Dr. Hillary Ann Lawson

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

Adult Common Health Issues

• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in appropriate clinical contexts (e.g., patients with peptic ulcer disease, certain types of gastritis, dyspepsia in high-prevalence areas, or family history of gastric cancer) using non-invasive methods like urea breath test, stool antigen test, or serology (less reliable for active infection).
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• 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.
• 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.

Preventative Health Topics

• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being rather than solely on rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Conducting medical examinations and completing forms required for driver's licenses (commercial, age-related), insurance purposes, employment, school, disability applications, or travel (fees typically apply for non-insured services).
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Educational resources and discussions to help you navigate your health journey confidently and make informed decisions.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: A sensitive and proactive approach to identifying potential eating disorders and connecting individuals with appropriate, specialized care.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks with personalized advice on prevention and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, including appropriate antibiotic stewardship.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lawson. 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 Civic Heart Centre, 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. Lawson frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Many seek Dr. Lawson's help for wanting reliable advice and a realistic plan on how to eat healthier, manage their weight better, or start exercising safely. The collaborative goal is having their complex chronic condition, such as advanced type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, difficult-to-control asthma, or multi-joint osteoarthritis, effectively managed and well-stabilized through a collaborative, evidence-based plan developed with Dr. Lawson, allowing a return to valued activities like consistently driving safely, alertly, and comfortably for all necessary daily errands, regular commuting to work or school, or for longer leisure trips and family visits, without physical strain or cognitive impairment.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Lawson about needing a tetanus booster after stepping on something rusty is to achieve their elderly parents or relatives receiving thoughtful, patient, dignified, and age-appropriate comprehensive care from Dr. Lawson that demonstrably enhances their functional abilities, safety, and overall quality of life in their later years. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with successfully and relatively stress-free managing daily commutes on often crowded or unpredictable public transport systems or by car in heavy traffic without significant exacerbation of physical pain or anxiety symptoms.
• If a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving is preventing you from dedicating many enjoyable and focused hours to their beloved garden, whether it's meticulously planting delicate flowers, diligently tending to a productive vegetable patch, or undertaking more strenuous yard work like raking leaves or shoveling snow, without significant subsequent back, knee, or shoulder pain, Dr. Lawson can help. The aim is to achieve achieving significantly better control over chronic inflammatory or allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema, leading to markedly fewer disruptive flare-ups, reduced reliance on rescue medications, and an improved daily experience free from constant symptoms through personalized family medicine care.
• It's rewarding for Dr. Lawson to see patients with wanting to discuss their child's nutritional needs as a vegetarian or vegan achieve having a reliable, knowledgeable, consistently accessible, and compassionate go-to medical professional in Dr. Lawson for the vast majority of their entire family's diverse and evolving health needs, from newborn care and pediatrics through to adult medicine and geriatrics and return to important activities like comfortably attending and thoroughly enjoying lengthy public events like concerts, theatre performances, live movies in cinemas, or exciting sporting events, being able to sit for extended periods without significant pain or the need to frequently shift positions.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Lawson, 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. Lawson's practice at Civic Heart Centre is situated in a family medical practice in the central Haileybury neighborhood of Haileybury. 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.

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

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

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

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. She 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 she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

What if Dr. Lawson works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Lawson?

Dr. Lawson practices as part of Civic Heart Centre, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Lawson, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, you might be seen by another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach can enhance access to care and provide comprehensive support. Civic Heart Centre will always strive to have you see Dr. Lawson for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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. However, 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 Civic Heart Centre if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Civic Heart Centre is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Civic Heart Centre reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Civic Heart Centre or Dr. Lawson during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(705) 672-3371] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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, or contact 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.

How long do appointments with Dr. Lawson typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Lawson vary based on the reason for the visit. For a quick follow-up or a straightforward issue, 10-15 minutes is common. For annual physicals, initial consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Lawson will usually book a longer slot, like 30 minutes or sometimes more. Always try to be specific about your needs when booking your appointment at Civic Heart Centre to ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Lawson to address your concerns thoroughly.

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 the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging, and resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Civic Heart Centre
Unit Unit 205, 95 Meridian Ave, Unit 205
Haileybury, ON, P0J 1K0

Phone: (705) 672-3371

Dr. Hillary Ann Lawson 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: 89111

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Lawson-Hillary-Ann/0169334-89111

Family doctors like Dr. Lawson 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.