I recently found out that Dr. Schwartz has retired. He has been my doctor since 2007, he performed all three Gamma Knife surgeries on me, and he has been my primary neuro doctor as I recover from my second bleed and third treatment (2021). I’m just wondering what people’s experiences are like with his replacement? After 19 years of dealing with my AVM, I’m hesitant to continue any treatment/follow-up at all, and having an AVM recovery that outlasts the career of my surgeon is frightening. So just wondering what I might expect from my new team?
Julia, I don’t know Dr. Schwartz, or his replacement. I was treated in Winnipeg with Gamma Knife by a wonderful Team. I dealt with two different neurosurgeons, and they were fantastic! I would look forward to meeting the replacement, I would guess that he/she was mentored by Dr. Schwartz, or hopefully! Just my thoughts, but hope you are thinking similarly! Take Care, John.
Thanks, John. I do have faith in my team in general, just looking to connect with other patients of Dr. Schwartz to hear experiences about his replacement. (I think many of us in Ontario had him perform our Gamma Knife surgeries.) Perhaps fresh eyes will help me finally be rid of this AVM??
Like you Julia, Dr. Schwartz saved my life. He is an excellent neurologist who oversaw my case after two surgeries failed to completely remove my AVM. He successfully treated me with the Gamma Knife and kindly called me afterwards to share the good news.
It’s sad to hear that he will no longer be part of the team of neurologists. However, after his long career, he deserves a enjoyable retirement.
It won’t be easy to find someone as talented as he is to replace him.
Thank you Julia for reminding me of his memorable career.
Thanks, Enrique. Dr. Schwartz was excellent for me; he was willing to take me on right away when my team at SickKids didn’t want to operate in 2007 (and they instead told me to go sky-diving ). Dr. Schwartz talked to me in person in pre-op for my last Gamma Knife and was always very understanding.
Hopefully my last surgery was a success and I can (finally) put this all behind me soon.
I also had Dr. Schwartz and was pleased with the organization of the Gamma Knife clinic at Toronto Western. He did my last treatment in 2024. Since then I have not had the best experience with the clinic unfortunately. Important prescriptions forgotten, MRI’s booked later than my follow-up consults, and pushing me off to other resources when I have requests. The mismanagement of my steroids was the most concerning as I have significant edema. This resulted in a seizure which is not ideal, but it happens. Speaking to the head surgeon Dr. Radovanovic was more reassuring than the other members I spoke with. I hope with time the experience becomes more streamlined for others. All the best
Thanks, Sean. Luckily I’m in the follow-up stage of treatment (I hope), and I’m not taking any medication. Fingers crossed that my new team will just keep reading my scans and then will discharge me in a year or two.
). Dr. Schwartz talked to me in person in pre-op for my last Gamma Knife and was always very understanding.
