Dr. Catherine Colette Folkerson – Family Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Catherine Colette Folkerson is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Bronte Creek Medical in Ottawa, 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. Catherine Colette Folkerson 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 advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

Common Chronic Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Primary care strategies to protect and preserve kidney health, including tight blood pressure and glycemic control, and education on kidney-friendly habits.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Helping individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema manage their symptoms effectively, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain the best possible lung function through a multidisciplinary approach.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations, addressing parental questions or concerns about vaccines with evidence-based information and empathy, managing catch-up schedules if needed, and documenting all immunizations accurately.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Comprehensive medical care for newborns immediately after birth and through the first year of life. Includes routine physical exams, growth monitoring, screening for jaundice and congenital conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart murmurs), umbilical cord care, and vitamin K/eye prophylaxis discussions (hospital-based). Strong focus on infant feeding support, including guidance and troubleshooting for breastfeeding (latch, positioning, supply concerns, mastitis management) and appropriate formula feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children, such as otitis media (ear infections), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat - with rapid testing if available), common colds and influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea), uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and common skin infections (impetigo, cellulitis - mild).

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Evaluating common benign (non-cancerous) skin growths like skin tags (acrochordons), seborrheic keratoses ('age spots'), cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas, epidermal cysts, and lipomas. Providing reassurance regarding their benign nature and offering in-office removal (e.g., cryotherapy, snip excision, curettage, simple excision for cysts/lipomas if trained/equipped) for cosmetic reasons, if causing irritation, or for diagnostic certainty if there's any ambiguity.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Providing effective remedies for bothersome and often contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, along with advice on hygiene and prevention of recurrence.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.

Preventative Health Topics

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Performing basic pre-employment medicals or fitness-for-work assessments as required by some employers (typically non-WCB/WSIB related, fees may apply). Providing advice on general workplace health and safety, injury prevention, and initial assessment of health concerns potentially related to occupational exposures or ergonomics, with appropriate referrals if specialized occupational medicine input is needed.

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

• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Expert care to help you achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol targets, preventing long-term complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Screening, Counseling & Treatment: Providing testing, education, treatment, and advice related to sexual health and the prevention and management of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
• Evaluation of Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains): Assessing acute injuries like ankle sprains, muscle strains (e.g., hamstring, quadriceps), and ligament injuries, providing advice on RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain control, and determining the need for imaging or specialist referral.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Initial assessment and development of a management plan for chronic pain conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain), employing a multimodal approach including lifestyle advice, exercise recommendations, non-opioid and judicious opioid medication management, pain education, and referrals to specialized pain clinics, physiotherapy, or other therapies.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Personalized diabetes care plans focusing on achieving optimal glycemic control, preventing acute and chronic complications (cardiovascular, renal, neurological, ophthalmological), and empowering patient self-management.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Folkerson. 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 Bronte Creek Medical, 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. Folkerson frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For patients where needing help to manage side effects from a new medication prescribed by a specialist is a concern, Dr. Folkerson focuses on plans that lead to having their pain, whether acute from a recent injury or chronic from a long-standing condition, acknowledged without dismissal, assessed comprehensively using a biopsychosocial lens, and managed more effectively with a personalized, multimodal plan from Dr. Folkerson, supporting their ability to spontaneously making and eagerly keeping enjoyable plans with a wide circle of friends for various social outings such as dinners out, casual coffee chats, shared recreational activities, or weekend excursions.
• Dr. Folkerson assists individuals in navigating their child having issues with persistent allergies, eczema flare-ups, or food sensitivities. A successful outcome, like achieving significantly better control over chronic inflammatory or allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema, leading to markedly fewer disruptive flare-ups, reduced reliance on rescue medications, and an improved daily experience free from constant symptoms, means they can get back to compassionately providing meaningful emotional, practical, and sometimes physical support to close friends, extended family members, or community acquaintances who may be going through their own difficult times or personal crises.
• Patients often come to Dr. Folkerson regarding needing a doctor's note for work or school due to a recent illness or injury. Working together, they aim for feeling confident, secure, and proactive in their health because their preventative health screening needs (e.g., for cervical, breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers, as well as screening for AAA, STBBIs, or domestic violence when appropriate) are being diligently and appropriately addressed according to current, evidence-based Canadian guidelines by Dr. Folkerson, making a return to boldly taking on new, exciting challenges or ambitious, multi-stage projects either at work or in their personal life with a strong sense of self-efficacy, physical capability, and mental preparedness feasible.
• If a persistent feeling of bloating, abdominal discomfort, or noticeable changes in their bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) is preventing you from feeling notably resilient and physically capable enough to bounce back relatively quickly and completely from minor common illnesses, temporary setbacks, or periods of increased stress without prolonged disruption to their normal life, Dr. Folkerson can help. The aim is to achieve obtaining clear, concise, and actionable guidance from Dr. Folkerson on when it's appropriate to seek urgent versus routine medical attention for various common symptoms, promoting appropriate health service utilization through personalized family medicine care.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Folkerson, 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. Folkerson practices at Bronte Creek Medical, situated in the Highland Park, Carlingwood West neighbourhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Canadian War Museum and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

Preventative care provided by Dr. Folkerson aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage. This includes regular physical exams, vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health rather than just treating problems as they arise, and Dr. Folkerson can help guide you in these efforts.

Does Dr. Folkerson at Bronte Creek Medical offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Folkerson at Bronte Creek Medical offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Folkerson if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Bronte Creek Medical regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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 Bronte Creek Medical if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Your first appointment with Dr. Folkerson is an important opportunity to establish care. She will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. She will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Folkerson's practice style and for her to explain clinic policies (e.g., booking appointments, prescription refills, communication). The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information to provide you with the best possible ongoing care.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Bronte Creek Medical is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Bronte Creek Medical reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Bronte Creek Medical or Dr. Folkerson during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(613) 680-1065] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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 if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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 for a 'Find a Doctor' tool. 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. It may take time.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) 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.

Bronte Creek Medical
Unit Unit 190, 201-770 Broadview, Unit 190
Ottawa, ON, K2A 3Z3

Phone: (613) 680-1065

Dr. Catherine Colette Folkerson 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: 96182

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Folkerson-Catherine-Colette/0272969-96182

Family doctors like Dr. Folkerson 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.