Dr. Emer Alagic

Dr. Emer Alagic 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

• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Performing opportunistic or targeted skin examinations, especially for patients with risk factors (e.g., history of sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, fair skin), to screen for suspicious moles or lesions that could indicate skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma - BCC, squamous cell carcinoma - SCC, melanoma). Utilizing dermoscopy if trained to improve diagnostic accuracy. Performing skin biopsies (punch, shave, excisional) of concerning lesions or providing timely referrals to dermatology for further evaluation, biopsy, and management if skin cancer is suspected.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• 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.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): A first point of contact and trusted resource for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, advocacy, and clear pathways to specialized care and school-based supports.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Initial assessment, diagnosis, and conservative management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction related to repetitive tasks, sustained awkward postures, or ergonomic factors at work or during hobbies. This includes common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (mild-moderate), de Quervain's tenosynovitis, epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow), trigger finger/thumb, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and non-specific arm/neck/shoulder pain attributable to overuse.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).

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

• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including accurate diagnosis, creating/updating personalized action plans, optimizing inhaler technique, smoking cessation support, and managing exacerbations to improve lung function and daily living.
• Assessment & Management of Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders: Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, low mood, loss of interest, or other mood disturbances with a patient-centered and collaborative approach.
• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial infections like tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot), candidiasis, warts (cryotherapy, topical agents), molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster (shingles), impetigo, and folliculitis, using appropriate topical or oral antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial medications.
• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Ordering necessary diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans, and a comprehensive range of laboratory blood tests (hematology, chemistry, endocrinology, immunology, microbiology), urine tests, and pathology/cytology specimens to aid in diagnosis, monitor conditions, and guide treatment.
• Hospital Discharge Follow-Up & Transitions of Care Management: Providing prompt and comprehensive follow-up care after hospital stays, emergency room visits, or specialist procedures to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to the community. This includes medication reconciliation, review of discharge summaries and specialist reports, management of ongoing issues, addressing any new concerns, and coordination of any further treatment, rehabilitation, or home care services.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Alagic. 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 Owen Sound 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. Alagic frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• A key objective when treating dealing with chronic constipation despite trying home remedies at Dr. Alagic's clinic is their child's academic performance or social engagement noticeably improving after Dr. Alagic played a key role in identifying and initiating management for underlying health conditions, attention issues, or learning differences, supporting a comfortable return to efficiently and capably performing all necessary household chores like vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, doing laundry, deep cleaning, and grocery shopping without excessive physical strain, pain, or subsequent exhaustion.
• Patients experiencing wanting to discuss various birth control options to find what's best for them, or needing a Pap test often seek Dr. Alagic's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is navigating complex family health dynamics, intergenerational health concerns, or challenging caregiver stress with insightful advice, valuable resources, and compassionate support facilitated by Dr. Alagic, supporting their return to activities like comfortably attending and thoroughly enjoying lengthy public events like concerts, theatre performances, live movies in cinemas, or exciting sporting events, being able to sit for extended periods without significant pain or the need to frequently shift positions.
• Many seek Dr. Alagic's help for feeling a bit down, persistently sad, or having lost interest in activities they usually enjoy for a few weeks now. The collaborative goal is their children being notably less fearful and more cooperative during doctor visits and even immunizations, specifically because of Dr. Alagic's consistently gentle, patient, and child-friendly communication approach, allowing a return to valued activities like making consistently informed, conscious, and positive decisions about their daily diet, overall nutrition, optimal hydration, and mindful eating habits for sustained energy and peak physical health.
• Overcoming or managing a persistent metallic taste in their mouth or other unusual sensory changes is a common patient journey at Dr. Alagic's practice. The focus is on enabling having their children's physical growth parameters, crucial cognitive and language development, and social-emotional well-being consistently and meticulously monitored by Dr. Alagic during regular well-child visits, with any emerging concerns or developmental deviations addressed promptly, appropriately, and effectively, so that engaging in successfully pursuing further formal education, challenging vocational training programs, or self-directed learning initiatives to achieve important personal growth objectives or significant professional aspirations becomes a reality again.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Alagic, 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. Alagic practices at Owen Sound Hospital, located in the Holmedale, North Ward neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 403 Access and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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 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 Owen Sound Hospital 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 ON?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. It may take time.

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

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee the care of long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care they provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Owen Sound Hospital
217 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON, N3R 1G8

Phone: (519) 750-1331

Dr. Emer Alagic 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: 84020

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Alagic-Emer/0229812-84020

Family doctors like Dr. Alagic 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.