Dr. James Fairbairn

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

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations, addressing parental questions or concerns about vaccines with evidence-based information and empathy, managing catch-up schedules if needed, and documenting all immunizations accurately.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including education on inhaler/spacer technique, trigger avoidance, development of personalized asthma action plans for home and school), eczema (atopic dermatitis - focusing on skincare, emollients, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, trigger management), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Includes initial assessment and guidance for food allergies, with referral to pediatric allergists for confirmation and comprehensive management if indicated.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Ensuring a healthy start for newborns with regular check-ups, timely interventions if issues arise, and resources for parental education and support.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Managing all aspects of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes with personalized treatment plans. This includes regular blood sugar monitoring (self-monitoring, A1c, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) discussion), prescription and adjustment of medications (oral hypoglycemics, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin), comprehensive diet and exercise counseling, and proactive screening and management of diabetes-related complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, foot problems, cardiovascular disease).
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Individualized, evidence-based care plans for individuals living with hypertension, focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment for optimal cardiovascular health.
• 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.

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.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Assessing symptoms of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite) and other mood disorders. Offering empathetic supportive counseling, discussing and initiating treatment options including lifestyle interventions, evidence-based antidepressant medications, and facilitating referrals to psychotherapy or psychiatry for moderate to severe or treatment-resistant cases.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.

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

• 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): Routine check-ups for infants, children, and adolescents to monitor physical growth, cognitive and social-emotional development, and provide anticipatory guidance to parents/guardians.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of acute illnesses commonly affecting adults (e.g., respiratory infections, UTIs, skin conditions) and providing ongoing management for prevalent chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis).
• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Ordering necessary diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans, and a comprehensive range of laboratory blood tests (hematology, chemistry, endocrinology, immunology, microbiology), urine tests, and pathology/cytology specimens to aid in diagnosis, monitor conditions, and guide treatment.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Infections (Respiratory, Urinary, Skin, GI): Expert assessment and management of everyday acute illnesses affecting respiratory, urinary, skin, and other systems to help you recover quickly and prevent complications.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fairbairn. 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 May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in, 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. Fairbairn frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Many patients have successfully addressed irregular menstrual cycles, very heavy periods, or unusual bleeding that needs checking out with Dr. Fairbairn's support. This often leads to their newborn receiving excellent, thorough initial care, meticulous monitoring for healthy growth and crucial early development, and invaluable support for new parents during the critical and often overwhelming early weeks of life, all from Dr. Fairbairn and the ability to fully participate in consistently being a reliable, present, actively contributing, and supportive member of their immediate family unit, extended family network, and valued social circles, fulfilling important roles and responsibilities once more.
• The focus for patients with needing a refill for their regular medications for an ongoing condition like high blood pressure or thyroid issues at Dr. Fairbairn's practice is achieving receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Fairbairn when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like skillfully and creatively cooking a wide variety of nutritious, flavorful, and delicious meals from scratch for themselves, their partners, and their families on a regular basis, finding joy in the process.
• If a follow-up visit after being discharged from the hospital for an illness or surgery to ensure recovery is on track is preventing you from boldly taking on new, exciting challenges or ambitious, multi-stage projects either at work or in their personal life with a strong sense of self-efficacy, physical capability, and mental preparedness, Dr. Fairbairn can help. The aim is to achieve successfully managing their multiple (often complex) medications with significantly fewer side effects, demonstrably better adherence to the prescribed regimen, and a much clearer understanding of each medication's specific purpose, benefits, and potential interactions, thanks to Dr. Fairbairn's careful oversight through personalized family medicine care.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Fairbairn, 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. Fairbairn practices at May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Dr. Fairbairn practices as part of May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in, 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. Fairbairn, 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. May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in will always strive to have you see Dr. Fairbairn for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor in Ontario if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can sometimes be challenging, and 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.

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

To find a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients, check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (they often have a "Find a Doctor" tool or list). In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It 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. 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 May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

Does Dr. Fairbairn at May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Fairbairn at May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Fairbairn if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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

A family doctor (in Ontario) 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.

May-Van Family Medicine and Walk in
200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-4800

Dr. James Fairbairn 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: 100007

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Fairbairn-James/0287675-100007

Family doctors like Dr. Fairbairn 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.