Dr. Heather Marian Sawula – Family Doctor | Huntsville, ON

Dr. Heather Marian Sawula is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Children's Hospital in Huntsville, ON, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She 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. Her 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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Heather Marian Sawula completed her Medical Degree. 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; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Heather Marian Sawula 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

• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• 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.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Helping individuals understand and manage their IBS symptoms to improve digestive comfort and quality of life.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Working collaboratively with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and coordination with specialist renal services when appropriate.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Managing chronic pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in various joints (knees, hips, hands, spine), persistent mechanical low back or neck pain, and conditions like fibromyalgia. This involves a multimodal approach including education, exercise recommendations (strength, flexibility, low-impact aerobics), weight management, pain relief medications (topical, oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, judicious use of other analgesics like gabapentinoids or TCAs for neuropathic/fibromyalgia components), joint injection considerations, and referrals to physiotherapy, rheumatology or pain clinics if needed.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Providing effective remedies for bothersome and often contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, along with advice on hygiene and prevention of recurrence.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity, skin type, patient preference, and potential impact on self-esteem.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.

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

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care (All Ages - Initial & Ongoing): Initial assessment and ongoing management for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, which may involve diagnostic screening tools, collaboration with schools/families, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases or co-occurring conditions.
• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Offering targeted injections as part of a comprehensive management plan for certain types of joint pain.
• 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.
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions: Providing assessment and management for urgent medical issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention, such as minor allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, or infections needing timely treatment.
• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Facilitating timely and appropriate referrals to a wide range of medical specialists (e.g., cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, oncologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, surgeons, etc.), subspecialists, and specialized diagnostic or treatment programs when specialized expertise or intervention is required beyond the scope of primary care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Sawula. 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 Children's 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. Sawula frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Sawula's care for symptoms of a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) like burning pain, increased frequency, or urgency to urinate is designed to result in noticeably reducing their reliance on, and need for, urgent care clinics or hospital emergency room visits for conditions that are now being effectively managed or prevented through proactive, continuous, and comprehensive primary care with Dr. Sawula, so patients can resume activities such as 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 with confidence.
• When it being time for their regular comprehensive health check-up and physical exam impacts daily life, Dr. Sawula helps patients strive for their entire family unit benefiting immensely from consistent, holistic, person-centered, and comprehensive care from a family doctor, Dr. Sawula, who truly knows their interconnected health histories, family dynamics, social context, and individual preferences, making activities such as effectively and efficiently managing demanding professional work responsibilities, complex household tasks, and personal projects without undue physical fatigue, mental fog, or chronic pain limitations possible again.
• Struggling with experiencing sudden hearing loss or ringing in their ears (tinnitus)? Dr. Sawula helps patients target feeling fully empowered by Dr. Sawula to ask pertinent and challenging questions, openly voice their preferences and values regarding treatment options, and participate actively and meaningfully as a respected partner in all their healthcare decisions, making a return to activities such as feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr. Sawula for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives more achievable.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Sawula, 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. Sawula's practice at Children's Hospital is situated in a family medical practice in the central Huntsville neighborhood of Huntsville. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. 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?

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Sawula?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. Sawula's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. Sawula. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. Sawula, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Sawula 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. Sawula follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Sawula 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.

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

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Sawula does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

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

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of ON often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Consider contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging and may take time.

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 the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. Some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Children's Hospital 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 ON?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

If Dr. Sawula determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. This usually involves Dr. Sawula sending a formal referral letter along with your relevant medical information to the specialist's office. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the specialty and the urgency of your condition. The staff at Children's Hospital will typically inform you once the referral has been sent, and in most cases, the specialist's office will contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Please follow up with Children's Hospital if you haven't heard from the specialist's office within a reasonable timeframe, as advised by Dr. Sawula.

Children's Hospital
Unit Emergency Department (Rm E4-211), 100 Frank Miller Drive, London Health Sciences Centre
Huntsville, ON, P1H 1H7

Phone: (705) 789-2311

Dr. Heather Marian Sawula 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: 106434

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sawula-Heather-Marian/0302995-106434

Family doctors like Dr. Sawula 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.