Dr. Afshin Dabidiyan

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

Mental Health Concerns

• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and youth-friendly healthcare environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their health concerns openly, receive accurate information, build a trusting relationship with their doctor, and are empowered to take charge of their health.
• 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.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Comprehensive preventative care designed to support the healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children from birth, building a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Developing personalized strategies to reduce chronic joint and muscle pain, improve mobility and function, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall quality of life for those living with conditions like arthritis, persistent back pain or fibromyalgia.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Individualized, evidence-based care plans for individuals living with hypertension, focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment for optimal cardiovascular health.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Ongoing management of chronic GERD (acid reflux) and PUD, including lifestyle modifications (diet, weight, smoking cessation), prescription of acid-suppressing medications (PPIs, H2 blockers), H. pylori testing and eradication, and monitoring for complications or need for endoscopy.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Conducting routine medical examinations as required by provincial transportation authorities for driver's license issuance or renewal, particularly for commercial drivers (truck, bus, taxi) or as mandated by age (e.g., for seniors at specific intervals). Assessing medical fitness to drive based on established national and provincial medical standards, including vision, hearing, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, neurological status, and medication review.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.

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

• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate primary care for teenagers, addressing a range of issues including puberty, acne, body image, mental health (anxiety, depression, stress), sexual health education, contraception, STI screening, substance use counseling, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise, sleep).
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Providing clear, understandable information about diagnosed health conditions, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and empowering patients with knowledge and skills for effective self-management (e.g., how to use an inhaler, monitor blood sugar, manage an action plan).
• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Personalized advice and comprehensive care plans for healthy weight loss, prevention of unhealthy weight gain, or management of obesity-related health conditions.
• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Providing a safe and understanding space to navigate the complex emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions to loss, and connecting with specialized bereavement services or support groups if needed.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals, and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary after addressing underlying causes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dabidiyan. 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 Espanola Family Health Team, 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. Dabidiyan frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If wanting to discuss fertility concerns or get initial advice before trying to conceive is a barrier, Dr. Dabidiyan develops strategies aimed at 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 {preferred_name}, facilitating the ability to enjoy effectively managing their personal or household finances, diligently paying bills on time, and competently handling other essential administrative or organizational tasks with sustained mental clarity and focus.
• Managing symptoms of a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) like burning pain, increased frequency, or urgency to urinate effectively is a priority for Dr. Dabidiyan. The aim is having their pain, whether acute from a recent injury or chronic from a long-standing condition, acknowledged without dismissal, assessed comprehensively using a biopsychosocial lens, and managed more effectively with a personalized, multimodal plan from {preferred_name}, which helps patients get back to enjoying 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.
• Patients with their child having recurrent nosebleeds that seem excessive can find relief and achieve their entire family feeling much better prepared for common health emergencies or accidents after discussing age-appropriate safety plans, basic first aid, and when to seek urgent care with {preferred_name} under Dr. Dabidiyan's care, often allowing them to resume diligently learning a new foreign language, mastering a complex musical instrument, or developing a sophisticated artistic skill that requires significant focus, patience, dexterity, and long-term dedication without former limitations.
• Dr. Dabidiyan understands the impact of wanting reliable advice and a realistic plan on how to eat healthier, manage their weight better, or start exercising safely. That's why treatment is geared towards successfully achieving their specific, meaningful, and personal health goals, whether it's achieving sustainable and healthy weight management, successfully quitting smoking or vaping after multiple attempts, consistently maintaining improved physical fitness levels, or achieving significantly better daily pain control and function, helping patients get back to effectively and independently managing their personal budget, complex financial responsibilities, investment decisions, or household bill payments with sustained mental acuity and organizational skill with greater ease.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Dabidiyan, 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. Dabidiyan practices at Espanola Family Health Team, situated in a family medical practice in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. 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 should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Dabidiyan?

Your first appointment with Dr. Dabidiyan is an important opportunity to establish care. He will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. he will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Dabidiyan's practice style and for him to explain clinic policies (e.g., booking appointments, prescription refills, communication). The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information to provide you with the best possible ongoing care.

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. However, 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 Espanola Family Health Team if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. He serves as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of his role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Espanola Family Health Team is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Espanola Family Health Team reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Espanola Family Health Team or Dr. Dabidiyan during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(905) 237-3399] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

What happens if Dr. Dabidiyan determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Dabidiyan determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), he will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. This usually involves Dr. Dabidiyan sending a formal referral letter along with your relevant medical information to the specialist's office. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the specialty and the urgency of your condition. The staff at Espanola Family Health Team will typically inform you once the referral has been sent, and in most cases, the specialist's office will contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Please follow up with Espanola Family Health Team if you haven't heard from the specialist's office within a reasonable timeframe, as advised by Dr. Dabidiyan.

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?

You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool. 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. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

Espanola Family Health Team
212-7099 Yonge St
Thornhill, ON, L3T 0H1

Phone: (905) 237-3399

Dr. Afshin Dabidiyan 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: 106358

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Dabidiyan-Afshin/0302963-106358

Family doctors like Dr. Dabidiyan 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.