I rated Dr Russell’s knowledge at 2 because I’m not sure how knowledgeable he is? He never really interacts or asks me any significant questions about my history, current pain level or why I’m there. He talks at me and is not interested in anything I have to offer in terms of why I’m there or what happened to get me there. Zero history taken. I saw this doctor a handful of times hoping I could reason with him to get some help. My initial visit he also diagnosed me in the first 2 min. Then, when the X-ray didn’t show that. He changed his mind? Every visit I had something different with no explanation as to why? Finally I was told I have a sleep problem after he insisted that I take a medication with this as side effect. My experience with this man was also shocking and unprofessional. I echo the other ratings here. If you have any knowledge of healthcare or proper health investigation you will not be tolerated by this man. No investigation, no empathy, no conversation. If you have a diagnosis from him beware.

Had a phone consult. Asked me very guided questions. When I questioned a statement he made about having clear spines ( trying to avoid neck surgery here actually and have DDD throughout my entire spine) he told me not to speak X-ray talk to him. Use layman’s terms. ( He asked what I did and if I worked shift work. Hence why he told me not to speak about basic anatomy) Within 5 minutes of talking he diagnosed me with a sleep disorder and fibromyalgia. Because all my diagnostic tests were fine. (Pretty sure he didn’t look at any of my tests) nor did he ask for any testing to be done and absolutely no follow up. He will send me great literature and prove his diagnosis. He sent me a photocopied clipping from the Vancouver sun about the effects of lack of sleep and a fact sheet about fibromyalgia which sounds nothing like my symptoms. And we were done.
Definitely asking for second opinion.
He only got 5 stars for punctuality because he called me back within a moment of hitting enter on the email. But had diagnosis from a skewed questionnaire he sent me with 5 questions.
I had no interaction with staff. So can’t comment.

The worst doctors appointment I have ever had. I have been waiting to see Dr. Russell for months because of the pandemic, and he walked out of my appointment after 6 minutes very irritated because I asked about being seronegative, after he told me I had a sleep disorder (I dont) Im not sure how a sleep disorder can cause my hands and fingers swell like sausages. He did not want to hear about my symptoms or family history. How can a doctor get irritated when a patient has a legit question. I dont know what is happening with my body right now and am looking for answers and help. I was still sitting in the room as I didnt even realise our appointment was over, until he said the doors over there. I have never been treated like such garbage. We are all just looking for answers for our ligit health issues.
I read Dr. Russells reviews before my appointment. I absolutely thought patients were being rude to deserve his horrible attitude. Now I realize he is just like this if you ask a question. He should NOT be practicing medicine. Look for another Rheumatologist if you are refered to him!!