Brianna HarrisonTHE 5 BEST RHEUMATOLOGISTS IN TORONTO
Conditions that affect your joints, bones, and muscles, such as arthritis, gout, and even autoimmune diseases like lupus and vasculitis, can hinder you from putting your best foot forward.
It's important to seek the expertise of a rheumatologist who understands the impact of these conditions on your daily life. Rheumatologists have undergone extensive training to accurately assess, diagnose, and develop personalised treatment plans for managing rheumatic diseases. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and more.
Whatever your specific needs may be, these experts can tailor treatments to address your unique situation.
How We Chose the Best Rheumatologists in Toronto
How Much Do Rheumatologist Services Cost in Toronto?
If you’re a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident, there’s no fee for visiting a rheumatologist as long as you provide your provincially-registered health card.Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options.
1. Dr. Lori Albert
Dr. Lori Albert is a seasoned rheumatologist at the University Health Network (UHN) and an associate professor at the University of Toronto. Her academic vocation with U of T began in 1988 when she received her medical degree and started her residency.
Fueled by her passion for patient care and teaching, she leads the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, the largest multidisciplinary arthritis centre in the country, and is the creator and editor of the Canadian Residents’ Rheumatology Handbook. Throughout the course of her medical career, Dr. Albert has garnered several teaching awards, including the highly coveted Aikins Award from the U of T faculty.
Specialising in inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, and connective tissue disease, Dr. Albert’s expertise is matched by her approachable and empathetic demeanour. She places great importance on building strong doctor-patient relationships, ensuring that her patients feel heard, understood, and supported.
Pros
- Over 20 years in practice
- Highly-regarded educator and clinician
- Approachable and easy to contact
- Proactive support, including follow-up care
- Active in clinical research
Cons
- Booking appointments may take months
Patient Reviews
Knowledgeable, compassionate, and proactive in considering treatment options
“Dr. Albert has been my rheumatologist for almost 20 years. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and proactive in considering treatment options. I enjoy the doctor/patient partnership she encourages in treatment approaches and her willingness to readily answer my questions. I never feel rushed and know I have her full attention during my appointment. I am fortunate to have her as my rheumatologist.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
She works well with my other specialists and she keeps my GP informed
“Dr. Lori Albert’s dedication to helping me manage my rheumatoid arthritis is outstanding. Her compassion, knowledge, and attentiveness place her as my best doctor ever. True story: I recently suffered from a complication with my foot. Dr. Albert assessed me and immediately found my orthopedic surgeon… She works well with my other specialists and she keeps my GP informed.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
2. Dr. Christian Pagnoux
Dr. Christian Pagnoux is a French physician who obtained his medical degree in internal medicine and clinical immunology from the Université René Descartes in 2002. Following this, he served as the Vice President of the French Vasculitis Study Group (FVSG) and dedicated years to engaging in clinical trials and conducting over 250 peer-reviewed cohort studies focused on vasculitis.
In 2010, Dr. Pagnoux relocated to Toronto, where he applied his skills and knowledge to various hospitals in the GTA, including Mount Sinai, the UHN, Sunnybrook, and SickKids. Recognised for his significant contributions to the field of vasculitis, he was appointed as an associate professor at the U of T.
Notably, Dr. Pagnoux has a keen interest in treating rare diseases and challenging cases. This reflects his commitment to expanding the field through research and providing exceptional care, instilling hope in his patients.
Pros
- Extensive contributions in treating vasculitis
- Steadfast and compassionate demeanor
- Determined to address rare conditions
- Sense of urgency for critical cases
- Supported by a highly-experienced team
Cons
- High demand
- Long wait times on the day of appointments
Patient Reviews
His soft skills with us have been amazing
“Dr. Pagnoux is top notch and we feel very fortunate to have his expertise in treating my daughter’s condition. Not only is he part of the Vasculitis Foundation and active with clinical research and trials, his soft skills with us have been amazing. My daughter who seen him at 19 years old feels confident and supported in his care. To have this kind of support and being given the opportunity to be part of the suggestions/solution is amazing!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Caring, brilliant, proactive, and accessible
“Caring, brilliant, proactive, and accessible. Dr. Pagnoux truly cares. He has a huge responsibility yet he takes the time to guide you through treatment options and follow-up care is amazing. We are fortunate to have him care for us and to have him in Toronto.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
3. Dr. Mary Bell
Dr. Mary Bell is a long-time rheumatologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and an associate professor at the U of T. Her extensive professional background began at McMaster University, where she earned her medical degree and master’s degree in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. She completed her residency at U of T, followed by a fellowship at the Royal College of Physicians in rheumatology.
