Dr. Alessia Pastre

Dr. Alessia Pastre 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

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.
• 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.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).
• 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.

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.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: A holistic approach to primary care that considers the broader social context of health and aims to reduce barriers to care and well-being by addressing SDOH.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Providing personalized, evidence-based advice on adopting and maintaining a balanced diet (e.g., Canada's Food Guide, Mediterranean diet, plant-based options), engaging in regular physical activity (aerobic, strength, flexibility - meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines), achieving optimal sleep hygiene, and implementing effective stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation) to promote overall health, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance well-being.

Mental Health Concerns

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Supportive counseling and practical guidance for stress-related symptoms and adjustment disorders, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Helping individuals navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms, aiming to restore emotional well-being, daily functioning, and prevent relapse.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Conducting initial assessments and ongoing management for ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults, using validated screening tools and collateral information (from parents, teachers). Providing psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, academic/workplace accommodation discussions, evidence-based medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases, diagnostic confirmation, or co-occurring conditions.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Diagnosing and providing ongoing treatment for common forms of anemia to maintain energy levels and overall health.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Developing and regularly reviewing personalized asthma action plans, educating on proper inhaler technique (metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulizers), trigger identification and avoidance (allergens, irritants), medication management (relievers, controllers like inhaled corticosteroids, LABAs, LTRAs), and managing asthma exacerbations to improve breathing, prevent flare-ups, and maintain an active lifestyle. Also includes management of associated allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Partnering with you to achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure control, thereby significantly reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other related health problems.

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

• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Educational resources and discussions to help you navigate your health journey confidently and make informed decisions.
• Management of Common Chronic Pediatric Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Eczema, Allergies): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including action plans and inhaler technique), eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and food allergies (initial assessment and referral if needed), focusing on symptom control, trigger avoidance, and improving quality of life.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Ongoing management of stable cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and atrial fibrillation (AFib), often in collaboration with cardiologists, focusing on medication optimization (e.g., anticoagulants for AFib), risk factor reduction, symptom monitoring, and patient education.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Screening, Counseling & Treatment: Offering routine and risk-based STBBI screening and harm reduction counseling in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

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

• Patients experiencing a suspicious mole or skin lesion that has changed in size, shape, or color, or started to itch or bleed often seek Dr. Pastre's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is feeling substantially more in control of their personal health journey, demonstrably better equipped to make informed health decisions for themselves and their family, and genuinely optimistic about their future health prospects due to the guidance and partnership with Dr. Pastre, supporting their return to activities like feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr. Pastre for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives.
• Dr. Pastre often sees patients whose wanting to discuss preventative health screenings appropriate for their age, gender, and family history risks limits their enjoyment of simply and thankfully getting through each and every day without their physical or mental health being a primary, constant source of pervasive worry, nagging discomfort, significant functional limitation, or a barrier to their desired activities. The goal of care is to achieve having a clear, actionable, and well-understood plan, along with readily available support from Dr. Pastre, for effectively managing an acute flare-up of a chronic condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Chronic Migraine, or Rheumatoid Arthritis (often in co-management with specialists) and restore their active lifestyle.
• Dr. Pastre supports patients through a persistent feeling of bloating, abdominal discomfort, or noticeable changes in their bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), aiming for outcomes like obtaining clear, concise, and actionable guidance from Dr. Pastre on when it's appropriate to seek urgent versus routine medical attention for various common symptoms, promoting appropriate health service utilization, so they can return to activities such as proudly and comfortably attending their children's or grandchildren's various school events, important sports games, recitals, graduations, and artistic performances without being hindered by physical discomfort or lack of stamina.
• If wanting to discuss various birth control options to find what's best for them, or needing a Pap test is a barrier, Dr. Pastre develops strategies aimed at benefiting from seamlessly and efficiently coordinated care, where Dr. Pastre actively and effectively liaises with other healthcare providers, specialists, pharmacists, and various community services on their behalf, ensuring everyone is on the same page, facilitating the ability to enjoy being able to comfortably stand for reasonably extended periods when necessary, for example, while cooking intricate meals, attending a standing-room-only event, actively participating in a workshop, or waiting patiently in unavoidable queues.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Pastre, 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. Pastre's practice at University of Toronto is situated in a family medical practice in the central Greater Sudbury neighborhood of Greater Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a ‘Find a Doctor’ tool or list on their 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 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.

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 they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, a local health authority website, or the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons patient-doctor matching service (if available) may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

With Dr. Pastre, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations, screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Pastre works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

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 (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver’s medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with University of Toronto if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

University of Toronto
Unit 4th Floor, 2015 Bancroft Drive, Nuclear Medicine Residency Program
Greater Sudbury, ON, P3B 1T1

Phone: (705) 222-6337

Dr. Alessia Pastre 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: 140791

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pastre-Alessia/0337467-140791

Family doctors like Dr. Pastre 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.