Dr. Katherine Alexandra Gloria Onyett-Jeffries – Family Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Katherine Alexandra Gloria Onyett-Jeffries is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Pollin Fertility in Toronto, 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. Katherine Alexandra Gloria Onyett-Jeffries 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; 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. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Katherine Alexandra Gloria Onyett-Jeffries 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

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.
• 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

• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Long-term support and care for managing the symptoms of degenerative joint disease and other chronic musculoskeletal pain, focusing on self-management and maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Helping patients control symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and epigastric pain, and prevent long-term issues associated with chronic acid exposure or ulcers.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Helping you live well with diabetes by providing ongoing education, support for self-management behaviors, access to diabetes education programs, and strategies to prevent or delay long-term complications, empowering you to take control of your health.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Helping individuals build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., problem-solving, relaxation techniques, mindfulness), and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.

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

• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial infections like tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot), candidiasis, warts (cryotherapy, topical agents), molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster (shingles), impetigo, and folliculitis, using appropriate topical or oral antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial medications.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Providing ongoing care for individuals with asthma or COPD to optimize symptom control, reduce frequency of flare-ups, and improve exercise tolerance and quality of life.
• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Performing therapeutic joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections) for certain conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis in specific joints (e.g., knee, shoulder) to reduce pain and inflammation, if appropriately trained and equipped.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Supporting families by addressing developmental and behavioral questions with empathy, offering practical advice, and facilitating access to necessary assessments and support services.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common international destinations. This includes risk assessment based on itinerary, advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (malaria, dengue, Zika), altitude sickness prevention, and administration of necessary routine and travel-specific vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if certified). Complex itineraries may require referral.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Onyett-Jeffries. 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 Pollin Fertility, 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. Onyett-Jeffries frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For patients where getting a comprehensive skin check for new or changing spots, especially with a history of significant sun exposure or family history of skin cancer is a concern, Dr. Onyett-Jeffries focuses on plans that lead to navigating the unique physical and emotional journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the demanding postpartum period with excellent, comprehensive, and reassuring medical guidance, continuity of care, and unwavering supportive care from Dr. Onyett-Jeffries, supporting their ability to consistently maintaining a regular, enjoyable, and suitably challenging active lifestyle through various forms of exercise, preferred team or individual sports, invigorating outdoor adventures, or mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi.
• It's rewarding for Dr. Onyett-Jeffries to see patients with needing to get their routine immunizations updated or the annual flu shot for the whole family achieve feeling genuinely and consistently supported by Dr. Onyett-Jeffries during emotionally difficult health transitions, when facing a serious or life-altering new diagnosis, or when undertaking the demanding role of caring for an ill or aging family member and return to important activities like 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.
• For many individuals, a lingering chesty cough with phlegm that's making them worried about bronchitis can be a real barrier. Dr. Onyett-Jeffries's approach focuses on achieving 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. Onyett-Jeffries, fostering a strong sense of health literacy and shared understanding, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy consistently sleeping soundly and deeply through the entire night on a regular basis and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed, fully restored, and ready to embrace the day ahead with clarity.
• The focus for patients with needing a prescription for preventative medication before travelling to a high-risk area for malaria at Dr. Onyett-Jeffries's practice is achieving getting timely, astute, and accurate diagnoses for puzzling, unusual, or concerning symptoms from Dr. Onyett-Jeffries, leading to the prompt initiation of appropriate treatment pathways and significantly alleviating anxiety and uncertainty, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like fully enjoying intimate moments and maintaining healthy, satisfying sexual relationships without the intrusion of physical pain, health-related anxiety, medication side effects, or concerns about performance.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Onyett-Jeffries, 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. Onyett-Jeffries practices at Pollin Fertility, located in the Kingsway, Montgomery's Inn, Old Mill North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

How long do appointments with Dr. Onyett-Jeffries typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Onyett-Jeffries 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. Onyett-Jeffries 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 Pollin Fertility to ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Onyett-Jeffries to address your concerns thoroughly.

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

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. In Ontario, you can also 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. It may take time to find a doctor.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Onyett-Jeffries?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Onyett-Jeffries means that she is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Onyett-Jeffries to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger doctor-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management.

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 in Ontario if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website may be helpful. A referral from a family doctor 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.

What happens if Dr. Onyett-Jeffries determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your family doctor, Dr. Onyett-Jeffries acts as your primary care coordinator. If she believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, she will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. Dr. Onyett-Jeffries will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. The specialist's office will then typically contact you to book the appointment. It's important to keep Pollin Fertility informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Onyett-Jeffries can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

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 health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Pollin Fertility if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Onyett-Jeffries handle complex care?

As a family doctor, Dr. Onyett-Jeffries is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. She will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Onyett-Jeffries will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved, manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions (polypharmacy review), and develop a comprehensive care plan that aligns with your overall health goals and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions and concerns is key.

Pollin Fertility
2983 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON, M8X 1C1

Phone: (647) 368-8108

Dr. Katherine Alexandra Gloria Onyett-Jeffries 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: 90985

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/OnyettJeffries-Katherine-Alexandra-Gloria/0257714-90985

Family doctors like Dr. Onyett-Jeffries 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.