Dr. Bell played a pivotal role as a clinician investigator in the National Getting a Grip on Arthritis project and a National Director of the Patient Partners in Arthritis Program. She is also affiliated with research centers at the UHN and Sunnybrook, including the Arthritis and Immune Disorder Research Centre. Her areas of expertise within rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Pros
- Calm and informative during appointments
- Specialises in arthritis
- Extensive medical practice
- Active scientist and clinical investigator
Cons
- Some complaints of inattentive staff
- Unorganised receptionist
- Not very reliable with follow-ups
Patient Reviews
Calm, plain-spoken, and one of the finest doctors I’ve ever had
“Calm, plain-spoken, and one of the finest doctors I’ve ever had. She’s helping me through a rare autoimmune situation. She is also helping me through another problem. Very importantly, she is highly respected by her peers.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
She was able to put the symptoms together and arrive at a clear diagnosis
“Dr. Bell spent 90 minutes with me during our first visit (I was her last patient that day) as she examined all of the reasons I had been to a doctor in the past couple of years. She was able to put the symptoms together and arrive at a clear diagnosis. She then addressed groups of symptoms in stages over the next year and helped me learn how to live pain-free. I went from barely being able to get out of bed without excruciating pain to living a normal life in about a year. I believe Mary Bell is a skilled and caring physician.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
4. Dr. Dharini Mahendira
Dr. Dharini Mahendira is a specialist and clinical associate in the Rheumatology Division at St. Michael’s Hospital. She completed most of her education at the U of T, where she obtained her medical degree.
Prior to returning for her residency in rheumatology, she completed a residency in internal medicine at Queen’s University. This experience sparked her passion for teaching, leading her to start as an associate professor at her alma mater before transitioning into a role as a clinical educator.
Her dedication to teaching has been recognised with multiple teaching awards, including an Emerging Teacher-Educator Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association.
Remarkably, Dr. Mahendira has a specific interest in reproductive health and pregnancy concerning rheumatic diseases in women. This specialisation prompted her to establish the Pregnancy Arthritis Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital and engage in clinical research presented to an international audience.
Pros
- Gentle with treatments
- Prompt responses over the phone
- Provides detailed follow-up care
- Thorough and easy to understand during appointments
- Ideal for managing reproductive health with rheumatic diseases
Cons
- Few complaints of rushed appointments
- Brusque and impatient for some
Patient Reviews
She is knowledgeable, listens to concerns, shares information, and is very gentle
“Dr. Mahendira has an excellent bedside manner. I have seen her 3 or 4 times in the last 2 years. She is knowledgeable, listens to concerns, shares information, and is very gentle when she applies injections! Her staff are great – this is a very busy clinic and staff have a lot to deal with. One of the best health care providers in my circle of care.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Great advocate for me when I’ve needed tests and other specialists
“Dr Mahendira is thoughtful, kind, and thorough. She has been managing my arthritis and complications with concern and heart. Great advocate for me when I’ve needed tests and other specialists. Practice is getting busy but she’ll make time to answer all my questions. She’s a gem!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
5. Dr. Jacqueline Fabian
Dr. Jacqueline Fabian earned her medical degree in internal medicine from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine in Israel. In 2008, she relocated to Canada to pursue her postgraduate studies in internal medicine and rheumatology at the U of T. Presently, she serves as a specialist at the Uptown Health Centre in Richmond Hill, which is part of the WELL Health Clinic Network comprising over 100 locations across the country.
Through her proactive and consistent care, Dr. Fabian has developed enduring relationships with patients who have entrusted their well-being to her for many years, reporting successful experiences under her guidance. She places a strong emphasis on thorough and meticulous diagnostics to ensure accurate results.
Pros
- Easy to book appointments
- Excellent with ongoing follow-up care
- Round-the-clock responses
- Spends time with patients
- Provides proactive support for referrals
Cons
- No hospital affiliations
- Limited track record
Patient Reviews
Her dedication to her practice and patients is beyond measure
“Dr. Fabian provides excellent care. She takes the time to listen and assess your needs in a compassionate manner. She has gone beyond her duty of care to ensure my health is a number one priority and has saved my life. Her dedication to her practice and patients is beyond measure.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
She takes the time with each patient and is generally invested in their health
“She takes the time with each patient and is generally invested in their health. When I first got sick no one knew what was going on but with her detailed investigation we found out it was a rare autoimmune disease since then she has referred me to great specialists and I know have an amazing healthcare team on my side.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
