A few months ago, a close friend of mine started experiencing unbearable joint pain that made even simple daily tasks almost impossible. After a series of frustrating visits to different doctors and specialists, she felt like she was hitting a wall.
Each appointment seemed to end with more questions than answers, and her pain was getting worse. My friend’s ongoing struggle got me thinking of others who experience similar pain and aren’t able to find a suitable rheumatologist.
So, I got some help from the rest of the Best Calgary team in identifying the top rheumatologists in Calgary. We spoke to numerous rheumatologists and gathered feedback from their patients to ensure we were choosing from the very best.
Here are the rheumatologists who stood out due to us and made it onto our list of the top rheumatologists in Calgary.
| How much does it cost to see a rheumatologist in Calgary? Seeing a rheumatologist at a public health centre in Calgary costs at least $20. However, going to a private clinic costs at least $100. The price will vary depending on where you go and your treatment plan. |
Table of Contents
1. Calgary North East Clinic
Address: 1645 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7A3, Canada
Contact Details: +14034416562
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
When it comes to managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or gout, Calgary North East Clinic is a good starting place.
Many of their patients really appreciated the personalised care they received. They told us they felt genuinely listened to and thoroughly cared for by their rheumatologists.
Several people also highlighted how the doctors took the time to explain each diagnosis in detail. The rheumatologists even go above and beyond at times to outline the full range of treatment options, ensuring patients understand the pros and cons of each one.
Moreover, many liked how approachable the nurses were. Patients described the atmosphere of the clinic as welcoming and friendly. This made a huge difference for those who needed regular appointments to manage chronic conditions.
However, since the clinic is by referral only, many found themselves waiting longer than they’d like to see a rheumatologist.
Pros
- Personalised care
- Detailed diagnosis explanations
- Approachable staff
Cons
- Referral only
Customer Reviews
I feel I’m extremely lucky to have him as my doctor.
“Dr. Heyland is amazing. When I first started to see him in January 2020, we weren’t sure what was wrong with me. After a few visits, he was able to diagnose me. Unfortunately I have a rare autoimmune disease, but Dr. Heyland is always making sure I am receiving the proper medication, along with the other doctors to make sure it stays under control. I feel I’m extremely lucky to have him as my doctor. I highly recommend both him and the clinic.”
— Cathay P Google Review
They always go above and beyond to make sure you feel heard and comfortable
“This clinic is awesome. Dr. Cooper is so helpful and knowledgeable. He takes the time needed with patients and is very thorough and helpful. I have really appreciated the kindness shown by Dr.Cooper and clinic staff. They always go above and beyond to make sure You feel heard and comfortable.”
— Emily F Google Review
2. Hector Arbillaga
Address: 1645 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7A3, Canada
Contact Details: +14032657117
Dr. Hector Arbillaga at Arbillaga H.O. Dr. is known for his deep understanding of rheumatology and patient-centred approach. People were glowing about his level of knowledge and expertise, especially on inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune conditions.
With over 20 years in the game and being a member of groups like the Canadian Rheumatology Association and the Canadian Network for Outcomes and Research in Rheumatology, it’s clear why he’s so effective.
One of the standout praises was how Dr. Arbillaga explains everything in a way that’s really easy to understand. Many said he spends extra time making sure they grasp what’s going on with their treatment and condition.
The patients we talked to also felt genuinely cared for, noting his compassionate and patient demeanour.
However, many told us that getting an appointment can be tough. His office tends to be pretty busy, which might mean waiting longer than you’d like to get in to see him.
Pros
- Patient-centred approach
- Go-to for inflammatory arthritis
- Excellent communication skills
Cons
- Hard to schedule an appointment
Customer Reviews
Dr. Arbillaga was friendly, compassionate and very thorough
“All of the staff were so professional and friendly ! Mo was an exceptional listener and took the most comprehensive history i have ever experienced. Dr. Arbillaga was friendly, compassionate and very thorough with his examination and advice. Definitely would recommend this office and physician 😊”
— Norma Webb Google Review
He is very thoughtful and concerned of your overall health
“Very fortunate to have Dr Arbillaga treating my rheumatoid arthritis. He is very thoughtful and concerned of your overall health. When Dr Arbillaga investigates something that is problematic he does not stop until all avenues have been explored. Although the drive is several hours for a personal appointment I do not consider that to be an inconvenience and will continue to do so.”
— Hugh Munro Google Review
3. Dr. Stajkovic
Address: 1645 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7A3, Canada
Contact Details: +14034416562
Dr. Stajkovic might just be your best choice if you’re the type who gets stressed about medical visits.
Several people pointed out that Dr. Stajkovic’s warm and friendly demeanour really helps put them at ease. She’s the kind of doctor who makes you feel like you’re talking to a friend rather than someone in a lab coat.
And from what we’ve gathered, Dr. Stajkovic is absolutely top-notch when it comes to her medical knowledge and diagnosis skills. Several of her patients expressed that she pieces together symptoms that other doctors might overlook.
What really stands out to her patients, though, is her patience and listening skills. No matter how many questions you have, she takes the time to answer each one without rushing.
