Dr. Edith Dorothea Hedwig Kooiman

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

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Primary care support for individuals with psoriasis, coordinating with specialist care as needed for more advanced treatment options and comprehensive management of this chronic systemic condition.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Differentiating between benign and potentially suspicious skin lesions is a key role, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if any features suggest skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).

Preventative Health Topics

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.
• 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.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Personalized advice and comprehensive care plans for healthy weight loss, prevention of unhealthy weight gain, or management of obesity and its related health conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, certain cancers).

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• 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.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Investigating causes of chronic or recurrent anemia (e.g., fatigue, pallor) through blood tests (CBC, iron studies, B12, folate, ferritin). Managing common types such as iron deficiency anemia (oral/IV iron supplementation, dietary advice) and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia (supplementation), and identifying/addressing underlying causes (e.g., malabsorption, chronic blood loss, dietary insufficiency).
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Primary care strategies to protect and preserve kidney health, including tight blood pressure and glycemic control, and education on kidney-friendly habits.

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

• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Proactive care to maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and manage established osteoporosis.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Helping individuals understand and cope with chronic pain, aiming to improve daily function, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
• 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.
• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance and quality of life.
• Cancer Screening Coordination (Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, Lung - as per guidelines): Providing guidance on, ordering, and interpreting results for essential cancer screenings (e.g., Pap tests, HPV testing, mammograms, fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) for colon cancer, PSA discussions for prostate cancer, low-dose CT for lung cancer in high-risk individuals) based on current evidence-based guidelines.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kooiman. 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 Edith Kooiman Clinic Calgary, 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. Kooiman frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Kooiman supports patients through ongoing digestive issues like persistent heartburn after meals, uncomfortable bloating, or frequent stomach upset, aiming for outcomes like obtaining clear, concise, and actionable guidance from Dr. Kooiman on when it's appropriate to seek urgent versus routine medical attention for various common symptoms, promoting appropriate health service utilization, so they can return to activities such as dedicating many enjoyable and focused hours to their beloved garden, whether it's meticulously planting delicate flowers, diligently tending to a productive vegetable patch, or undertaking more strenuous yard work like raking leaves or shoveling snow, without significant subsequent back, knee, or shoulder pain.
• If wanting to learn more about the shingles vaccine or other adult immunizations they might need is a barrier, Dr. Kooiman develops strategies aimed at receiving compassionate, understanding, and effective support and strategies from Dr. Kooiman for managing a spectrum of mental health challenges including persistent anxiety, significant depression, debilitating grief, overwhelming life stress, or initial symptoms of more complex psychiatric conditions, facilitating the ability to enjoy efficiently managing and maintaining their home environment, including undertaking light repairs, seasonal maintenance, or significant organizational projects, with physical capability and sustained energy.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Kooiman, 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. Kooiman's practice, Edith Kooiman Clinic Calgary, is conveniently located in the SE: Parkland, Deer Ridge, Queensland neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT) and is near Connects North/South. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

Can Dr. Kooiman help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Kooiman is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Kooiman is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

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 Edith Kooiman Clinic Calgary if you have questions about specific non-insured 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 in Alberta if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor accepting new patients can be challenging. You may find it helpful to check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website or contact local community health centres. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Kooiman?

Your first appointment will involve a review of your medical history, current health concerns, medications, and lifestyle habits. A basic physical examination may be performed. It's also a chance to ask questions about Dr. Kooiman's practice and clinic policies.

How long do appointments with Dr. Kooiman typically last?

Regular appointments usually last 10-15 minutes. New patient visits or those involving complex issues may be longer (30 minutes). Please inform the reception staff when booking.

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

A family doctor (in Alberta) is a physician specializing in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages. Their role includes diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, managing chronic conditions, health education, and advocacy within the healthcare system.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Edith Kooiman Clinic Calgary is closed?

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues, consider visiting an urgent care centre or walk-in clinic. Check with Edith Kooiman Clinic Calgary during regular hours to see if after-hours services are available. Our clinic voicemail [(403) 910-1871] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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 for a 'Find a Doctor' tool. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. Finding a doctor may take time.

Edith Kooiman Clinic Calgary
19605 Walden Blvd SE, 3101
Calgary, AB, T2X 4E2

Phone: (403) 910-1871

Dr. Edith Dorothea Hedwig Kooiman 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: 17821

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=02febe0c-bef8-4394-b0d5-e436e5cc75b7&i=779

Family doctors like Dr. Kooiman 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.