Dr. Danielle Gentile – Family Doctor | Oakville, ON

Dr. Danielle Gentile is a Family Doctor. Practicing at L H S C Children's Hospital in Oakville, 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. Danielle Gentile 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 advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. She provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• 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.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Advocating for patients facing health inequities and working to connect them with resources that can improve their overall health outcomes and reduce disparities.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing IBS based on symptom criteria after ruling out other conditions, and providing primary care management strategies including dietary advice (e.g., low FODMAP diet introduction, fiber management), lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and symptomatic treatment for abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Helping individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema manage their symptoms effectively, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain the best possible lung function through a multidisciplinary approach.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Personalized treatment plans for managing elevated lipid levels, incorporating regular monitoring, patient education, and strategies for long-term cardiovascular disease prevention.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Supporting the unique physical, emotional, and social health needs of adolescents during this critical period of rapid development, fostering autonomy, responsible decision-making, and a positive transition to adulthood.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly medical care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery, appropriate antibiotic stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antibiotics for viral illnesses), and prevent complications.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood vaccines (e.g., DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate (Groups A,C,Y,W-135 and Group B), Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza) to protect against serious and preventable infectious diseases, according to current provincial and national (NACI) guidelines.

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

• Routine Health Check-ups & Physicals for Adults: Scheduled visits for adults designed to proactively manage health risks, detect potential problems early, and offer personalized guidance on maintaining optimal health and well-being.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Providing care for acute episodes of headache or dizziness/vertigo, offering relief strategies and guidance.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Supportive counseling and problem-solving for stress-related symptoms, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Immunizations & Vaccinations (Infant, Child, Adult, Travel): Keeping your family's immunizations up-to-date to safeguard individual health and contribute to community immunity, including pre-travel health advice.
• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, and overall health status. Providing guidance on balanced nutrition, portion control, mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual assessment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gentile. 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 L H S C Children's Hospital, 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. Gentile frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For patients where ongoing digestive issues like persistent heartburn after meals, uncomfortable bloating, or frequent stomach upset is a concern, Dr. Gentile focuses on plans that lead to their entire family feeling much better prepared for common health emergencies or accidents after discussing age-appropriate safety plans, basic first aid, and when to seek urgent care with Dr. Gentile, supporting their ability to feeling notably resilient and physically capable enough to bounce back relatively quickly and completely from minor common illnesses, temporary setbacks, or periods of increased stress without prolonged disruption to their normal life.
• Patients experiencing managing ongoing pain from an old sports injury or a chronic condition like arthritis that limits their activities often seek Dr. Gentile'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. Gentile, supporting their return to activities like independently and efficiently performing all personal grooming and hygiene tasks (bathing, dressing, toileting) without any difficulty, assistance, or associated pain, maintaining their dignity.
• For those challenged by concerns about their child's hearing or vision, or a failed school screening, Dr. Gentile offers strategies to reach successfully navigating the initial emotional and practical challenges of a new, unexpected serious diagnosis with Dr. Gentile's consistent, empathetic support, reliable information, and proactive care coordination, which can mean rediscovering the joy of feeling mentally sharp, agile, and capable enough to readily engage in complex problem-solving tasks, intricate strategic thinking exercises, or detailed analytical work required in their profession or personal projects.
• Overcoming or managing experiencing unusual fatigue and muscle aches that aren't explained by physical activity is a common patient journey at Dr. Gentile's practice. The focus is on enabling noticeably reducing their reliance on, and need for, urgent care clinics or hospital emergency room visits for conditions that are now being effectively managed or prevented through proactive, continuous, and comprehensive primary care with Dr. Gentile, so that engaging in breathing much more easily and deeply, actively participating in more physically strenuous or endurance-based activities, and effectively managing their chronic respiratory conditions (like asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis) with greater confidence and fewer limitations becomes a reality again.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Gentile, 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. Gentile practices at L H S C Children's Hospital, located in the Old Oakville, Eastlake neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and is accessible via Oakville 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 do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Ontario if that 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, your local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's patient-doctor matching service (if available) may be helpful. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most specialists.

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Gentile is well-equipped to be your central point of care. Her role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the healthcare system, and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Gentile will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively.

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

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can take time and effort. You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; they often have a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Gentile varies 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. Gentile follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Gentile 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.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Gentile?

To each appointment with Dr. Gentile at L H S C Children's Hospital, please ensure you have your provincial health card. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Gentile beforehand so you don't forget anything important during your visit.

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. However, 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 L H S C Children's Hospital if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

How long do appointments with Dr. Gentile typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Gentile can vary. Standard appointments for a single issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 10-15 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive periodic health exam (physical), a 'meet and greet' for new patients, counseling, or a minor procedure will usually be longer, perhaps 20-30 minutes or more. When booking your appointment at L H S C Children's Hospital, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Gentile. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or separate appointments to ensure each concern is addressed adequately.

L H S C Children's Hospital
290 Lakeshore Road East, Department of Pediatrics
Oakville, ON, L6J 1J2

Phone: (905) 842-1181

Dr. Danielle Gentile 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: 102952

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gentile-Danielle/0296076-102952

Family doctors like Dr. Gentile 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.