Dr. Aliya Jamal

Dr. Aliya Jamal 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

• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Managing chronic pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in various joints (knees, hips, hands, spine), persistent mechanical low back or neck pain, and conditions like fibromyalgia. This involves a multimodal approach including education, exercise recommendations (strength, flexibility, low-impact aerobics), weight management, pain relief medications (topical, oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, judicious use of other analgesics like gabapentinoids or TCAs for neuropathic/fibromyalgia components), joint injection considerations, and referrals to physiotherapy, rheumatology or pain clinics if needed.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.
• 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.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular types) with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin), oral antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines for inflammatory acne/rosacea, if indicated), and comprehensive lifestyle/skincare advice (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, sun protection for rosacea, trigger avoidance for rosacea). Referral to dermatology for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne/rosacea.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Performing opportunistic or targeted skin examinations, especially for patients with risk factors (e.g., history of sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, fair skin), to screen for suspicious moles or lesions that could indicate skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma - BCC, squamous cell carcinoma - SCC, melanoma). Utilizing dermoscopy if trained to improve diagnostic accuracy. Performing skin biopsies (punch, shave, excisional) of concerning lesions or providing timely referrals to dermatology for further evaluation, biopsy, and management if skin cancer is suspected.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Working with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and education on preserving kidney function.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of acute illnesses commonly affecting adults (e.g., respiratory infections, UTIs, skin conditions) and providing ongoing management for prevalent chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis).
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive healthcare environment for teenagers to discuss their health concerns, receive accurate information, and develop healthy decision-making skills.
• Hospital Discharge Follow-Up & Transitions of Care Management: Helping you navigate your health journey effectively after a hospital discharge, ensuring all aspects of your care plan are understood, implemented, and monitored.
• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Supporting patients through the grieving process with empathy, validation, and practical advice for coping and finding meaning.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Jamal. 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 AB and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Aliya Jamal's practice, 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. Jamal frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• When questions about sexual health, STBBI screening, or experiencing unusual symptoms impacts daily life, Dr. Jamal helps patients strive for 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. Jamal, making activities such as dedicating many enjoyable and focused hours to their beloved garden, whether it's meticulously planting delicate flowers, diligently tending to a productive vegetable patch, or undertaking more strenuous yard work like raking leaves or shoveling snow, without significant subsequent back, knee, or shoulder pain possible again.
• With Dr. Jamal's care, managing wanting to get a baseline ECG because of family heart history before starting a new exercise program aims for receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Jamal when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like consistently driving safely, alertly, and comfortably for all necessary daily errands, regular commuting to work or school, or for longer leisure trips and family visits, without physical strain or cognitive impairment.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Jamal, 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. Jamal's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Calgary, situated in the SW: Woodlands, Woodbine neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Heritage Park Historical Village and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

Dr. Jamal practices as part of a team-based practice, 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. Jamal, 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. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Jamal for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Jamal?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Jamal means that she is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Jamal to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger doctor-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor in Alberta if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can sometimes be challenging. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website, may be helpful in finding a doctor. A referral  is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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

A family doctor (in Alberta) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

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

You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list. 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 who is accepting new patients may take time and effort.

How long do appointments with Dr. Jamal typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Jamal can vary. Standard appointments for a single issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 10-15 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive periodic health exam (physical), a 'meet and greet' for new patients, counseling, or a minor procedure will usually be longer, perhaps 20-30 minutes or more. When booking your appointment at the clinic, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Jamal. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or separate appointments to ensure each concern is addressed adequately.

2525 Woodview Dr SW, 202A
Calgary, AB, T2W 4N4

Phone: (403) 252-5800 | Website: https://www.scpcn.ca/clinics/woodbine-medical-centre

Dr. Aliya Jamal is regulated by the Health Professions Act (Alberta) in AB and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Registration Number: 23939

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=f04c995d-26f5-4dee-9883-18847a21e9e0&i=682

Family doctors like Dr. Jamal 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.