Dr. Catherine Dufour-Fournier is a highly skilled Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (commonly known as an ENT Doctor) dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Practicing at the CISSS des Laurentides in Saint-Jérôme, QC, she serves the local community with a focus on providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Her clinical practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
With a medical degree obtained in 2018, Dr. Dufour-Fournier has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 6 years, since 2018. She completed extensive postgraduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ensuring her expertise in both medical and surgical management of ENT conditions. Her certifications and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to maintaining a high standard of care.
Dr. Dufour-Fournier is committed to patient education, evidence-based practice, and a collaborative approach to healthcare. She strives to provide accessible, comprehensive ENT services to adults and children in Saint-Jérôme, speaking French fluently. Her goal is to ensure each patient feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment plan.
Dr. Catherine Dufour-Fournier manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions
- Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) & Lip-Tie affecting feeding/speech: Conditions where a short or tight band of tissue restricts the movement of the tongue (tongue-tie) or lip (lip-tie), potentially impacting breastfeeding, feeding, or speech.
- Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI): A condition where the soft palate does not close tightly against the back of the throat during speech, leading to nasal-sounding speech.
- Otitis Media with Effusion ('Glue Ear') in Children: Persistent fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection, common in children and can affect hearing development.
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects
- Facial Skin Cancers requiring Excision and Reconstruction: Malignant skin growths on the face or neck that necessitate surgical removal and subsequent reconstruction to restore form and function.
Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions
- Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy): A collection of pus that forms behind one of the tonsils, typically as a complication of bacterial tonsillitis.
- Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties): Difficulty or pain when swallowing foods or liquids, which can stem from various problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
- Acute & Chronic Tonsillitis / Adenoiditis (Recurrent): Inflammation or infection of the tonsils or adenoids, which can be recurrent and cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues.
- Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis): A throat infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria, characterized by sudden sore throat, pain with swallowing, and fever.
This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Catherine Dufour-Fournier or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
- Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.
- Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of Head & Neck Masses: Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cell samples from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or other head and neck masses for diagnosis, often under ultrasound guidance.
- Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
- Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Dufour-Fournier offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Dufour-Fournier's areas of focus.
All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required.
Dr. Dufour-Fournier primarily practices at the CISSS des Laurentides facility located in the Downtown Saint-Jérôme, in the Saint-Antoine Sector neighborhood. The practice is conveniently situated near Parc Régional de la Rivière-du-Nord, providing easy access for patients from the surrounding areas. Accessible via exo (Secteur Laurentides - Bus), the location is designed to accommodate all patients with mobility needs. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are services from Dr. Dufour-Fournier, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Dufour-Fournier are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic if you have questions.
- Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Dufour-Fournier, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Dufour-Fournier. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.
- I've had a hoarse voice for several weeks. What could be causing this?
- Persistent hoarseness (lasting more than 2-3 weeks) should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. Common causes include laryngitis (viral or bacterial), voice overuse or misuse, acid reflux (LPR), vocal cord nodules or polyps, smoking, allergies, or less commonly, more serious conditions like vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal cancer. Dr. Dufour-Fournier will likely perform a laryngoscopy to visualize your vocal cords and determine the cause of your hoarseness.
- What are common causes of hearing loss an ENT might address?
- Hearing loss can result from various causes, including age-related changes (presbycusis), noise exposure, earwax buildup (cerumen impaction), ear infections (otitis media), fluid in the middle ear, damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones (ossicles), Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, or, less commonly, tumors or genetic conditions. An ENT specialist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and recommend appropriate management, which may include medical treatment, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or surgery.
- How should I prepare for my appointment with an ENT specialist?
- For your appointment, please bring your provincial health card, your referral letter (if applicable), a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and any relevant medical records, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs on a disc if possible), or test results you may have (such as previous hearing tests or allergy reports). Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, their duration, and your medical history in detail. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.
- How does Dr. Dufour-Fournier treat chronic sinusitis?
- Treatment for chronic sinusitis is individualized and aims to reduce inflammation, drain the sinuses, and address underlying causes (like allergies or polyps). This may involve medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, oral antibiotics (if bacterial infection is confirmed), antifungal treatments in specific cases, or allergy management. In some cases, if medical management is not sufficient, Dr. Dufour-Fournier may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
CISSS des Laurentides
290 rue de Montigny
Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 5L3
Phone: (450) 432-2777
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Dufour-Fournier is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18470