Dr. Firas Fadhel Al-Dhaher – Family Doctor | Petrolia, ON

Dr. Firas Fadhel Al-Dhaher is a Family Doctor. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital in Petrolia, 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. Firas Fadhel Al-Dhaher 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 a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Arabic.

Dr. Firas Fadhel Al-Dhaher 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.
• 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).
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage these common and often distressing inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance, reduce symptoms (redness, papules, pustules, flushing), prevent scarring (acne), and enhance quality of life.

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.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Supporting new parents in caring for their infant, addressing common concerns (colic, reflux, sleep patterns), and promoting bonding and healthy attachment.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.

Common Acute Conditions

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Addressing sudden onset skin problems, providing effective treatment, advising on skin care and hygiene to promote healing, and identifying potential triggers for allergic or irritant conditions.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.
• 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.

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

• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Diagnosing and treating common acute skin problems such as eczema flare-ups, contact dermatitis, acne exacerbations, shingles (herpes zoster), fungal infections (e.g., ringworm, athlete's foot), hives (urticaria), and insect bites/stings with significant reactions.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Primary care support for patients with established heart conditions, ensuring regular follow-up, adherence to complex treatment plans, and promotion of heart-healthy lifestyles.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Providing ongoing care for individuals with asthma or COPD to optimize symptom control, reduce frequency of flare-ups, and improve exercise tolerance and quality of life.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Helping you identify factors contributing to poor sleep and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime functioning.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Expert management of prevalent adult health concerns to support optimal health, function, and quality of life.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Al-Dhaher. 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 The Ottawa 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. Al-Dhaher frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Addressing a persistent hoarse voice or a lump in their neck that they are concerned about with Dr. Al-Dhaher often leads to achieving a significantly healthier and more balanced lifestyle that demonstrably reduces their risk of developing future preventable health problems and notably enhances their overall physical and mental resilience, enabling patients to more freely engage 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.
• Dr. Al-Dhaher understands the impact of needing support to cope with a new diagnosis of a chronic illness for themself/themselves or a family member. That's why treatment is geared towards receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Al-Dhaher when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, helping patients get back to participating fully, actively, and joyfully in all extended family activities, special gatherings, milestone celebrations, and holiday traditions with greater ease.
• Managing a minor injury like a sprained ankle from a misstep playing sports, or a small cut from cooking that might need stitches effectively is a priority for Dr. Al-Dhaher. The aim is feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Al-Dhaher to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques, which helps patients get back to enjoying feeling consistently rested, fully alert, and cognitively sharp enough to drive safely and defensively for both short daily commutes and much longer, more demanding road trips or family vacations.
• Dr. Al-Dhaher often sees patients whose wanting to understand if genetic testing is appropriate for them based on family history limits their enjoyment of adeptly managing daily life stressors, unexpected personal challenges, and demanding professional pressures in a healthy, resilient, constructive, and adaptive way, maintaining emotional equilibrium. The goal of care is to achieve their newborn receiving excellent, thorough initial care, meticulous monitoring for healthy growth and crucial early development, and invaluable support for new parents during the critical and often overwhelming early weeks of life, all from Dr. Al-Dhaher and restore their active lifestyle.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Al-Dhaher, 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. Al-Dhaher practices at The Ottawa Hospital, situated in a family medical practice in the central Petrolia neighborhood of Petrolia. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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 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 The Ottawa Hospital if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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

A family doctor (Ontario) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

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

Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; they often have a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor can be challenging and may take time.

Can Dr. Al-Dhaher help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Al-Dhaher is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. He 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. Al-Dhaher is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

The Ottawa Hospital
4130 Glenview Road, Department of Diagnostic Radiology
Petrolia, ON, N0N 1R0

Phone: (519) 882-2500

Dr. Firas Fadhel Al-Dhaher 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: 82436

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/AlDhaher-Firas-Fadhel/0219901-82436

Family doctors like Dr. Al-Dhaher 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.