Dr. Akinni Akim Salaou – Family Doctor | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Akinni Akim Salaou is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at Clinique DELTA SANTE, GMF Delta Santé in Gatineau, QC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. Akinni Akim Salaou completed his Family Medicine (2017). 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 dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. He offers consultations in French.

Dr. Akinni Akim Salaou 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

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in appropriate clinical contexts (e.g., patients with peptic ulcer disease, certain types of gastritis, dyspepsia in high-prevalence areas, or family history of gastric cancer) using non-invasive methods like urea breath test, stool antigen test, or serology (less reliable for active infection).
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Providing initial management strategies for RLS, including lifestyle modifications (e.g., regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine/alcohol close to bedtime), checking and correcting iron deficiency (ferritin levels), and considering pharmacological options (e.g., dopamine agonists like pramipexole/ropinirole, gabapentin enacarbil) for moderate to severe, frequent symptoms that significantly impact sleep or quality of life. Referral to neurology or sleep specialist for complex or refractory cases.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Primary care approach to accurately diagnosing and effectively treating common forms of anemia to improve energy levels, cognitive function, exercise tolerance, and overall health. Referral to hematology for complex or unexplained anemia.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains of life for a better quality of life, increased resilience, and proactive disease prevention through shared goal setting and ongoing support.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• 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.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Proactive, team-based care (often involving dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists) for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, aiming to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall quality of life.

Mental Health Concerns

• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Assessing symptoms of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite) and other mood disorders. Offering empathetic supportive counseling, discussing and initiating treatment options including lifestyle interventions, evidence-based antidepressant medications, and facilitating referrals to psychotherapy or psychiatry for moderate to severe or treatment-resistant cases.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Diagnosing and managing common viral skin infections. This includes common/plantar warts and molluscum contagiosum (observation, cryotherapy, topical agents like salicylic acid or cantharidin). For Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV - cold sores/fever blisters, genital herpes): antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) for acute outbreaks or suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences, plus counseling on transmission. For Herpes Zoster (Shingles): prompt antiviral therapy to reduce severity/duration and risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), along with pain management. Shingles vaccination advice for eligible adults.
• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Prompt primary care for bacterial skin infections to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. Severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis may require hospital admission for IV antibiotics.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Educating patients on sun safety measures (sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours), the importance of regular skin self-examination using the ABCDEs of melanoma, and encouraging prompt reporting of any changing or new skin lesions.

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

• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity and skin type.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including accurate diagnosis, creating/updating personalized action plans, optimizing inhaler technique, smoking cessation support, and managing exacerbations to improve lung function and daily living.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Addressing a wide range of persistent health problems with personalized treatment plans.
• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Evaluating common benign skin growths (skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas). Performing skin biopsies (punch, shave, excisional) of suspicious lesions to rule out skin cancer, or offering in-office removal of benign lesions for cosmetic reasons or if causing irritation.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Providing a primary care base for managing complex chronic pain, focusing on patient empowerment and coordinating with other specialists and therapies as needed.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Salaou. 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 Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Clinique DELTA SANTE, GMF Delta Santé, 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 Salaou frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr Salaou often sees patients whose wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting limits their enjoyment of thoroughly enjoying a wide and varied range of delicious and nutritious meals with family and friends, both at home and when dining out, without significant digestive discomfort, nagging pain, restrictive dietary limitations, or fear of adverse reactions. The goal of care is to achieve experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr Salaou's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments and restore their active lifestyle.
• Patients with trouble with seasonal allergies that over-the-counter medications aren't adequately helping with can find relief and achieve navigating the unique physical and emotional journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the demanding postpartum period with excellent, comprehensive, and reassuring medical guidance, continuity of care, and unwavering supportive care from Dr Salaou under Dr Salaou's care, often allowing them to resume comfortably and confidently navigating crowded, stimulating public spaces like busy shopping malls, bustling farmers' markets, large airports, or public transit hubs without feeling overwhelmed, excessively stressed, or physically unsafe without former limitations.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Salaou, 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 Salaou practices at Clinique DELTA SANTE, GMF Delta Santé, located in the Gatineau Sector Central (Mont-Luc, Tecumseh) neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Casino du Lac-Leamy and is easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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. They serve 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 their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Quebec website, or local health authority websites, may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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

As a family doctor, Dr Salaou 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 Salaou 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.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Quebec who is accepting new patients may take time and effort. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Quebec often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. You can also check local health authority websites or contact community health centres and new patient clinics directly. Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations can also be helpful.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) 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 may have an associated fee. Please confirm with Clinique DELTA SANTE, GMF Delta Santé if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

Clinique DELTA SANTE, GMF Delta Santé
444 Boul de l'Hôpital
Gatineau, QC, J8T 7X6

Phone: (819) 669-7393

Dr. Akinni Akim Salaou is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 17481

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=17481

Family doctors like Dr Salaou 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.