Dr. Christina Harzan – Family Doctor | Canmore, AB

Dr. Christina Harzan is a Family Doctor (Maternity & Low-Risk Obstetrical Care). Practicing at a family doctor practice in Canmore, AB, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. She provides comprehensive care for expectant mothers throughout low-risk pregnancies, including prenatal check-ups, potentially delivery support (where hospital privileges allow or in shared care models), and postpartum care for both mother and baby. This focus emphasizes a family-centered approach to childbirth and early parenting, and may include enhanced skills for managing common obstetrical procedures. Dr. Harzan serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Christina Harzan completed her MD Doctor of Medicine (UofC - University of Calgary, 2016). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as Family Practice with a Focus on Maternity & Low-Risk Obstetrical 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 holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

Womens Health Issues

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Primary Care Management & Coordination: Supporting women with PCOS in managing their symptoms, reducing long-term health risks, and improving their overall well-being.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Management in Women (Screening, Treatment, Prevention): Diagnosing and treating common STBBIs in women (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HPV/genital warts, herpes simplex virus), providing partner notification support and strategies, and offering comprehensive counseling on prevention (safer sex practices, condom use, HPV vaccination) and harm reduction. Includes routine and risk-based screening for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B/C.
• Fertility Awareness & Initial Infertility Investigation: Helping to navigate the initial stages of fertility concerns with compassion and evidence-based advice.

Mental Health Concerns

• 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.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Providing compassionate, evidence-informed primary care and management strategies for those affected by depression and other common mood disorders, with a focus on recovery and long-term stability.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.

Common Acute Conditions

• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Management of bladder and kidney infections with appropriate antibiotics based on likely pathogens and local resistance patterns, along with advice on prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs and symptom relief.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Diagnosis and management of common viral and bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx (e.g., common cold, influenza, acute sinusitis, strep throat, laryngitis), helping to relieve symptoms like cough, congestion, fever, and sore throat.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common acute skin issues including cellulitis (mild, uncomplicated), fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis), allergic rashes (e.g., hives, contact dermatitis), impetigo, shingles (herpes zoster), insect bites/stings with significant local reactions, and minor superficial burns.

Pregnancy Postpartum Issues

• Low-Risk Prenatal (Antenatal) Care & Comprehensive Monitoring Throughout Pregnancy: Regular, scheduled appointments during pregnancy to track progress, answer all questions, provide evidence-based anticipatory guidance, offer emotional support, and facilitate informed decision-making regarding all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.
• Pre-Conception Care & Counseling for Healthy Pregnancy Planning: Providing comprehensive advice and health checks for individuals and couples planning a pregnancy. This includes folic acid recommendations (and other preconception supplements), optimizing management of pre-existing chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, mental health conditions), medication review for safety in pregnancy, immunization updates (e.g., rubella, varicella, influenza, Tdap), genetic carrier screening discussions based on family history or ethnicity, and extensive lifestyle advice (nutrition, healthy weight, exercise, smoking/alcohol/drug cessation, environmental exposures).
• Management of Common Pregnancy-Related Conditions & Discomforts: Assessing and managing common health issues and discomforts that can arise during pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP, 'morning sickness,' including initial management of hyperemesis gravidarum), heartburn/acid reflux (GERD in pregnancy), constipation, hemorrhoids, back pain, pelvic girdle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps, varicose veins, edema, fatigue, and minor infections (e.g., UTIs, vaginal yeast infections), providing safe and effective remedies and lifestyle advice appropriate for pregnancy.

Preventative Health Topics

• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.
• 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.
• 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. Harzan. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• 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.
• Cerumen (Ear Wax) Removal: Performing ear wax (cerumen) removal using techniques such as irrigation (syringing with appropriate precautions), manual extraction with curettes, or suction (if equipped), for impacted wax causing hearing loss, discomfort, tinnitus, or dizziness.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common travel-related illnesses.
• Well-Woman Examinations (Pap Tests, Clinical Breast Exams, STI Screening): Comprehensive preventative care tailored to women's health needs throughout their lifespan, focusing on early detection and health maintenance.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Harzan. 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 AB and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Christina Harzan's practice, 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. Harzan frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Struggling with unexplained significant weight loss or gain that needs to be investigated by a doctor? Dr. Harzan helps patients target feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Harzan when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances, making a return to activities such as effectively and independently managing their personal budget, complex financial responsibilities, investment decisions, or household bill payments with sustained mental acuity and organizational skill more achievable.
• Dr. Harzan frequently helps patients who are dealing with wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting. The primary aim is achieving their children being notably less fearful and more cooperative during doctor visits and even immunizations, specifically because of Dr. Harzan's consistently gentle, patient, and child-friendly communication approach, which often allows them to confidently resume successfully pursuing further formal education, challenging vocational training programs, or self-directed learning initiatives to achieve important personal growth objectives or significant professional aspirations.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Harzan, 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. Harzan practices at a family medical clinic in Canmore, situated in a family medical practice in the central Canmore neighborhood of Canmore. 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.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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 our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. It may take time to find a doctor.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Harzan?

For most refills, contact your pharmacy at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can fax a refill request to Dr. Harzan's office. Allow 2-3 business days for processing. For certain medications or if it has been a while since your last visit, an appointment will be required.

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

Preventative care aims to stop health issues from occurring or catch them early. This includes regular physical exams, vaccinations, screenings, and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It's about being proactive.

Does Dr. Harzan at <clinic name> offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Harzan offers virtual and/or phone appointments for certain consultations when clinically appropriate. These may be suitable for discussing test results, managing stable conditions, or prescription renewals (excluding controlled substances). Many conditions will still require an in-person visit. Please discuss with our staff if a virtual appointment is suitable for your needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with our clinic regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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

A family doctor (in Alberta) is a physician who provides continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. Their role includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing long-term conditions, offering health education, and acting as your advocate within the healthcare system.

1205 Bow Valley Trail, 201A
Canmore, AB, T1W 1P5

Phone: (403) 675-3088

Dr. Christina Harzan is regulated by the Health Professions Act (Alberta) in AB and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Registration Number: 023356

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7b2eec8a-f7a1-4cf7-a58d-b87d9b9bf580&i=594

Family doctors like Dr. Harzan 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.