Dr. Caitriona Kilmartin Bies – Family Doctor | Midland, ON

Dr. Caitriona Kilmartin Bies is a Family Doctor. Practicing at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Midland, ON, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She 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. Her 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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

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

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Caitriona Kilmartin Bies 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

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Management includes lifestyle advice (fluid management, avoiding bladder irritants), behavioral therapies (timed voiding), and prescription of medications such as alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin) to relax prostate/bladder neck muscles, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride) to shrink prostate volume. Monitoring for symptom improvement and medication side effects.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Assessing patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of Restless Legs Syndrome (an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, typically worse at rest/in the evening, and relieved by movement). This includes ruling out secondary causes (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney failure, pregnancy, certain medications).
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Helping patients find relief from itchy, irritated, or dry eyes through appropriate primary care interventions and guidance.

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.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): A first point of contact and trusted resource for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, advocacy, and clear pathways to specialized care and school-based supports.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• 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.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Administering vaccinations to prevent communicable diseases and playing a role in community-level surveillance and reporting as required by public health authorities.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Infections (Respiratory, Urinary, Skin, GI): Expert assessment and management of everyday acute illnesses affecting respiratory, urinary, skin, and other systems to help you recover quickly and prevent complications.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals, and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary after addressing underlying causes.
• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Differentiating between benign and suspicious skin lesions, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if skin cancer is suspected.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Providing care for acute episodes of headache or dizziness/vertigo, offering relief strategies and guidance.
• 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. Bies. 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 St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 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. Bies frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Bies supports patients through discussing the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause, aiming for outcomes like successfully managing a challenging perinatal period, including issues like gestational diabetes or postpartum mood disorders, with the integrated medical, emotional, and practical support provided by Dr. Bies, so they can return to activities such as consistently maintaining good, ergonomic posture and avoiding musculoskeletal discomfort while working for extended periods at a computer station, office desk, or in other sedentary job roles.
• Patients experiencing questions about sexual health, STBBI screening, or experiencing unusual symptoms often seek Dr. Bies's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is their children being notably less fearful and more cooperative during doctor visits and even immunizations, specifically because of Dr. Bies's consistently gentle, patient, and child-friendly communication approach, supporting their return to activities like patiently and effectively teaching their children or grandchildren important life skills, sharing enjoyable intergenerational activities, or simply offering wise guidance and loving support as they grow.
• Dr. Bies frequently helps patients who are dealing with feeling stressed about caregiving responsibilities for an elderly parent or sick relative. The primary aim is achieving feeling a genuine, strong, and enduring sense of partnership and close collaboration with Dr. Bies in working consistently and effectively towards their mutually agreed-upon, meaningful health goals and overall state of well-being, which often allows them to confidently resume consistently sleeping soundly and deeply through the entire night on a regular basis and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed, fully restored, and ready to embrace the day ahead with clarity.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Bies, 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. Bies practices at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, situated in a family medical practice in the central Midland neighborhood of Midland. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Bies?

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Bies usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Bies will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

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.

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, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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 in Ontario, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups varies based on your age, overall health, medical conditions, and risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits. Dr. Bies follows established provincial guidelines for screening tests. Discuss your individual needs with Dr. Bies to determine an appropriate schedule.

How long do appointments with Dr. Bies typically last?

Appointment times vary depending on the reason for the visit. A quick follow-up might be 10-15 minutes, while annual physicals or complex issues may require 30 minutes or more. Be specific about your needs when booking your appointment to ensure sufficient time is allocated.

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

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee long-term chronic diseases, provide health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and refer you to specialists when needed. The continuity of care they provide is fundamental to effective family medicine.

St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
619 Prospect Blvd
Midland, ON, L4R 0G3

Phone: (705) 526-7804

Dr. Caitriona Kilmartin Bies 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: 116654

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bies-Caitriona-Kilmartin/0326109-116654

Family doctors like Dr. Bies 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.