Dr. Bashar Mazin Salman

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

Adult Common Health Issues

• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Helping patients find relief from itchy, irritated, or dry eyes through appropriate primary care interventions and guidance.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Referral to urology for severe symptoms, complications (e.g., acute urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, renal impairment due to obstruction), or if surgical intervention (e.g., TURP) is being considered.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Primary care support for managing discomfort and preventing complications associated with venous disease. Referral to vascular specialists or phlebologists for more advanced treatments (e.g., sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, surgery) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or complicated by ulceration or recurrent phlebitis.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• 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): Providing effective treatment for various viral skin conditions to alleviate symptoms, shorten duration of outbreaks, prevent complications (like PHN or secondary bacterial infection), and reduce transmission where applicable.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Differentiating between benign and potentially suspicious skin lesions is a key role, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if any features suggest skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood vaccines (e.g., DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate (Groups A,C,Y,W-135 and Group B), Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza) to protect against serious and preventable infectious diseases, according to current provincial and national (NACI) guidelines.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): A first point of contact and trusted resource for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, advocacy, and clear pathways to specialized care and school-based supports.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including education on inhaler/spacer technique, trigger avoidance, development of personalized asthma action plans for home and school), eczema (atopic dermatitis - focusing on skincare, emollients, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, trigger management), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Includes initial assessment and guidance for food allergies, with referral to pediatric allergists for confirmation and comprehensive management if indicated.

Joint Muscle Pain

• 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.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Primary care coordination for back and neck pain, including referral to physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or specialist pain services when appropriate for persistent or disabling symptoms.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Personalized treatment plans for managing elevated lipid levels, incorporating regular monitoring, patient education, and strategies for long-term cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Helping patients control symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and epigastric pain, and prevent long-term issues associated with chronic acid exposure or ulcers.

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

• 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.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Proactive care to maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and manage established osteoporosis.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Monitoring kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), managing risk factors (especially diabetes and hypertension that can worsen CKD), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, and coordinating care for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Screening, Counseling & Treatment: Confidential screening for common STBBIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B/C) based on risk factors and guidelines. Includes counseling on prevention, safe practices, partner notification if applicable, and providing treatment for common STIs.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Assessing new or sudden onset headaches or dizziness to differentiate between common causes (e.g., tension headache, migraine, benign positional vertigo) and more serious underlying conditions, providing initial management and referral if indicated.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Salman. 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 HBKR, 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. Salman frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Struggling with it being time for their regular comprehensive health check-up and physical exam? Dr. Salman helps patients target having their specific concerns about a child's unique developmental trajectory, learning style, or challenging behavior addressed by Dr. Salman with appropriate, validated screening tools, initial guidance, and highly effective, timely referrals to specialists or community programs when indicated, making a return to activities such as effortlessly keeping up actively and playfully with their energetic young children, adventurous grandchildren, or even active pets, without getting easily winded, overly sore, or needing to sit out frequently more achievable.
• The focus for patients with wanting to understand their personal risk factors for heart disease or stroke and how to reduce them at Dr. Salman's practice is achieving their legitimate concerns about potential medication side effects or adverse drug reactions being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by Dr. Salman, often leading to helpful and safe adjustments in their prescribed treatment plan, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like participating fully, actively, and joyfully in all extended family activities, special gatherings, milestone celebrations, and holiday traditions.
• Patients with needing help to manage side effects from a new medication prescribed by a specialist can find relief and achieve noticeably reducing their reliance on, and need for, urgent care clinics or hospital emergency room visits for conditions that are now being effectively managed or prevented through proactive, continuous, and comprehensive primary care with Dr. Salman under Dr. Salman's care, often allowing them to resume efficiently and capably performing all necessary household chores like vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, doing laundry, deep cleaning, and grocery shopping without excessive physical strain, pain, or subsequent exhaustion without former limitations.
• If a lingering chesty cough with phlegm that's making them worried about bronchitis is a barrier, Dr. Salman develops strategies aimed at feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Salman when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances, facilitating the ability to enjoy 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.

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

Dr. Salman practices at HBKR, situated in the West Brant neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Brantford City Hall and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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

For every appointment with Dr. Salman, 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. Salman 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.

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 provincial health card. Some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with HBKR if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

As a family doctor, Dr. Salman is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. He will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Salman will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved, manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions (polypharmacy review), and develop a comprehensive care plan that aligns with your overall health goals and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions and concerns is key.

What if Dr. Salman works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Salman?

Dr. Salman practices as part of HBKR, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Salman, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, you might be seen by another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach can enhance access to care and provide comprehensive support. HBKR will always strive to have you see Dr. Salman for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, register with Health Care Connect, ask for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. It may take time to find a doctor.

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

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

HBKR
Unit Room 2E107, unit 2A - 164 Colborne Street West, GUaG / ENS
Brantford, ON, N3T 1L2

Phone: (519) 304-9200

Dr. Bashar Mazin Salman 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: 102536

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Salman-Bashar-Mazin/0289602-102536

Family doctors like Dr. Salman 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.