Dr. Karen Leigh Stoddart – Family Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Karen Leigh Stoddart is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Toronto General Hospital in Ottawa, 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.

Dr. Stoddart's role focuses on 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. Karen Leigh Stoddart 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 advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Effective antimicrobial therapy for common bacterial skin infections to resolve infection, prevent spread, and alleviate associated symptoms.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Initial diagnosis and management of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, providing topical treatments (potent topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, combination products, coal tar preparations, emollients) and lifestyle advice (stress management, identifying triggers). Screening for psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Referral to dermatology for moderate to severe psoriasis (requiring phototherapy or systemic/biologic agents), psoriatic arthritis, or diagnostic uncertainty.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children, such as otitis media (ear infections), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat - with rapid testing if available), common colds and influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea), uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and common skin infections (impetigo, cellulitis - mild).
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): A first point of contact and trusted resource for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, advocacy, and clear pathways to specialized care and school-based supports.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Comprehensive preventative care designed to support the healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children from birth, building a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Mental Health Concerns

• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Providing a safe and confidential first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of other mental health conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or early psychosis. Includes initial screening, supportive listening, crisis intervention if needed, risk assessment, and prompt, appropriate referral to specialized psychiatric, psychological, or emergency mental health services for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Conducting initial assessments and ongoing management for ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults, using validated screening tools and collateral information (from parents, teachers). Providing psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, academic/workplace accommodation discussions, evidence-based medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases, diagnostic confirmation, or co-occurring conditions.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Providing compassionate, evidence-informed primary care and management strategies for those affected by depression and other common mood disorders, with a focus on recovery and long-term stability.

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

• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Dedicated, non-judgmental support for your journey to become smoke-free, improving your immediate and long-term health significantly.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: Primary care role in early recognition of eating disorders and ensuring patients access comprehensive treatment pathways.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery and prevent complications.
• 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).
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Providing care for acute episodes of headache or dizziness/vertigo, offering relief strategies and guidance.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Stoddart. 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 Toronto General 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. Stoddart frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients with feeling more anxious, worried, or on edge than usual lately, affecting their daily life can find relief and achieve feeling significantly less isolated, better understood, and more adequately supported in managing a rare, complex, or poorly understood health condition due to Dr. Stoddart's unwavering commitment to their comprehensive care and willingness to learn alongside them under Dr. Stoddart's care, often allowing them to resume spontaneously making and eagerly keeping enjoyable plans with a wide circle of friends for various social outings such as dinners out, casual coffee chats, shared recreational activities, or weekend excursions without former limitations.
• Addressing feeling stressed about caregiving responsibilities for an elderly parent or sick relative with Dr. Stoddart often leads to receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Stoddart when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, enabling patients to more freely engage in patiently, effectively, and enjoyably helping their school-aged children or young grandchildren with challenging homework assignments, creative school projects, or extracurricular learning activities that require sustained patience, focus, and clear communication.
• Overcoming or managing chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion or other concerning symptoms – they know this could be urgent is a common patient journey at Dr. Stoddart's practice. The focus is on enabling 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. Stoddart, so that engaging in independently and efficiently performing all personal grooming and hygiene tasks (bathing, dressing, toileting) without any difficulty, assistance, or associated pain, maintaining their dignity becomes a reality again.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Stoddart, 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. Stoddart's practice at Toronto General Hospital is located in the Federal Government Buildings (Parliamentary Precinct, Tunney's Pasture) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Carlingwood Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Stoddart usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Stoddart will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

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 Toronto General 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. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee the care of long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care they provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

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

Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (it often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool). 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. It can be challenging and may take time.

Toronto General Hospital
Unit 9N 965, 713 Montreal Road, 9N 965
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

Phone: (613) 945-1550

Dr. Karen Leigh Stoddart 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: 76219

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Stoddart-Karen-Leigh/0183473-76219

Family doctors like Dr. Stoddart 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.