Description
About Dr. Kathleen Denise Nichols
Dr. Kathleen Denise Nichols is a dedicated Family Doctor, committed to providing comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families of all ages. Practicing at Brantford General Hospital in Peterborough, ON, she is a trusted primary care provider in the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and safe medical care. Her practice offers a welcoming environment for patients of all ages, focusing on accessible, continuous, and comprehensive primary healthcare.
Dr. Nichols earned her Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. Following this, she completed a residency program in Family Medicine, leading to certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) or an equivalent recognized body. She has been practicing as a Family Doctor with over 9 years of experience in family medicine since 2015. She is recognized as a CFPC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of primary care practice.
Her professional philosophy centers on building long-term relationships with patients and their families to provide personalized, continuous care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, involving individuals in decisions about their health and treatment plans. Dr. Nichols is dedicated to evidence-based medicine and lifelong learning to ensure she offers the most current and effective treatments. She promotes preventative health and wellness strategies to help patients achieve their best possible health outcomes. Her commitment extends to advocating for patients' needs and coordinating care within the broader healthcare system. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on the health and well-being of her patients in Peterborough.
Common Health Conditions Managed by Dr. Kathleen Nichols
Dr. Kathleen Nichols provides comprehensive care for a wide range of health concerns, including:
Chronic Disease Management
Dr. Nichols manages key conditions include diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis and Common Rheumatic Conditions: Focus on improving mobility and daily functioning.
- Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Diagnosis (often with spirometry), personalized asthma/COPD action plans, education on proper inhaler technique, and management of controller and reliever medications.
- Mental Health Conditions in Primary Care (e.g., Anxiety, Depression): Providing supportive counseling, lifestyle advice, medication management, and referrals for psychotherapy or psychiatric consultation.
Women's Health and Maternity Care
Dr. Nichols manages providing a broad range of healthcare services specific to women's needs throughout their lifespan.
- Routine Gynecological Care (Pap Tests, Breast Health): Addressing common gynecological concerns.
- Menstrual Disorders and Menopause Management: Evaluation and management of common menstrual issues such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Prenatal and Postnatal Care (Low-Risk Obstetrics): Providing comprehensive care throughout low-risk pregnancies, including regular check-ups, monitoring maternal and fetal well-being, and nutritional advice.
Acute and Common Illnesses
Dr. Nichols manages includes respiratory infections like colds and flu, ear and throat infections, urinary tract infections, minor skin conditions, and common digestive upsets.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Uncomplicated Cystitis: Advice on preventing recurrence, especially in susceptible individuals.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (e.g., Common Cold, Influenza, Sinusitis): Guidance on symptomatic relief, appropriate antibiotic use (if indicated), and flu prevention strategies including vaccination.
- Ear Infections (Otitis Media) and Sore Throats (Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis): Diagnosis and treatment of common ear, nose, and throat conditions, including middle ear infections and strep throat.
This list is not exhaustive. For a complete assessment of your health needs, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Kathleen Nichols.
Family Medicine Services by Dr. Kathleen Denise Nichols
- Preventative Health Screenings and Immunizations: Administering routine childhood and adult immunizations, including seasonal flu vaccines and travel immunizations.
- Mental Health Support and Initial Management: Offering a supportive environment for discussing mental wellness.
- Low-Risk Maternity and Newborn Care: Management of labor and delivery in appropriate settings by family physicians with obstetrical training (OSS).
- Chronic Disease Management and Prevention: Ongoing care for long-term conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, asthma, COPD, arthritis, and thyroid disorders.
- Pediatric Care (Well-Child and Sick Visits): Guidance for parents on nutrition, growth, behavior, and safety.
- Comprehensive Health Examinations (All Ages): Including routine developmental screenings for children and age-specific health maintenance for adults.
Note: This list provides an overview of common services. Your specific care plan will be determined after a consultation with Dr. Nichols.
All family medicine services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and relevant provincial clinical practice guidelines. Patients typically do not require a referral to see a family doctor if the practice is accepting new patients.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Nichols's primary practice is located at Brantford General Hospital in Peterborough, Ontario. The clinic is situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the Commercial Corridor. Patients can reach the clinic easily via Peterborough Transit, with accessible entry points and a welcoming environment designed for comfort and accessibility. The facility offers ample parking nearby. The clinic serves as a comprehensive family healthcare center, providing accessible and continuous care in a modern, patient-friendly setting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Medicine
- If I need specialized medical care, how does Dr. Nichols help?
- If your health condition requires the expertise of a specialist, Dr. Nichols, as your Family Doctor, will assess your situation and provide a referral to an appropriate medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, etc.). She plays a vital role in coordinating this care, sharing necessary medical information, and continuing to oversee your overall health in collaboration with the specialist.
- How can I schedule an appointment to see Dr. Nichols?
- Appointments with Dr. Nichols are typically scheduled by phoning the clinic. The reception staff will help you secure an available time slot. If you have an urgent, non-life-threatening issue, please inform the staff, as they may have provisions for same-day or urgent appointments for their rostered patients. You can reach the clinic at (705) 775-1783.
- What are some of the most common health problems Dr. Nichols treats?
- Dr. Nichols manages a very wide range of common health issues. These include acute illnesses like respiratory infections, UTIs, and skin infections; chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and arthritis; mental health support for anxiety and depression; as well as providing preventative care, immunizations, and routine screenings. A Family Doctor, providing comprehensive and continuous healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and a wide spectrum of health issues.
- When is it appropriate to see a Family Doctor like Dr. Nichols?
- It's ideal to establish care with a Family Doctor like Dr. Nichols for ongoing health management, even when you are well. You should also see them for routine check-ups, immunizations, preventative screenings, advice on healthy living, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses (like colds, flu, infections), management of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma), mental health concerns, or for referrals if you need specialized care.
- Do I typically need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Nichols as my family doctor?
- No, a referral is not usually required to register with Dr. Nichols as your family doctor. If Dr. Nichols's clinic is taking on new patients, you can typically self-refer by calling their office to find out the steps for becoming a patient. You can reach the clinic at (705) 775-1783.
Practice & Licensing Information
Brantford General Hospital
2-727 Lansdowne St W, Department of Hospitalist Medicine
Peterborough, ON K9J 1Z2
Office Phone: (705) 775-1783 | Office Fax: (705) 201-1287
Dr. Nichols is a licensed Family Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in Ontario. Patients typically do not require a referral to see Dr. Nichols if the clinic is accepting new patients. Services are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Nichols's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Nichols-Kathleen-Denise/0288769-100630