Most-requested services
Clear access to the care patients most often come in for.
All family medicine services
Each page explains the approach, care process, and common questions.
Annual health assessments & preventive care
Preventive visits are more than a checklist—they are a chance to update your risk profile, medications, immunizations, and lifestyle goals. Screening recommendations evolve; we align discussions with trusted Canadian sources such as the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) when appropriate to your age and health status. Your visit may include blood pressure, targeted labs, cancer screening conversations, mental health screening, and referrals for colonoscopy, mammography, or other tests when indicated—not everyone needs every test every year. We document a shared plan so you know what happens next and when to return.
Chronic disease management
Chronic conditions need continuity: home monitoring (blood pressure, glucose), periodic labs, medication titration, and early recognition of complications. We align discussions with reputable Canadian references—for example Diabetes Canada for glycemic targets and Hypertension Canada for blood-pressure management—while tailoring plans to your comorbidities, preferences, and access to pharmacy or allied health. Care plans name measurable goals (e.g., BP, A1c, LDL), who adjusts what between visits, and when to escalate to the ER or specialist.
Women's health
Women’s health in primary care spans adolescence through menopause: heavy or painful periods, contraception that fits your life, screening for cervical cancer (Pap/HPV per provincial programs), and discussion of bone health, cardiovascular risk, and mental health. Canadian preventive guidance evolves; we reference sources such as the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care for screening conversations and CFPC resources for office-based women’s health topics. When pregnancy is desired or complex gynecology is needed, we coordinate with obstetrics/gynecology.
Men's health
Men often present later for preventive care; we normalize discussion of blood pressure, weight, activity, sleep, and mood. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is not a one-size recommendation—the Canadian Task Force emphasizes shared decision-making for average-risk men. We also address erectile dysfunction (often linked to cardiovascular risk), low testosterone only when clinically appropriate, and screening for colorectal cancer and other age-based prevention. Resources such as Hypertension Canada help frame BP targets alongside your overall health.
Pediatric care
From newborns to teens, we track growth charts, developmental milestones, vision/hearing screening when due, and safety (car seats, drowning, button batteries). Immunization protects against serious infections; we follow Health Canada’s overview of provincial schedules and Ontario’s routine program. For trusted child health information, Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society) is a helpful patient resource. Red-flag symptoms (respiratory distress, dehydration, non-blanching rash, altered consciousness) may require emergency care—we give clear return precautions.
Mental health in primary care
Family doctors manage much of Canada’s mental health burden: depression, generalized anxiety, panic, insomnia, ADHD, and substance-related concerns. We use validated screening when helpful, discuss therapy first-line for many conditions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), and prescribe medications when appropriate with follow-up for efficacy and side effects. For self-help orientation, CAMH publishes trustworthy public information; crisis care is not outpatient—if you are unsafe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Canada’s nationwide suicide crisis line is 988 (talk/text). Complex psychosis, severe eating disorders, or acute mania typically need psychiatry— we facilitate referral.
Immunizations
Vaccines are among the most effective preventive tools we have. We document your history, contraindications, and allergies, then recommend vaccines per Ontario’s programs and Health Canada immunization resources . Adults may need Tdap boosters, COVID-19 updates, pneumococcal vaccines by age/risk, and recombinant zoster vaccine for eligible ages. We explain common side effects (sore arm, fatigue) versus rare emergencies (anaphylaxis—stay in clinic for observation when indicated).
Minor office procedures
Office procedures can reduce wait times and keep care in your medical home. We confirm indication, anticoagulation status, infection risk, and consent before sterile technique. For post-procedure expectations, Canadian primary-care references such as CFPC continuing education materials align with how family physicians scope office procedures. For patient-oriented detail pages—abscess care, joint procedures, skin biopsies, IUD insertion, and others—see our office procedures hub. Complex lesions, uncertain anatomy, or high bleeding risk may be referred to dermatology, orthopedics, or surgery.
Allergy assessment
Allergy diagnosis starts with a detailed history—seasonal vs perennial symptoms, relation to food, insect stings, or medications. We examine for comorbidities (asthma, eczema) and may trial intranasal steroids or antihistamines before referral. For patient education, Health Canada’s allergies overview summarizes common triggers. Skin prick testing, specific IgE, and supervised oral food challenges are typically performed by allergists; unproven “food sensitivity” blood panels are discouraged.
Travel medicine
We map your itinerary (urban vs rural, altitude, season) and health conditions (pregnancy, splenectomy, asplenia) to decide vaccines and medications. Official travel health guidance is updated frequently—consult Health Canada’s travel health and CDC Travelers’ Health for destination-specific advice. Yellow fever and other live vaccines require scheduling; some malaria prophylaxis regimens start before departure. We document prescriptions and emergency contact plans; specialized travel clinics may be required for complex itineraries.
Sports & activity medicine
We triage acute injuries (sprains, strains, suspected fracture) versus chronic overuse (tendinopathy, stress reaction). Concussion care emphasizes rest, graded return to school/work, then sport—consistent with public education tools such as CDC HEADS UP for concussion basics. For stress fractures or high-demand athletes, we coordinate imaging and physiotherapy or sports medicine clinics. Red flags (neurovascular compromise, open fracture, inability to bear weight) may require emergency care.
Care for older adults
Aging in place works best when we identify risks early: orthostatic hypotension, high-risk medications, vision/hearing loss, and home hazards. We review medications for fall-risk culprits (benzodiazepines, sedatives) and consider deprescribing when benefits no longer outweigh harms—concepts aligned with Canadian primary-care quality improvement. For cognition, we screen for reversible contributors (depression, hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency) and refer for memory clinic assessment when indicated. Public resources on healthy aging and falls prevention are available from Health Canada’s aging and seniors hub . We support families navigating home care, long-term care, and palliative care transitions.
