprofessional doctor I couldn't even imagine. He belittled my Tourettes condition. He was rude. He snapped at my responses, and he clearly does not care for the patient or their comfort. I will not forget this condescending interrogation: "anythings else I need to know about?" "well... I have Tourettes" He shakes his head in bewilderment. Bluntly he says "...and how does that manifest?" I'm astonished. "um... what do you mean by that? Could you explain?" "Well what do you do?" He condescendingly asks. "Eye twitches, head twitches, and body." "So it affects your whole body?" "yeah, and I have vocal tics" "Oh so you scream?" I replied, shock, "No... but I used to when I was a kid" He says, "Oh so you were a screamer, so did you scream in the supermarket and have a tantrum when you didn't get what you wanted?" "No... when I did "scream" it was uncontrollable" He scoffed, "I hate those kind of kids" The majority of this visit was directed in this unprofessional, and unrelated conversation. Not to mention, when the examination was happening, I was already so uncomfortable from this conversation. When I was on the examination table, it was quite alarming that he provided no explanation, walk-though, or warning of what was going to happen. I wish I could give negative 5. Nobody should ever have to go through that kind of experience. No respect. read more

After suffering with extruciaing (childbirth like) pain every day for nearly three years, I finally found Dr. Pezim. I saw him for one appointment and right away he put me on his genius plan. It's defenitely alot to follow but easy if you have any will power and so, so, so worth it. Unlike surgeons in this field, Dr. Pezim has developed a system after seeing what helps and hinders his patients and put together a very detailed plan to follow instead of defaulting to surgery/Botox as step one. I followed this plan and after a few months, my multiple fissures which had stopped me from doing all my hobbies and even working at times, completely healed with no surgery, Botox, etc... I have now gotten back into horseback riding and even mountain biking! Dr Pezim has been extremely kind and hasn't rushed me. He's been extremely patient and encouraging. The receptionist is also one of the best receptionists I've ever dealt with (I'm a receptionist too so feel that I can say this) and while one of the nurses was rude on the phone with me once (maybe that's what's causing these ratings) I felt completely supported by the reception and Dr Pezim himself and have my life back after three years! read more

I have eczema!! and Dr. Pezim and his staff were saying I have a fungus on my skin and that I need to stop drinking coffee?!? & to stop taking baths !?!? ... they gave me standard treatment they give everyone, didn't even bother to send me to see another specialist, a dermatologist! Dr.Pezim DOESN'T care!! read more

I was referred to the Pezim clinic. I had three or four appointments with Dr. Pezim and am happy with the quality of the treatment I received. The examinations were what you would want in this field of medicine and Doctor Pezim's medical advice was clear and direct. read more

Dr Pezim's care, experties, and team are amazing. Super grateful for the help I have recieved from this clinic! Recommend 100%!

Dr. Pezim and his staff were extremely helpful. I felt well taken care of, and heard. I think others on here expect miracles without putting in any work. Dr. Pezim explained I needed to make some diet changes so that I could allow my body to heal, as some things (coffee, alcohol) irritate the area. I listened and I am seeing positive results. It takes time, it is not an overnight process. I am thankful to Dr. Pezim and his team! read more

I went for a "flexible sigmoidoscopy", which is supposed to be a partial colonoscopy through just the lower part of the descending colon - the idea being that this section of the colon can be scoped with less discomfort and the procedure can be stopped when the discomfort gets to be too much. The discomfort was WAY too much. He kept going. I later learned that what I had received was a full colonoscopy, with no anaesthetic. This was the most painful medical procedure of my life. I signed a waiver which was written in very permissive terms, but if they had been clearer about what they intended, I would never, ever have given my informed consent to this. DO NOT GO HERE. read more

I must admit after reading the negative reviews I was apprehensive about going to the clinic myself. I work in healthcare and I am all to familiar with people interpretation of a bad experience. I found Dr Pezim to professional and gentle with the exam. He apologized for any discomfort that I may feel during the procedure and it did hurt. I did not feel rushed and he answered my questions. Satisfied with the service. Did not need to be concerned about negative reviews after all read more

I had the misfortune of going to the Pezim Clinic a few years ago. I had thrombosed a hemorrhoid, and was in a lot of pain so my doctor, another notorious physician (Gustavo Carvalho) sent me to Michael Pezim. He never did a thing but prescribe me cream for it, and I went like this for three weeks before I realized that he wanted to do a colonoscopy on me. I had had one the previous year, I saw no reason for it, and he screamed at me like an animal. In those three weeks, I also watched a lot of patients being scared into getting a private colonoscopy by him. The nurse, Gillian, would say each and every time "Well, you can wait for the hospital to do it but that could take up to 8 months and if you have cancer you're going to die." Of course everyone at the counter pulled out a credit card and got the test. So far, I've spoken to about six of his former patients, including my landlord, who have all said that they went through exactly the same thing: Dr. Pezim says they need a colonoscopy, they get to Nurse Gillian who tells them they could die, and then she takes their credit card number. It may interest those who are reading this (as well as those who have already posted about this doctor) to know that it is illegal in to charge a patient privately for a service already covered by the Canada Health Act. According to the College of Surgeons and Physicians, "Under the Medicare Protection Act, physicians must not charge patients an extra amount for services that are covered by the Medical Services Plan." In my personal opinion, this rude, dismissive, abrupt and unprofessional doctor should be brought to court in the form of a class-action lawsuit. I hope this Yelp rating helps all of those who are considering going to see Dr. Michael Pezim. read more

