Dr. Grant Steven Stefanyshen – Family Doctor | Wetaskiwin, AB

Dr. Grant Steven Stefanyshen is a Family Doctor (Family Practice Anesthesia Focus). Practicing at a family doctor practice in Wetaskiwin, AB, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. His focus is providing family medicine with specialized skills in anesthesia, typically in settings (often rural) requiring general practitioners to have broader procedural capabilities, including administering anesthesia for minor surgical and obstetrical procedures. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Grant Steven Stefanyshen completed his MD Doctor of Medicine (University of Manitoba, 1992). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as Family Practice with a Focus on Anesthesia (Often Rural/Procedural) 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 holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

Pregnancy Postpartum Issues

• Perinatal Mental Health Screening & Support (Antenatal & Postpartum): Routine screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including antenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, using validated tools (e.g., EPDS). Providing initial counseling, support, psychoeducation, and management options (lifestyle, psychotherapy referrals, medication if appropriate and safe during pregnancy/lactation) for mild to moderate PMADs.
• Pre-Conception Care & Counseling for Healthy Pregnancy Planning: Providing comprehensive advice and health checks for individuals and couples planning a pregnancy. This includes folic acid recommendations (and other preconception supplements), optimizing management of pre-existing chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, mental health conditions), medication review for safety in pregnancy, immunization updates (e.g., rubella, varicella, influenza, Tdap), genetic carrier screening discussions based on family history or ethnicity, and extensive lifestyle advice (nutrition, healthy weight, exercise, smoking/alcohol/drug cessation, environmental exposures).
• Postpartum Care for Mother & Newborn (Integrated Mother-Baby Dyad Care, 6-Week Check): Providing integrated follow-up care for both mothers and their newborns in the crucial weeks following childbirth, typically including a comprehensive 6-week postpartum check for the mother, with earlier and more frequent checks for the baby as needed. This includes assessing maternal physical recovery (uterine involution, perineal/C-section wound healing, lochia, resolution of pregnancy-related conditions like gestational hypertension/diabetes), mood and mental health (screening for postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis using tools like EPDS), breastfeeding/infant feeding support, contraception counseling, and adjustment to parenthood. For the newborn: thorough physical exam, feeding assessment (breast/bottle), weight gain monitoring, jaundice assessment and management, umbilical cord care, screening for congenital conditions (as per provincial programs), and developmental review.

Joint Muscle Pain

• 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.
• 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).
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing IBS based on symptom criteria after ruling out other conditions, and providing primary care management strategies including dietary advice (e.g., low FODMAP diet introduction, fiber management), lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and symptomatic treatment for abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Investigating causes of chronic or recurrent anemia (e.g., fatigue, pallor) through blood tests (CBC, iron studies, B12, folate, ferritin). Managing common types such as iron deficiency anemia (oral/IV iron supplementation, dietary advice) and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia (supplementation), and identifying/addressing underlying causes (e.g., malabsorption, chronic blood loss, dietary insufficiency).
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Developing personalized strategies to reduce chronic joint and muscle pain, improve mobility and function, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall quality of life for those living with conditions like arthritis, persistent back pain or fibromyalgia.

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

• Postpartum Care for Mother & Newborn (Mother-Baby Dyad Care): Comprehensive check-up for new mothers and their babies to ensure their health and well-being after delivery, addressing any concerns for either member of the dyad.
• Well-Child & Well-Adolescent Visits (Growth & Development): Age-appropriate developmental screenings, health supervision, and lifestyle counseling for children and teenagers, ensuring they meet key milestones.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Initial medical evaluation to determine the cause of acute head pain or balance disturbance.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Comprehensive primary care for chronic inflammatory and allergic skin conditions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children and adolescents, such as ear infections (otitis media), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), common colds, influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-mouth disease, gastroenteritis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Stefanyshen. 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. Grant Steven Stefanyshen's practice, 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. Stefanyshen frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Dr. Stefanyshen regarding feeling a lump in their breast or armpit that needs to be examined. Working together, they aim for their elderly parents or relatives receiving thoughtful, patient, dignified, and age-appropriate comprehensive care from Dr. Stefanyshen that demonstrably enhances their functional abilities, safety, and overall quality of life in their later years, making a return to feeling confident enough in their stable health and physical abilities to make spontaneous, last-minute plans, embrace unexpected opportunities, or enthusiastically try new, unfamiliar activities or experiences feasible.
• Dr. Stefanyshen often sees patients whose wishing to discuss advance care planning, making a living will, or appointing a healthcare proxy limits their enjoyment of meticulously planning, eagerly anticipating, and thoroughly enjoying well-deserved, adventurous, or relaxing vacations and novel travel experiences, both near and far, without the constant nagging worry about potential health flare-ups, unexpected medical needs, or physical limitations. The goal of care is to achieve having all their health-related questions, no matter how complex or basic, answered clearly, patiently, without jargon, and in an easily understandable way by Dr. Stefanyshen, fostering a strong sense of health literacy and shared understanding and restore their active lifestyle.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Stefanyshen, 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. Stefanyshen's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Wetaskiwin, situated in a family medical practice in central Wetaskiwin neighborhood of Wetaskiwin. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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

A family doctor (Alberta) 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 AB who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Alberta who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website that you can check. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. It may take time to find a suitable doctor.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Stefanyshen?

When you first meet Dr. Stefanyshen as a new patient, expect to spend time discussing your complete health profile. He will likely ask about your past medical history, significant family illnesses, all current medications (including vitamins and supplements), allergies, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, and any specific health concerns or goals you have. This comprehensive intake helps Dr. Stefanyshen understand your overall health status and begin to formulate a long-term care plan. It's also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have about his approach to medicine or clinic procedures.

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 our clinic 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 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. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website, may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

Rr 5, 5610 40 ave
Wetaskiwin, AB, T9A 1L0

Phone: (780) 361-4333

Dr. Grant Steven Stefanyshen 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: 023812

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=d02ba655-b77e-426b-acfc-b645f811f342&i=1387

Family doctors like Dr. Stefanyshen 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.