Abscess incision and drainage
Superficial skin and soft-tissue abscesses are common in primary care. Management balances source control (drainage), host factors (diabetes, immunosuppression), and antibiotic decisions. Review summaries aimed at clinicians—such as the American Family Physician overview of skin abscesses —mirror how family physicians weigh incision and drainage versus adjunct antibiotics. In Canada, continuing competency in office procedures is supported through resources from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) . We assess spread (cellulitis, systemic toxicity), landmarks, anticoagulation, and pain control; procedures that may require imaging, operating-theatre drainage, or anesthesia beyond local are referred.
Abscess packing
Packing may be used after incision and drainage to keep the cavity open while it drains from deep to superficial. Not every abscess needs packing—clinical judgment depends on cavity size, depth, and location. Wound-care approaches in primary care align with teaching on asepsis and patient education emphasized by the CFPC . We teach you or your caregiver how to change outer dressings and book visits to remove or advance packing safely.
Ear syringing / irrigation for wax impaction
Cerumen (earwax) protects the canal but may accumulate to cause fullness, itch, cough reflex, or conductive hearing loss. Irrigation can be effective when the tympanic membrane is intact and there is no history suggesting perforation, prior otologic surgery, or acute infection. Patient-oriented guidance on ear wax is summarized by resources such as HealthLink BC and paediatric handouts from Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society) . Office technique emphasizes gentle warm water, visualization when equipment allows, and stop rules for pain, vertigo, or bleeding. Hard impactions may require cerumen softeners for several days first or referral to ENT for microscopy/suction.
Endometrial biopsy
Endometrial biopsy is a common ambulatory gynecology procedure performed by trained family physicians, general practitioners with enhanced skills, and gynecologists. Clinical pathways for abnormal uterine bleeding in Canada are informed by The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) publications and college standards. We review pregnancy status, anticoagulation, cervical stenosis risk, pain control options, and post-procedure expectations (cramping, light bleeding). Samples are sent to pathology; urgent referral is arranged if results reveal hyperplasia with atypia, malignancy, or if inadequate tissue prevents diagnosis.
Excision of skin lesions
Excisional biopsy or definitive excision is used for concerning pigmented lesions, selected keratinocyte cancers after diagnostic confirmation, and some benign growths causing symptoms. Canadian primary-care clinicians follow dermatology referral pathways for lesions with high malignant potential or complex facial/subunit anatomy. Patient education on melanoma awareness is supported by resources such as the Canadian Dermatology Association public pages. We discuss scar trade-offs, wound care, nerve injury risks near cosmetically sensitive areas, and pathology turnaround.
Excision of subcutaneous skin lesion
Subcutaneous masses should be evaluated for duration, growth, depth, neurovascular proximity, and red-flag features (rapid enlargement, fixation, systemic symptoms). Imaging (ultrasound) is sometimes arranged before excision. Review references for lipoma and cyst excision in family medicine—such as concise procedural summaries in AAFP journals—align with careful dissection to remove the capsule when treating epidermal cysts to reduce recurrence. Large lesions, intramuscular masses, or uncertain imaging may be referred to general surgery.
IUD (intrauterine device) placement
Intrauterine contraception is highly effective and may suit many patients regardless of parity. WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (available via WHO reproductive health resources) help classify safety in the presence of medical conditions. Canadian guidance is integrated through organizations such as SOGC and public orientation from Health Canada’s contraception hub . We screen for pregnancy, untreated STI, uterine anomalies, and proceeding pain plans; insertion timing follows menses or emergency-post-coital protocols when applicable.
Joint aspiration
Joint aspiration informs cell count, crystals, Gram stain/culture, and gross appearance. Septic arthritis is an emergency until excluded—family physicians trained in aspiration expedite diagnosis while consulting orthopedics/rheumatology as indicated. Procedural primers such as the AAFP arthrocentesis overview emphasize preparation, anatomical landmarks, and post-procedural care. In-office aspiration is limited by sterile equipment, patient cooperation, joint location, and physician skill—hip, deep shoulder, or high suspicion pediatric cases may go to ER/OR.
Joint injection
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections can reduce pain and flares in selected osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies. Reviews in family medicine journals (e.g., AAFP musculoskeletal injection series ) outline anatomical landmarks and volumes. Canadian OA care also references high-quality lifestyle and multimodal management alongside injections. We screen for infection, unstable joint, recent vaccine timing considerations (per current immunization references), post-injection glucose effects in diabetes, and tendon rupture rare risks after repeated peri-tendinous steroid.
Punch biopsy of skin lesion
Punch biopsy balances diagnostic yield with cosmesis on cosmetically sensitive areas. The American Academy of Dermatology outlines why biopsies matter in pigmented lesion workups. In Canada, dermatopathology services interpret specimens; we orient the specimen for epidermis marking if lateral margin assessment matters. Punch sites heal by secondary intention or single suture depending on size and tension.
Removal of sutures
Suture schedules typically range from approximately 5–7 days on the face to 10–14 days on the trunk or extremities, adjusted for tension, nutrition, steroids, and patient comorbidities. Patient education on normal healing versus infection parallels material from the CFPC wound-care teaching and public wound hygiene resources. If erythema spreads, pus appears, or the wound opens, we reassess—don’t wait for a “routine” suture day if concerning symptoms arise.
Toenail removal
Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are managed with conservative hygiene, antibiotics when cellulitis is present, and office procedures when recurrence limits quality of life. Evidence-focused reviews for primary care—such as the AAFP ingrown toenail article —compare partial nail avulsion with phenol chemical matricectomy versus surgery referral for severe deformity. Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and immunosuppression raise risk—lower thresholds for podiatry/orthopedic involvement and cautious wound surveillance.
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