Dr. Élaine Gagné – Family Doctor | Laurier-Station, QC

Dr. Élaine Gagné is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at CLSC Arthur-Caux in Laurier-Station, QC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. Élaine Gagné completed her Family Medicine (2010), 1995. 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 fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. She offers consultations in French.

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

Joint Muscle Pain

• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Common Acute Conditions

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Assessment and treatment for acute chest infections like acute bronchitis or mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, including determining the need for antibiotics based on clinical assessment and guidelines, and monitoring recovery closely.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Diagnosing and managing common allergic reactions such as seasonal/perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), mild to moderate hives (urticaria), minor localized reactions to insect stings, and initial assessment of suspected mild food allergy symptoms. Does not include anaphylaxis management which is an emergency.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Providing prompt care for sudden or severe headaches, offering effective relief, and establishing a plan for ongoing management if headaches are recurrent or chronic.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• 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.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.
• 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.

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

• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Providing ongoing care and management for a variety of other long-term health issues such as chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic anemia, and more, focusing on symptom control and quality of life.
• Cancer Screening Coordination (Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, Lung - as per guidelines): Coordinating appropriate cancer screening tests tailored to your age, gender, family history, and individual risk factors, facilitating early detection.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: Screening for signs and symptoms of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) during routine visits or when concerns arise. Providing initial support and psychoeducation, and facilitating timely referrals to specialized eating disorder programs, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Helping patients recover from repetitive strain conditions and prevent recurrence through education and targeted interventions.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery and prevent complications.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Gagné. 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 Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CLSC Arthur-Caux, 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 Gagné frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For many individuals, feeling overwhelmed by stress from work or family life and needing someone to talk to about coping strategies can be a real barrier. Dr Gagné's approach focuses on achieving their legitimate concerns about potential medication side effects or adverse drug reactions being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by Dr Gagné, often leading to helpful and safe adjustments in their prescribed treatment plan, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy successfully pursuing further formal education, challenging vocational training programs, or self-directed learning initiatives to achieve important personal growth objectives or significant professional aspirations.
• The focus for patients with difficulty concentrating at work or school that's new for them at Dr Gagné's practice is achieving receiving compassionate, understanding, and effective support and strategies from Dr Gagné 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 a return to meaningful activities like fully and enthusiastically engaging in a wide range of desired social activities, valued community events, and spending quality, meaningful time with close friends and loved ones without being frequently limited or sidelined by bothersome or unpredictable health concerns.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Gagné, 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 Gagné's practice at CLSC Arthur-Caux is situated in a family medical practice in the central Laurier-Station neighborhood of Laurier-Station. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Useful resources include the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, which may have a "Find a Doctor" tool, or local health authority websites. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

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

Family doctors like Dr Gagné are integral to supporting patients' mental health. She can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr Gagné.

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

With Dr Gagné, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations, screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr Gagné works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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 (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Quebec who is accepting new patients may take time and effort. Check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec; they may have a "Find a Doctor" tool or a list of physicians. You can also inquire with local community health centres or CLSCs. Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations can also be helpful.

How long do appointments with Dr Gagné typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr Gagné 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 CLSC Arthur-Caux, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr Gagné. 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.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr Gagné?

Having continuity of care with Dr Gagné means that she is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years. This long-term relationship allows Dr Gagné to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger doctor-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l&#x27;assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Confirm with CLSC Arthur-Caux if you have questions about specific services.

CLSC Arthur-Caux
135 rue de la Station SS 1
Laurier-Station, QC, G0S 1N0

Phone: (418) 728-3435

Dr. Élaine Gagné is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 95031

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=95031

Family doctors like Dr Gagné 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.