Dr. Chen-Yu Jennifer Chou

Dr. Chen-Yu Jennifer Chou 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

• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Adjusting thyroid medication based on symptoms and regular blood tests (TSH, free T4, thyroid antibodies) to maintain optimal thyroid function and well-being.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Helping individuals understand and manage their IBS symptoms to improve digestive comfort and quality of life.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Early detection, monitoring of kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), management of risk factors that can worsen CKD (especially diabetes and hypertension), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, lifestyle counseling (dietary advice on protein, sodium, potassium), and timely referrals to nephrology for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Working collaboratively with you (or your child) to achieve optimal asthma control, minimize symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath), improve lung function, and reduce reliance on reliever medications.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• 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.
• 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): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Helping patients reduce their risk of fragility fractures through comprehensive bone health management.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and monitor for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Performing objective medical assessments for various administrative or regulatory requirements.
• Assessment & Management of Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders: Ongoing management and support for anxiety and mood disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Proactive health evaluations designed to detect potential health issues early, manage existing conditions, and promote long-term wellness.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chou. 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 Hawkesbury & District General Hospi, 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. Chou frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Dr. Chou regarding wanting to understand if their family history of cancer means they need earlier or different screening tests. Working together, they aim for managing bothersome and often disruptive menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes) effectively with Dr. Chou's expert guidance and tailored treatment options, leading to improved well-being, better sleep, and a smoother, more comfortable life transition, making a return to still feeling reasonably energetic and mentally alert after a full and demanding day's work, enabling them to engage in enjoyable evening activities, family time, or personal hobbies rather than collapsing from exhaustion feasible.
• When their child having issues with persistent allergies, eczema flare-ups, or food sensitivities impacts daily life, Dr. Chou helps patients strive for learning effective, personalized, and evidence-based strategies for managing chronic daily stress, significantly improving their sleep quality and duration, or coping more adaptively and resiliently with life's inevitable challenges and adversities, with tools provided by Dr. Chou, making activities such as successfully maintaining a clean, organized, and uncluttered living space that actively contributes to their sense of calm, mental clarity, physical safety, and overall feelings of well-being at home possible again.
• A key objective when treating feeling constantly thirsty or needing to urinate much more often than before, possibly indicating diabetes at Dr. Chou's clinic is experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr. Chou's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments, supporting a comfortable return to feeling confident enough in their stable health and physical abilities to make spontaneous, last-minute plans, embrace unexpected opportunities, or enthusiastically try new, unfamiliar activities or experiences.
• For those challenged by needing a refill for their regular medications for an ongoing condition like high blood pressure or thyroid issues, Dr. Chou offers strategies to reach having their diverse family structure, unique cultural needs, and individual communication preferences consistently understood, acknowledged, and respectfully incorporated into all aspects of their care by Dr. Chou and the entire clinic team, which can mean rediscovering the joy of generously volunteering their valuable time, unique skills, and boundless energy in their local community for causes they deeply believe in, feeling consistently healthy, capable, and motivated enough to contribute meaningfully and make a real difference.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Chou, 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. Chou practices at Hawkesbury & District General Hospi, situated in the Mississauga City Centre, Square One Area neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Jack Darling Memorial Park and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). 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 don't 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 can be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most 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, like cosmetic procedures or driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have a fee. Please confirm with Hawkesbury & District General Hospi if you have questions about specific services.

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

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee the care of long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care they provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

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

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

Hawkesbury & District General Hospi
401-71 King St W
Mississauga, ON, L5B 4A2

Phone: (905) 273-9793

Dr. Chen-Yu Jennifer Chou 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: 114245

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chou-ChenYu-Jennifer/0321250-114245

Family doctors like Dr. Chou 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.