Dr. Ahmad Irfan Durrani – Family Doctor | Oshawa, ON

Dr. Ahmad Irfan Durrani is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Pharmalinx Medical Centre in Oshawa, ON, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. His focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Ahmad Irfan Durrani completed his Medical Degree. He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. He provides consultations in English.

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

Common Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Early detection, monitoring of kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), management of risk factors that can worsen CKD (especially diabetes and hypertension), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, lifestyle counseling (dietary advice on protein, sodium, potassium), and timely referrals to nephrology for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, body composition, and overall health status. Providing guidance on evidence-based strategies for weight management including balanced nutrition (calorie awareness, portion control, whole foods), mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating, sleep optimization), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options (pharmacotherapy like GLP-1 agonists, orlistat; bariatric surgery referral) may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual clinical assessment.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.

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: Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals for it, addressing underlying contributing factors (e.g., anxiety, pain, medications, restless legs syndrome), and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary.
• 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.

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Providing prompt care for sudden or severe headaches, offering effective relief, and establishing a plan for ongoing management if headaches are recurrent or chronic.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Helping patients manage their allergy symptoms effectively to improve daily comfort and quality of life.
• 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.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Supporting new parents in caring for their infant, addressing common concerns (colic, reflux, sleep patterns), and promoting bonding and healthy attachment.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Supporting the unique physical, emotional, and social health needs of adolescents during this critical period of rapid development, fostering autonomy, responsible decision-making, and a positive transition to adulthood.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.

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

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care (All Ages - Initial & Ongoing): A comprehensive approach to ADHD care, addressing challenges in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity across the lifespan.
• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, and overall health status. Providing guidance on balanced nutrition, portion control, mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual assessment.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Supporting the unique physical, emotional, and social health needs of adolescents during a critical period of development.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Providing ongoing care for individuals with asthma or COPD to optimize symptom control, reduce frequency of flare-ups, and improve exercise tolerance and quality of life.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Durrani. 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 Pharmalinx Medical Centre, 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. Durrani frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Addressing a persistent feeling of bloating, abdominal discomfort, or noticeable changes in their bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) with Dr. Durrani often leads to having their advance care plans and end-of-life wishes thoughtfully discussed, respectfully explored, and accurately documented with Dr. Durrani well in advance, ensuring their future autonomy and dignity are preserved, enabling patients to more freely engage in passionately playing their favorite competitive or recreational sport – be it soccer on weekends, league hockey, a round of golf, a tennis match, or pickup basketball – regularly, skillfully, and without the constant dread of debilitating pain, flare-ups, or fear of re-injury.
• Overcoming or managing their elderly parent needing a review of their multiple medications to check for interactions and ensure they're all still necessary is a common patient journey at Dr. Durrani's practice. The focus is on enabling 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 Dr. Durrani, so that engaging in independently and efficiently performing all personal grooming and hygiene tasks (bathing, dressing, toileting) without any difficulty, assistance, or associated pain, maintaining their dignity becomes a reality again.
• Many patients have successfully addressed needing a tetanus booster after stepping on something rusty with Dr. Durrani's support. This 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. Durrani and the ability to fully participate in easily and safely being able to kneel down to play on the floor with pets or young children, bend over to tie shoelaces or pick things up, or squat as needed for various daily tasks, gardening, or exercise routines without pain or instability once more.
• Patients often come to Dr. Durrani regarding feeling more anxious, worried, or on edge than usual lately, affecting their daily life. Working together, they aim for obtaining clear, concise, and actionable guidance from Dr. Durrani on when it's appropriate to seek urgent versus routine medical attention for various common symptoms, promoting appropriate health service utilization, making a return to regularly and enthusiastically participating in various group fitness classes such as engaging yoga sessions, lively Zumba workouts, intense spin classes, or calming Pilates routines, all at their own pace, comfort level, and for their specific health benefits feasible.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Durrani, 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. Durrani practices at Pharmalinx Medical Centre, situated in the Lakeview, Farewell neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near North Oshawa Shopping Centres and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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, your local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario may be helpful in finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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. 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.

Can Dr. Durrani help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Durrani plays a crucial role in mental healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Durrani can provide an initial assessment, offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated, and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care is needed. Dr. Durrani can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

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

As your family doctor, Dr. Durrani acts as your primary care coordinator. If he believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, he will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. Dr. Durrani will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. The specialist's office will then typically contact you to book the appointment. It's important to keep Pharmalinx Medical Centre informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Durrani can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

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, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Pharmalinx Medical Centre if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Durrani is well-equipped to be your central point of care. His role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the healthcare system, and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Durrani will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively.

How often should I see Dr. Durrani for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Durrani can vary based on your age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a full check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). For specific screening tests like Pap smears or mammograms, there are established provincial guidelines based on age and gender which Dr. Durrani follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Durrani to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care. Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ins can be important for early detection and health maintenance.

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

To find a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients, check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, which often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. In Ontario, you can also 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.

Pharmalinx Medical Centre
Unit Unit 8, 11 Gibb Street, Unit 8
Oshawa, ON, L1H 2J9

Phone: (905) 579-1212

Dr. Ahmad Irfan Durrani 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: 81956

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Durrani-Ahmad-Irfan/0216587-81956

Family doctors like Dr. Durrani 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.