Dr. George Jacob Francis – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist | Calgary, AB

Dr. George Jacob Francis is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Calgary, AB, Dr. Francis is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Francis is licensed by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in AB. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Francis focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.

Dr. George Jacob Francis earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Uofa - University Of Alberta, graduating in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. Francis completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 14 years of practice since 2011, Dr. Francis's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Francis is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Francis's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care; empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan. Dr. Francis provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. George Jacob Francis addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Helping manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, and balance problems in individuals with MS to maintain function and independence.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Francis, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Expert diagnosis and management of axial and radicular pain originating from the spine.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Managing the complex medical and functional consequences of spinal cord injury, aiming to optimize health, function, and community reintegration.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Developing individualized pain management plans to reduce suffering and improve daily functioning for patients with chronic pain.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Careful selection and adjustment of medications to manage complex pain syndromes and muscle spasticity.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Francis. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. George Jacob Francis adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. George Jacob Francis's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Francis frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Francis's comprehensive care for needing to learn how to use a prosthetic limb effectively is meticulously designed to result in their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as performing tasks that require fine motor coordination without dental worries.
• When wanting to improve their walking pattern and reduce limping begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Francis helps patients strive for finding non-pharmacological ways to manage their pain effectively. This makes participating in activities such as enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For individuals troubled by their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement, Dr. Francis's approach is focused on delivering a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of their physical impairment. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like navigating their home environment safely and independently with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Francis often consults with patients whose recovering from a major surgery and needing help to get moving again significantly limits their enjoyment of communicating their needs clearly if they have speech difficulties or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve achieving the best possible physical function given their underlying condition and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Francis, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Francis is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Francis's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Calgary, is situated in the NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near The Bow Tower and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Francis covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Francis are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Francis recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Francis might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Francis do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Francis is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Francis treats?

Some common conditions treated include: consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Francis focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Francis at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Francis will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Francis will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Francis will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Francis?

Yes, in AB, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Francis for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Francis has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9

Phone: (403) 521-3688

Dr. George Jacob Francis is a licensed Physiatrist in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 18247

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=89353381-d341-490e-adb7-ed6c05f7adc5&i=482

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Francis. Dr. Francis and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.