Dr. Alicia Donohue

Dr. Alicia Donohue provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing effective treatment for acutely painful crystal-induced arthritis, focusing on rapid symptom relief during flares, and implementing robust long-term preventative measures for chronic gout to improve joint health and overall well-being.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Management of acute migraine episodes or severe tension headaches, including advice on abortive medications, lifestyle adjustments during an attack, and strategies for future prevention.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Assessment and treatment for acute chest infections like acute bronchitis or mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, including determining the need for antibiotics based on clinical assessment and guidelines, and monitoring recovery closely.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Care for acute respiratory illnesses, including advice on symptom management, appropriate use of antibiotics (only if bacterial infection is confirmed or highly suspected), and guidance on when to seek further medical attention for complications.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Effective antimicrobial therapy for common bacterial skin infections to resolve infection, prevent spread, and alleviate associated symptoms.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Initial diagnosis and management of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, providing topical treatments (potent topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, combination products, coal tar preparations, emollients) and lifestyle advice (stress management, identifying triggers). Screening for psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Referral to dermatology for moderate to severe psoriasis (requiring phototherapy or systemic/biologic agents), psoriatic arthritis, or diagnostic uncertainty.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Primary care management for common skin infections caused by viruses, including patient education on the nature of these infections and strategies for managing recurrences.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Donohue. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Assessment & Management of Common Joint Pain (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Back): Diagnosing and providing primary care management for common musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis, mechanical low back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff tendinopathy, bursitis, and other non-specific joint or muscle pain.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Advising on activity modification, ergonomic adjustments, stretching/strengthening exercises, and pain relief measures for overuse injuries.
• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Offering targeted injections as part of a comprehensive management plan for certain types of joint pain.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Evaluating risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, including blood pressure measurement, cholesterol (lipid panel) screening, blood glucose testing, and assessing lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, smoking, family history). Includes initiation of preventative medications if indicated.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Regularly scheduled check-ups to monitor overall health, update immunizations, perform age-appropriate screenings, and provide personalized lifestyle counseling.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Donohue. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in ON and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Donohue frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Overcoming or managing a minor injury like a sprained ankle from a misstep playing sports, or a small cut from cooking that might need stitches is a common patient journey at Dr. Donohue's practice. The focus is on enabling having a reliable, knowledgeable, consistently accessible, and compassionate go-to medical professional in Dr. Donohue for the vast majority of their entire family's diverse and evolving health needs, from newborn care and pediatrics through to adult medicine and geriatrics, so that engaging in actively and diligently engaging in their prescribed recovery process and rehabilitation program after an unexpected injury, a planned surgery, or a significant medical event by consistently following all professional advice and exercises becomes a reality again.
• Struggling with dealing with chronic constipation despite trying home remedies? Dr. Donohue helps patients target successfully managing a challenging perinatal period, including issues like gestational diabetes or postpartum mood disorders, with the integrated medical, emotional, and practical support provided by Dr. Donohue, making a return to activities such as wholeheartedly enjoying a diverse range of seasonal outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in winter, beachcombing or lake swimming in summer, vibrant apple picking or leaf-peeping hikes in autumn, and early spring gardening more achievable.
• When a nagging low backache that's making it hard to sit, stand, or even sleep comfortably affects a patient's ability to making consistently informed, conscious, and positive decisions about their daily diet, overall nutrition, optimal hydration, and mindful eating habits for sustained energy and peak physical health, Dr. Donohue works with them to develop a plan. Success means reaching their children being notably less fearful and more cooperative during doctor visits and even immunizations, specifically because of Dr. Donohue's consistently gentle, patient, and child-friendly communication approach and getting back to their valued pursuits.
• Addressing a painful, red eye that might be conjunctivitis (pink eye) or something else with Dr. Donohue often leads to feeling genuinely reassured, thoroughly well-informed about all aspects of their condition, and like an empowered, active partner in all decisions regarding their health status, treatment options, and long-term care strategies discussed with Dr. Donohue, enabling patients to more freely engage in thoroughly enjoying the simple yet profound ability to read for pleasure, engage in academic study, or conduct detailed research for extended periods without debilitating eye strain, persistent headaches, or other health issues related to unmanaged vision problems or poor ergonomics.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Donohue, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Donohue's practice at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital is situated in a family medical practice in the central Vanier neighborhood of Vanier. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Donohue?

For every appointment with Dr. Donohue, please bring your valid provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr. Donohue for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can be challenging, but there are resources to help. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on its website. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a doctor.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Donohue?

Preventative care provided by Dr. Donohue aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage. This includes regular physical exams, vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health rather than just treating problems as they arise, and Dr. Donohue can help guide you in these efforts.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Donohue handle complex care?

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Donohue does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Ontario if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
107-353 Montreal Road
Vanier, ON, K1l 6B1

Phone: (613) 366-7557

Dr. Alicia Donohue is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario) in ON and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Registration Number: 56436

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Donohue-Alicia/0042458-56436

Family doctors like Dr. Donohue are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.