Dr. Élise Gingras-Lafond

Dr. Élise Gingras-Lafond 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

• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Helping you cope with acute digestive illnesses by providing guidance on oral rehydration solutions, appropriate diet modification during and after illness, and when to seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Helping patients manage their allergy symptoms effectively to improve daily comfort and quality of life.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Assessment of acute headaches to differentiate types (e.g., tension headache, migraine, cervicogenic), provide initial pain relief strategies (analgesics, NSAIDs, triptans for migraine), identify potential triggers, and rule out serious underlying causes requiring urgent investigation.
• 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.

Mental Health Concerns

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Helping individuals navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms, aiming to restore emotional well-being, daily functioning, and prevent relapse.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (honey-crusted lesions), folliculitis (infected hair follicles), and uncomplicated cellulitis (localized skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling, pain) or erysipelas. Management includes topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, fusidic acid) for localized infections or oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin, cloxacillin, clindamycin) for more extensive or systemic involvement. Advice on wound care and hygiene.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity, skin type, patient preference, and potential impact on self-esteem.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Developing and regularly reviewing personalized asthma action plans, educating on proper inhaler technique (metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulizers), trigger identification and avoidance (allergens, irritants), medication management (relievers, controllers like inhaled corticosteroids, LABAs, LTRAs), and managing asthma exacerbations to improve breathing, prevent flare-ups, and maintain an active lifestyle. Also includes management of associated allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• 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.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions.

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.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Helping patients manage the uncomfortable sensations and sleep disruption associated with RLS.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Helping patients find relief from itchy, irritated, or dry eyes through appropriate primary care interventions and guidance.

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

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care (All Ages - Initial & Ongoing): Initial assessment and ongoing management for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, which may involve diagnostic screening tools, collaboration with schools/families, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases or co-occurring conditions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, inflamed skin and maintain healthy skin barrier function.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Personalized diabetes care plans focusing on achieving optimal glycemic control, preventing acute and chronic complications (cardiovascular, renal, neurological, ophthalmological), and empowering patient self-management.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Gingras-Lafond. 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 GMF, 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 Gingras-Lafond frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Many patients have successfully addressed a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving with Dr Gingras-Lafond's support. This often leads to managing bothersome and often disruptive menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes) effectively with Dr Gingras-Lafond's expert guidance and tailored treatment options, leading to improved well-being, better sleep, and a smoother, more comfortable life transition and the ability to fully participate in consistently driving safely, alertly, and comfortably for all necessary daily errands, regular commuting to work or school, or for longer leisure trips and family visits, without physical strain or cognitive impairment once more.
• Addressing symptoms of a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) like burning pain, increased frequency, or urgency to urinate with Dr Gingras-Lafond often leads to their children being notably less fearful and more cooperative during doctor visits and even immunizations, specifically because of Dr Gingras-Lafond's consistently gentle, patient, and child-friendly communication approach, enabling patients to more freely engage in proudly and comfortably attending their children's or grandchildren's various school events, important sports games, recitals, graduations, and artistic performances without being hindered by physical discomfort or lack of stamina.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Gingras-Lafond, 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. Gingras-Lafond practices at GMF, a family medical practice in the central La Sarre neighborhood of La Sarre. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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.

What if Dr Gingras-Lafond works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr Gingras-Lafond?

Dr Gingras-Lafond practices as part of a team-based practice, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr Gingras-Lafond, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, you might be seen by another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach can enhance access to care and provide comprehensive support. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr Gingras-Lafond for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor in Quebec if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can sometimes be challenging, and provincial resources may be helpful. A referral  is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

To find a family doctor in QC accepting new patients, check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, which often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly, or utilize the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF) if applicable. It can be challenging and may take time.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'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 provincial health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Confirm with GMF if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

Can Dr Gingras-Lafond help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr Gingras-Lafond 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 Gingras-Lafond is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

GMF
228 2e Rue E
La Sarre, QC, J9Z 2G9

Phone: (819) 339-5617

Dr. Élise Gingras-Lafond 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: 16359

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16359

Family doctors like Dr Gingras-Lafond 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.