That said, we received a few reports about long wait times. Many told us that even with an appointment, you’d best be prepared to sit in the waiting room for quite a bit. Some found this frustrating, especially when they were already in pain or discomfort.
Pros
- Friendly demeanour
- Catches symptoms that other doctors overlook
- Excellent listening skills
Cons
- Long wait times
Customer Reviews
I’m happy to say my mobility is back
“I did have to wait but wow, totally worth it! Years of physio, all kinds of treatments, diets, doctors..finally Svetlana diagnosed me, gave me a prognosis and a treatment plan with hope! She was positive I’d see results, and of course, I was skeptical! I’ve been limping for years by then, but I’m happy to say my mobility is back, I’ve got more joint movement than I have since getting arthritis. I actually wore shoes and boots recently! It’s a process, but after years of no results, I now have real positive results! The best part is the pain. I can’t believe I can walk without pain again! My passion for walking is a reality again! I highly recommend if you are suffering rheumatoid arthritis.”
— Marija Shadowstalk Google Review
Dr. Strajkovic is very kind and relatable
“Dr. Strajkovic is a very kind and relatable dr. I am very happy to have been referred to her as she is knowledgeable and patient. I have been seeing her for many years for help dealing with my psoriatic arthritis. I have never found the wait time a problem as delays are not intentional in her office.”
— Judy Turbach Google Review
4. Dr Uzma Erum
Address: 11420 27 St SE Unit 220, Calgary, AB T2Z 3R6, Canada
Contact Details: +15874300667
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 3 PM
- Friday – 8:30 AM to 1 PM
If you’re looking for top-notch medical care and a doctor who really gets rheumatology, Dr. Uzma Erum is a solid choice. Whether you’re dealing with something tricky like lupus or something common like gout, she’s got it covered.
She diagnoses and treats a range of rheumatic diseases and offers education and support. When you need extra help, she can even refer you to specialists like physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Plus, she’s also involved in clinical trials, which means you might have access to cutting-edge treatments that aren’t widely available yet.
Patients also told us they appreciate how she takes complex medical jargon and breaks it down into plain English. You know, so you actually understand what’s going on with your own body.
And it’s not just her brain that people rave about. From what we’ve gathered, her professionalism and compassion make her stand out too.
One big downside we noted, though, is that getting in touch by phone can be tricky.
Pros
- Treats diverse rheumatic diseases
- Access to clinical trials
- Clear communication
Cons
- Difficult to reach by phone
Customer Reviews
Her passion to help is very clear
“Dr. Erum has been my rheumatologist for over 5 years now. She’s very knowledgeable and thorough. She is very blunt, which I appreciate, but that does not mean she does not care and in my opinion she still maintains a high level of professionalism. Her passion to help is very clear and while the truth can be hard to hear sometimes, I appreciate her direct approach.”
— Diana Floen Google Review
Dr Erum told me step by step everything I needed to do to afford them
“To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure about Dr. Erum at first. Her office set up was pretty unprofessional as it was in a small pharmacy. After a few visits I saw what a good Rheumatologist I had and could easily ignore the “Mickey Mouse” set up. After having a previously pushy Rheumy who kept insisting on extremely expensive biological meds even though I kept telling I could not afford it, I became scared when Dr Erum also wanted me on them. The difference is that Dr Erum told me step by step everything I needed to do to afford them. THIS is the sign of someone who cares. I am now in medical remission. Her new office is much more professional but I kind of agree about the slow response in answering calls and calling back. Still a 5 because I can now lead a more normal life due to her help.”
— Carmen Talbot Google Review
5. Caleo Health
Address: 1402 8 Ave NW #200, Calgary, AB T2N 1B9, Canada
Contact Details: +14032413529
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
If you’re battling rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or osteoarthritis, Caleo Health is worth checking out.
Almost everyone we spoke with had something positive to say about the comprehensive rheumatology assessments at this clinic. Many told us the assessments made them feel genuinely heard and understood.
Pain management is another area where Caleo Health shines. A lot of patients appreciated the variety of options available, from medication and injections to physical therapy.
Several of their patients shared how their customized pain management plan drastically reduced their flare-ups. The team is also open to tweaking their care plan based on what worked and what didn’t.
Education and support are also top-notch here. We heard from several people how the team at Caleo Health provides clear, useful information about their conditions. This helps patients feel more in control and less anxious about their symptoms.
Pros
- Comprehensive rheumatology assessments
- Customised pain management plans
- Supportive and understanding staff
Cons
- Long appointment wait times
Customer Reviews
Never hesitated to tackle issues when they got difficult
I’ve been seeing GP, Dr. Morse at Caleo since 2008. He’s the best doctor I’ve ever had. I have a very complex history of chronic illnesses and Dr. Morse has never hesitated to tackle issues when they got difficult, and celebrate with me through victories. His nursing staff is on top of everything and is always very helpful and kind. Caleo is a great clinic!
— Virginia Clark, Google Reviews
He makes you feel comfortable and helps you
Dr Morse is amazing! My family and I have seen him for years. He makes you feel comfortable and helps you find all your options for treatment or medication.
— Lo Sinclair, Google Reviews
