Dr. Derek Arie Garniss – Family Doctor | Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Dr. Derek Arie Garniss is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He 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. His 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. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Derek Arie Garniss completed his Medical Degree. He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. He provides consultations in English.

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

Common Acute Conditions

• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• 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.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Management of acute migraine episodes or severe tension headaches, including advice on abortive medications, lifestyle adjustments during an attack, and strategies for future prevention.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Helping individuals understand and manage their IBS symptoms to improve digestive comfort and quality of life.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Comprehensive management strategies for COPD, focusing on smoking cessation support (critical for slowing progression), appropriate pharmacological therapy (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids), supplemental oxygen therapy assessment (if needed), pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, influenza/pneumococcal vaccinations, and proactive management of exacerbations to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms (breathlessness, chronic cough, sputum production), and slow disease progression.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Long-term support and care for managing the symptoms of degenerative joint disease and other chronic musculoskeletal pain, focusing on self-management and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including education on inhaler/spacer technique, trigger avoidance, development of personalized asthma action plans for home and school), eczema (atopic dermatitis - focusing on skincare, emollients, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, trigger management), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Includes initial assessment and guidance for food allergies, with referral to pediatric allergists for confirmation and comprehensive management if indicated.

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

• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Management of common skin lesions, including simple diagnostic and removal procedures where appropriate within primary care.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Advising on activity modification, ergonomic adjustments, stretching/strengthening exercises, and pain relief measures for overuse injuries.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Initial medical evaluation to determine the cause of acute head pain or balance disturbance.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: Diagnosing and treating common causes of acute digestive upset, and offering supportive care to prevent complications.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common international destinations. This includes risk assessment based on itinerary, advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (malaria, dengue, Zika), altitude sickness prevention, and administration of necessary routine and travel-specific vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if certified). Complex itineraries may require referral.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Garniss. 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. Derek Arie Garniss'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. Garniss frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Many seek Dr. Garniss's help for concerns about their child's hearing or vision, or a failed school screening. The collaborative goal is receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Garniss when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, allowing a return to valued activities like 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.
• The focus for patients with joint pain in their knees, hips, or hands that's been getting worse and making movement difficult at Dr. Garniss's practice is achieving achieving substantially better and more integrated management of their multiple co-existing chronic conditions (multimorbidity) through the highly coordinated, holistic, and patient-centered approach to care championed by Dr. Garniss, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like meaningfully and collaboratively contributing to important household decision-making processes, family event planning, or shared domestic responsibilities with clarity and fairness.
• Patients with their child having a sudden high fever, being very irritable, and not acting like themselves can find relief and achieve experiencing notably fewer sick days from work or school for themselves or their children, leading to improved productivity and less disruption to daily life, due to better prevention strategies and more effective management of common illnesses under Dr. Garniss's care, often allowing them to resume thoughtfully and proactively planning for their long-term future, including considerations for retirement, potential changes in living arrangements, or other significant life transitions, with a strong sense of health security and financial preparedness without former limitations.
• For patients where a nagging low backache that's making it hard to sit, stand, or even sleep comfortably is a concern, Dr. Garniss focuses on plans that lead to having a clear, actionable, and well-understood plan, along with readily available support from Dr. Garniss, for effectively managing an acute flare-up of a chronic condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Chronic Migraine, or Rheumatoid Arthritis (often in co-management with specialists), supporting their ability to feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr. Garniss for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Garniss, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. He believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Garniss practices at a family medical clinic in Sault Ste. Marie, situated in the West End, Steelton neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie. The clinic is conveniently located near GFL Memorial Gardens (Arena) and is accessible via Sault Ste. Marie Transit. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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 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, 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 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 OHIP for eligible Ontario residents with a valid 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 may have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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

You can check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, which often has a "Find a Doctor" tool. In Ontario, you can also register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

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

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

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.

750 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6B 0A8

Phone: (705) 759-3434

Dr. Derek Arie Garniss 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: 77690

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Garniss-Derek-Arie/0190150-77690

Family doctors like Dr. Garniss 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.