Dr. Geneviève Hardy – Family Doctor | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Geneviève Hardy is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at Hôpital haut richelieu, Urgence in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, 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. She focuses on 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. Dr Hardy serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Geneviève Hardy completed her Family Medicine (2016). 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 a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. She offers consultations in French.

Dr. Geneviève Hardy 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

• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Diagnosing and managing common viral skin infections. This includes common/plantar warts and molluscum contagiosum (observation, cryotherapy, topical agents like salicylic acid or cantharidin). For Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV - cold sores/fever blisters, genital herpes): antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) for acute outbreaks or suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences, plus counseling on transmission. For Herpes Zoster (Shingles): prompt antiviral therapy to reduce severity/duration and risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), along with pain management. Shingles vaccination advice for eligible adults.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Evaluating common benign (non-cancerous) skin growths like skin tags (acrochordons), seborrheic keratoses ('age spots'), cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas, epidermal cysts, and lipomas. Providing reassurance regarding their benign nature and offering in-office removal (e.g., cryotherapy, snip excision, curettage, simple excision for cysts/lipomas if trained/equipped) for cosmetic reasons, if causing irritation, or for diagnostic certainty if there's any ambiguity.
• 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.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Managing common mycotic infections to resolve symptoms (itching, scaling, discoloration, inflammation), prevent spread to others, and restore healthy skin and nails.

Joint Muscle Pain

• 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.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing effective treatment for acutely painful crystal-induced arthritis, focusing on rapid symptom relief during flares, and implementing robust long-term preventative measures for chronic gout to improve joint health and overall well-being.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.

Mental Health Concerns

• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.
• 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.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Providing a safe and confidential first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of other mental health conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or early psychosis. Includes initial screening, supportive listening, crisis intervention if needed, risk assessment, and prompt, appropriate referral to specialized psychiatric, psychological, or emergency mental health services for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

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

• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity and skin type.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Helping patients recover from repetitive strain conditions and prevent recurrence through education and targeted interventions.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Offering guidance, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies for managing acute and chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or adjustment difficulties related to significant life changes.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Addressing a wide range of persistent health problems with personalized treatment plans.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Hardy. 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 Hôpital haut richelieu, Urgence, 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 Hardy frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Many seek Dr Hardy's help for discussing the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause. The collaborative goal is achieving more restorative and consistent sleep patterns and experiencing increased daytime energy levels and cognitive function after effectively addressing underlying sleep disturbances with Dr Hardy's comprehensive assessment and management plan, allowing a return to valued activities like independently and efficiently performing all personal grooming and hygiene tasks (bathing, dressing, toileting) without any difficulty, assistance, or associated pain, maintaining their dignity.
• Many patients have successfully addressed irregular menstrual cycles, very heavy periods, or unusual bleeding that needs checking out with Dr Hardy's support. This often leads to feeling a profound sense of relief and gratitude after finally discussing a 'embarrassing' or stigmatized health concern with Dr Hardy in a completely safe, confidential, and entirely supportive clinical environment and the ability to fully participate in feeling mentally clear, exceptionally sharp, highly focused, and consistently productive throughout their demanding workday, during important decision-making processes, or when engaged in complex cognitive tasks once more.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Hardy, 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 Hardy practices at Hôpital haut richelieu, Urgence, located in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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. Resources like the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, local health authority websites, or community health centers may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

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

With Dr Hardy, 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 Hardy works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

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

A family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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 (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 often have 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 explore provincial programs if available.

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 health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Confirm with Hôpital haut richelieu, Urgence if you have questions about specific services or fees.

How often should I see Dr Hardy for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups varies based on your age, health, existing conditions, and risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need check-ups less frequently, while children, older adults, or those with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits. Discuss your individual needs with Dr Hardy to determine an appropriate schedule.

How long do appointments with Dr Hardy typically last?

Appointment times vary depending on the reason for the visit. A quick follow-up might be 10-15 minutes, while annual physicals or complex issues may require 30 minutes or more. Be specific about your needs when booking your appointment.

What happens if Dr Hardy determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr Hardy determines you need a specialist, she will discuss it with you and initiate a referral. The specialist's office will usually contact you to schedule an appointment. Follow up with Hôpital haut richelieu, Urgence if you haven't heard from them within a reasonable timeframe.

Hôpital haut richelieu, Urgence
920 Boul Séminaire Nord
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3A 1B7

Phone: (450) 359-5000

Dr. Geneviève Hardy 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: 16864

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16864

Family doctors like Dr Hardy 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.