Dr. Amar Patel

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

Common Acute Conditions

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Managing lower respiratory tract infections that cause persistent cough (productive or non-productive), chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fever.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Diagnosis and management of common viral and bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx (e.g., common cold, influenza, acute sinusitis, strep throat, laryngitis), helping to relieve symptoms like cough, congestion, fever, and sore throat.
• 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.

Mental Health Concerns

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Helping individuals build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., problem-solving, relaxation techniques, mindfulness), and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.
• 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.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Providing compassionate, evidence-informed primary care and management strategies for those affected by depression and other common mood disorders, with a focus on recovery and long-term stability.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Initial assessment, diagnosis, and conservative management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction related to repetitive tasks, sustained awkward postures, or ergonomic factors at work or during hobbies. This includes common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (mild-moderate), de Quervain's tenosynovitis, epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow), trigger finger/thumb, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and non-specific arm/neck/shoulder pain attributable to overuse.
• 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).
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.
• 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.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• 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.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Offering essential travel health services and tailored advice to protect your health while abroad, based on current international health regulations, CDC/WHO recommendations, and your specific travel plans.
• 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.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Patel. 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): Monitoring kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), managing risk factors (especially diabetes and hypertension that can worsen CKD), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, and coordinating care for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Diagnosing and managing conditions resulting from repetitive stress or overuse, such as tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (initial management).
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Proactive care to maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and manage established osteoporosis.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Supportive counseling and problem-solving for stress-related symptoms, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Addressing a wide range of persistent health problems with personalized treatment plans.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Patel. 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 Hamilton Health Sciences, 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. Patel frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For those challenged by experiencing unexplained joint swelling or stiffness, especially in the mornings, Dr. Patel offers strategies to reach achieving substantially better and more integrated management of their multiple co-existing chronic conditions (multimorbidity) through the highly coordinated, holistic, and patient-centered approach to care championed by Dr. Patel, which can mean rediscovering the joy of actively and responsibly participating in their own healthcare journey by consistently attending scheduled appointments with Dr. Patel, asking insightful questions, understanding their conditions, and diligently following mutually agreed-upon treatment plans.
• Many seek Dr. Patel's help for their infant having persistent diaper rash that isn't clearing up with over-the-counter creams. The collaborative goal is having all their health concerns, no matter how seemingly small or 'embarrassing' they felt, listened to attentively, validated with respect, and addressed thoroughly and with genuine empathy, dignity, and professionalism by Dr. Patel, allowing a return to valued activities like simply and profoundly relaxing, completely unwinding, and thoroughly enjoying quiet, restorative moments of peace, mindfulness, and genuine contentment at home without being constantly plagued or interrupted by intrusive health worries, pain, or discomfort.
• The focus for patients with wanting reliable advice and a realistic plan on how to eat healthier, manage their weight better, or start exercising safely at Dr. Patel's practice is achieving receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Patel when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like 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.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Patel about experiencing sudden flashes of light or floaters in their vision is to achieve their elderly family member maintaining their cherished independence and dignity for a longer period due to Dr. Patel's comprehensive focus on geriatric syndromes, functional assessment, fall prevention, and medication safety. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with feeling consistently rested, fully alert, and cognitively sharp enough to drive safely and defensively for both short daily commutes and much longer, more demanding road trips or family vacations.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Patel, 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. Patel's practice at Hamilton Health Sciences is located in the Brampton South, Fletcher's Creek Village neighborhood of Brampton. The clinic is conveniently located near Kennedy Square Mall and is accessible via Brampton Transit (including Züm BRT). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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

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 OHIP for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Hamilton Health Sciences if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a doctor may take time.

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

Preventative care with Dr. Patel focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious. This involves services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups, age-appropriate cancer screenings, immunizations, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes screening, and counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. The goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early, and promote long-term health and well-being.

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

A family doctor, or general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families of all ages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, providing mental health support, and coordinating care with specialists. Building long-term relationships with patients is a key aspect of their role.

Hamilton Health Sciences
8990 Chinguacousy Rd, Juravinski Hospital
Brampton, ON, L6Y 5X6

Phone: (905) 450-5780

Dr. Amar Patel 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: 113915

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Patel-Amar/0320870-113915

Family doctors like Dr. Patel 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.