Dr. George W. Barr

Dr. George W. Barr provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• 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: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Ongoing management and support for anxiety disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Supportive counseling and practical guidance for stress-related symptoms and adjustment disorders, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Adult Common Health Issues

• 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.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Referral to urology for severe symptoms, complications (e.g., acute urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, renal impairment due to obstruction), or if surgical intervention (e.g., TURP) is being considered.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Offering essential travel health services and tailored advice to protect your health while abroad, based on current international health regulations, CDC/WHO recommendations, and your specific travel plans.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.

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

• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through evidence-based, non-stigmatizing approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits and overall well-being rather than restrictive dieting.
• 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.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate primary care for teenagers, addressing a range of issues including puberty, acne, body image, mental health (anxiety, depression, stress), sexual health education, contraception, STI screening, substance use counseling, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise, sleep).
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks with personalized advice on prevention and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Providing a safe and understanding space to navigate the complex emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions to loss, and connecting with specialized bereavement services or support groups if needed.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Barr. 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 AB and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. George Barr MD, CCPF., 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. Barr frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Dr. Barr regarding wanting reliable advice and a realistic plan on how to eat healthier, manage their weight better, or start exercising safely. Working together, they aim for feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Barr when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances, making a return to actively and diligently engaging in their prescribed recovery process and rehabilitation program after an unexpected injury, a planned surgery, or a significant medical event by consistently following all professional advice and exercises feasible.
• The focus for patients with needing help to manage side effects from a new medication prescribed by a specialist at Dr. Barr's practice is achieving successfully managing a challenging perinatal period, including issues like gestational diabetes or postpartum mood disorders, with the integrated medical, emotional, and practical support provided by Dr. Barr, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like successfully maintaining a clean, organized, and uncluttered living space that actively contributes to their sense of calm, mental clarity, physical safety, and overall feelings of well-being at home.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Barr, 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. Barr's practice, Dr. George Barr MD, CCPF., is conveniently located in the SW: Killarney, Glendale, Glenbrook neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is situated near Restaurants & Shops and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

Your family doctor (Alberta) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. He manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care he provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for eligible residents with a valid Alberta health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Dr. George Barr MD, CCPF. if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Barr handle complex care?

If you have several health issues, Dr. Barr is well-equipped to be your central point of care. His role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the healthcare system, and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Barr will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Barr can vary based on your age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a full check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). For specific screening tests like Pap smears or mammograms, there are established provincial guidelines based on age and gender which Dr. Barr follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Barr to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care. Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ins can be important for early detection and health maintenance.

Can Dr. Barr help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family doctors like Dr. Barr are integral to supporting patients' mental health. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Barr.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Alberta if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. You may find it helpful to check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website or contact local community health centres. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

To find a family doctor in Alberta who is accepting new patients, you can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, which often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Keep in mind that finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

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

If Dr. Barr determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist, he will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. This usually involves Dr. Barr sending a formal referral letter to the specialist's office. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary. The staff at Dr. George Barr MD, CCPF. will typically inform you once the referral has been sent, and the specialist's office will usually contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Please follow up with Dr. George Barr MD, CCPF. if you haven't heard from the specialist's office within a reasonable timeframe, as advised by Dr. Barr.

Dr. George Barr MD, CCPF.
10-6449 Crowchild Trail SW, 10
Calgary, AB, T3E 5R7

Phone: (403) 455-2550 | Website: http://www.drgeorgebarr.com/

Dr. George W. Barr is regulated by the Health Professions Act (Alberta) in AB and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Registration Number: 8682

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=e9fed36e-9198-4a8f-a21d-457f15ed3434&i=141

Family doctors like Dr. Barr 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.