I entered Pezim Clinic this morning, full of optimism and left devastated. I chose to pay $875 rather than go to hospital, but will never do again. I did not have an assessment appointment so met Dr. Pezim for the first time on his operating table, vulnerable, in my hosp gown, hooked up to IV. I greeted him with warmth and friendliness and he interrupted to ask if my siblings had had colonoscopies recently. When I said I didn't know, he snapped at me that I should know. That in this day and age we should talk about these things, not like the 60s. Then he asked me if I had a colonoscopy before and I said yes and that it was a positive experience. I had been sedated well and woke up to learn it was over. He told me that is irresponsible and that I would not be as sedated. I asked him to please sedate me to the maximum as I didn't want to be aware in any way. When I explained - answering his stern last minute questions - that I had been referred because of small traces of blood in my sample that I was not much concerned about, he basically told me I had every reason to be worried if I had traces of blood. He explained minuscule traces are a likely sign of a problem, more so than large traces that could come possibly from internal hemmoroids. At this point, my bright demeanour had completely evaporated and I could feel tears streaming down my face. My sedation was so light I barely felt it. Instead I felt every movement of the procedure and all the discomfort. After the procedure I was told it was very difficult for him to do the procedure due to something about my physicality(?) but he had found a way,that he found a polyp, it was probably benign and I should call in 3 weeks for results. He also said there was a anal tear and I could call back about that as well as it might need a procedure. I asked why I would need surgery for this and he said sometimes they are painful. So painful one patient committed suicide. I walked out slightly traumatized by this doctor and completely wide awake. My friend who came to collect me was stunned to see how bright and alert I was. Entire procedure, including undressing, IV, sedation, procedure and back out to the waiting room was 60-70 min. When I had this procedure at St Paul's I was there at least 2-3 hours, time necessary to come back from the sedation they offered to keep me comfortable. Pezim Clinic seem to want you in and out. I'm guessing light sedation is needed for them to free up his operating table. Don't go here. The hospital is free of charge and, in my experience, a MUCH more gentle, supportive and painless procedure. ( the staff were great and the girl who did my IV (Rose?) was excellent. Curly haired nurse was very nice too.) read more

I definitely agree with the other reviewers. I went to Dr. Pezim's clinic today for a health issue my husband had in July. We were referred to him by a walk-in clinic in New Westminster. The receptionists were very nice, but once we got in the examination room and Dr. Pezim came in, that began to change. Dr. Pezim made no effort whatsoever to be nice or just decent. My husband has trouble with English, and while he was explaining his condition, Dr. Pezim interrupted him without patience and directed a question to me. When my husband went to get examined, he did so with no care or sensitivity, and left my husband screeching in discomfort. He even insulted him saying that they "do this to little old ladies", basically calling my husband a wimp. He also said his discomfort wasn't normal. In the end, he said that there was no way to know what caused his condition, and if it ever came up again, that there wouldn't be anything that could be done. Gee thanks for the help, doc. Anyway, we felt so uncomfortable and mistreated there. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone. read more

I have just completed a colonoscopy with Dr. Pezim and found both the staff and Dr. Pezim highly professional and most helpful. The procedure is not a pleasant one, but the Pezim Clinic does an excellent job and making the process tolerable. After the procedure Dr. Pezim sat down with me and gave me a thorough review of his findings. I would highly recommend Dr. Pezim to any one considering a colonoscopy. read more

Can I give this doctor ZERO stars? Let's find out. Horrible receptionist, even worse doctor. No one there has any bed side manner. It's hard to believe that Dr. Michael Pezim actually teaches at UBC, but apparently he does. I wonder what he tells his students? He told me that all pharmacists were "a bunch of f***ing liars" and then went on to insult me. Of course I was coming in on MSP. At the front desk, I watched a older couple be frightened into paying $700 for a procedure because, as the receptionist said, "you can wait for several months for a colonoscopy but if it's cancer then you're gonna die." They agreed to put the charge on their credit card and they were treated like royalty. I was treated with disdain. In the end Dr. Pezim did nothing for me and told me that he wouldn't help me so I went to another doctor who did help me. I found his behavior rude and unprofessional. To me it appears he is only interested in money. I would never recommend this doctor or his clinic to anyone. * I was obligated to give one star or I couldn't post the review. read more