Dr. Chantal Vegiard – Family Doctor | Lachine, QC

Dr. Chantal Vegiard is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at CLSC de Dorval-Lachine in Lachine, QC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. Chantal Vegiard completed her Family Medicine (2010), 1992. 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 a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. She offers consultations in French.

Dr. Chantal Vegiard 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

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Prescribing evidence-based eradication therapy regimens (typically involving a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor - PPI) for confirmed H. pylori infection, according to local guidelines and resistance patterns. Providing patient education on medication adherence and potential 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.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.
• 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.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and youth-friendly healthcare environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their health concerns openly, receive accurate information, build a trusting relationship with their doctor, and are empowered to take charge of their health.

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.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Guidance on maintaining health in the context of specific work environments and job demands, and initial evaluation for common work-related health issues.
• 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.

Mental Health Concerns

• 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.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Assessing symptoms of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite) and other mood disorders. Offering empathetic supportive counseling, discussing and initiating treatment options including lifestyle interventions, evidence-based antidepressant medications, and facilitating referrals to psychotherapy or psychiatry for moderate to severe or treatment-resistant cases.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• 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.

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

• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid), oral antibiotics (if indicated), and lifestyle/skincare advice. Referral to dermatology for severe or recalcitrant cases.
• Management of Common Chronic Pediatric Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Eczema, Allergies): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including action plans and inhaler technique), eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and food allergies (initial assessment and referral if needed), focusing on symptom control, trigger avoidance, and improving quality of life.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: First-line medical assessment for sudden gastrointestinal issues to guide treatment and rule out emergent conditions.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood and adolescent vaccines to protect against serious infectious diseases. Includes catch-up schedules and addressing parental concerns with evidence-based information.
• Care for Minor Injuries & Acute Musculoskeletal Complaints: Providing first-line care for common minor injuries, including wound care advice, pain management strategies, and guidance on activity modification and rehabilitation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Vegiard. 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 Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CLSC de Dorval-Lachine, 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 Vegiard frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• When feeling overwhelmed by stress from work or family life and needing someone to talk to about coping strategies affects a patient's ability to being able to fully focus on, deeply appreciate, and thoroughly enjoy life's simple, everyday pleasures like listening to favorite music with undivided attention, watching a beautiful sunset in awe, spending quiet, contemplative time in nature, or losing themselves in a captivating book, Dr Vegiard works with them to develop a plan. Success means reaching successfully and completely completing a course of treatment for an acute infection (like pneumonia or a significant skin infection) or a new condition under Dr Vegiard's diligent, meticulous care and important follow-up monitoring and getting back to their valued pursuits.
• Many patients have successfully addressed concerns about their child's hearing or vision, or a failed school screening with Dr Vegiard's support. This often leads to experiencing significant and prompt relief from debilitating acute symptoms like severe pain, high fever, intractable coughs, or distressing allergic reactions, allowing a swift return to their daily activities, work, and family responsibilities and the ability to fully participate in significantly reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of sick days from common illnesses for themselves and their children, leading to better attendance at work/school, improved overall productivity, and less household disruption once more.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Vegiard, 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 Vegiard practices at CLSC de Dorval-Lachine, situated in a family medical practice in the central Lachine neighborhood of Lachine. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with CLSC de Dorval-Lachine if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

Can Dr Vegiard help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr Vegiard is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr Vegiard is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in QC who is accepting new patients can be challenging. You can try checking the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, which often has 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. The Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF) may also be helpful.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (Médecin de famille) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in QC if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, like the Collège des médecins du Québec website, may be helpful in your search. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

CLSC de Dorval-Lachine
1900 rue Notre-Dame
Lachine, QC, H8S 2G2

Phone: (514) 639-0660

Dr. Chantal Vegiard is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 92362

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=92362

Family doctors like Dr Vegiard 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.