Dr. Christina Yee Kwan – Family Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Christina Yee Kwan is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice 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. Christina Yee Kwan 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 empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; 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 provides consultations in English.

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

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Ensuring a healthy start for newborns with regular check-ups, timely interventions if issues arise, and resources for parental education and support.

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): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains of life for a better quality of life, increased resilience, and proactive disease prevention through shared goal setting and ongoing support.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Educating patients and families on routine infection prevention and control measures (e.g., hand hygiene, cough etiquette, staying home when sick). Providing guidance during community outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., influenza, measles, pertussis, COVID-19), including advice on testing, isolation/quarantine, and public health recommendations.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Proactive, team-based care (often involving dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists) for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, aiming to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Managing chronic pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in various joints (knees, hips, hands, spine), persistent mechanical low back or neck pain, and conditions like fibromyalgia. This involves a multimodal approach including education, exercise recommendations (strength, flexibility, low-impact aerobics), weight management, pain relief medications (topical, oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, judicious use of other analgesics like gabapentinoids or TCAs for neuropathic/fibromyalgia components), joint injection considerations, and referrals to physiotherapy, rheumatology or pain clinics if needed.
• 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.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Primary care support for managing discomfort and preventing complications associated with venous disease. Referral to vascular specialists or phlebologists for more advanced treatments (e.g., sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, surgery) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or complicated by ulceration or recurrent phlebitis.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Assessing patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of Restless Legs Syndrome (an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, typically worse at rest/in the evening, and relieved by movement). This includes ruling out secondary causes (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney failure, pregnancy, certain medications).
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Primary care approach to accurately diagnosing and effectively treating common forms of anemia to improve energy levels, cognitive function, exercise tolerance, and overall health. Referral to hematology for complex or unexplained anemia.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Management includes lifestyle advice (fluid management, avoiding bladder irritants), behavioral therapies (timed voiding), and prescription of medications such as alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin) to relax prostate/bladder neck muscles, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride) to shrink prostate volume. Monitoring for symptom improvement and medication side effects.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Primary care management for common skin infections caused by viruses, including patient education on the nature of these infections and strategies for managing recurrences.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Diagnosing and managing various forms of eczema/dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis (the most common type, often starting in childhood), irritant/allergic contact dermatitis (identifying and avoiding triggers), and seborrheic dermatitis (affecting scalp, face, chest). Management focuses on skincare education (frequent emollients, gentle cleansers, lukewarm baths), trigger identification and avoidance, topical corticosteroids (appropriate potency for site and severity), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs like tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), and antihistamines for itch relief. Referral for patch testing or to dermatology for severe or refractory cases.

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

• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Providing care for various acute dermatological concerns, offering treatment options (topical or oral) and referrals to dermatology if needed for severe or complex cases.
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Providing clear, understandable information about diagnosed health conditions, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and empowering patients with knowledge and skills for effective self-management (e.g., how to use an inhaler, monitor blood sugar, manage an action plan).
• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages and receives all recommended preventative health screenings and immunizations from birth through their teen years.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Performing objective medical assessments for various administrative or regulatory requirements.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Diagnosing and managing various forms of eczema/dermatitis (atopic, contact, seborrheic), mild plaque psoriasis, and other common rashes, focusing on trigger identification, skincare recommendations (emollients, gentle cleansers), topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antihistamines for itch relief.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kwan. 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 Dr. Christina Yee Kwan'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. Kwan frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Kwan often sees patients whose wanting to discuss fertility concerns or get initial advice before trying to conceive limits their enjoyment of fully sharing and enjoying relaxed, convivial meals and engaging conversations with their loved ones without being constantly preoccupied by nagging physical pain, digestive discomfort, or restrictive dietary anxieties. The goal of care is to achieve experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr. Kwan's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments and restore their active lifestyle.
• If feeling more anxious, worried, or on edge than usual lately, affecting their daily life has put confidently travelling domestically for weekend getaways or internationally for extended explorations with greater assurance in their health, stamina, and ability to manage new foods, climates, and environments successfully on hold, Dr. Kwan works with patients toward receiving proactive preventative care and targeted health screenings from Dr. Kwan that very likely averted a more serious, costly, or even life-threatening health issue from developing unnoticed or progressing to an advanced stage, helping them regain their previous level of function.
• Patients experiencing needing a referral for allergy testing due to ongoing symptoms often seek Dr. Kwan's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is their newborn receiving excellent, thorough initial care, meticulous monitoring for healthy growth and crucial early development, and invaluable support for new parents during the critical and often overwhelming early weeks of life, all from Dr. Kwan, supporting their return to activities like regularly going for long, challenging, and invigorating hikes in scenic natural environments, cycling picturesque country routes for hours, or swimming multiple laps at the local community pool for both physical fitness and mental relaxation.
• For many individuals, feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or experiencing vertigo (spinning sensations) more often than usual can be a real barrier. Dr. Kwan's approach focuses on achieving successfully achieving their specific, meaningful, and personal health goals, whether it's achieving sustainable and healthy weight management, successfully quitting smoking or vaping after multiple attempts, consistently maintaining improved physical fitness levels, or achieving significantly better daily pain control and function, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy making consistently informed, conscious, and positive decisions about their daily diet, overall nutrition, optimal hydration, and mindful eating habits for sustained energy and peak physical health.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Kwan, 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. Kwan's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Ottawa, situated in the Westboro, McKellar Park, Laurentian View neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Rideau Canal National Historic Site and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Kwan handle complex care?

As a family doctor, Dr. Kwan is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. She will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Kwan will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved, manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions (polypharmacy review), and develop a comprehensive care plan that aligns with your overall health goals and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions and concerns is key.

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

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. Kwan's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. Kwan. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. Kwan, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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. 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.

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

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging and may take time.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging, and provincial resources (like Health Care Connect in Ontario, a local health authority website, or the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons patient-doctor matching service, if available) may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical 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 the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. 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 our clinic if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

How often should I see Dr. Kwan for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Kwan can vary based on your age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a full check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). For specific screening tests like Pap smears or mammograms, there are established provincial guidelines based on age and gender which Dr. Kwan follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Kwan to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care. Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ins can be important for early detection and health maintenance.

1419 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7L6

Phone: (613) 722-6216

Dr. Christina Yee Kwan 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: 90740

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kwan-Christina-Yee/0258337-90740

Family doctors like Dr. Kwan 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.