Dr. Kimberly Lynn Spacek – Family Doctor | Goderich, ON

Dr. Kimberly Lynn Spacek is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Goderich, 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. Kimberly Lynn Spacek 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 dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. She provides consultations in English.

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

Common Acute Conditions

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Management of bladder and kidney infections with appropriate antibiotics based on likely pathogens and local resistance patterns, along with advice on prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs and symptom relief.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Advice and supportive care for managing symptoms of viral or bacterial gastroenteritis ('stomach flu') or mild food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, with a primary focus on preventing and managing dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations (children, elderly).
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Conducting routine medical examinations as required by provincial transportation authorities for driver's license issuance or renewal, particularly for commercial drivers (truck, bus, taxi) or as mandated by age (e.g., for seniors at specific intervals). Assessing medical fitness to drive based on established national and provincial medical standards, including vision, hearing, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, neurological status, and medication review.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, body composition, and overall health status. Providing guidance on evidence-based strategies for weight management including balanced nutrition (calorie awareness, portion control, whole foods), mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating, sleep optimization), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options (pharmacotherapy like GLP-1 agonists, orlistat; bariatric surgery referral) may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual clinical assessment.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common and some less common international destinations. This includes a detailed risk assessment based on itinerary (country, region, urban/rural, length of stay, type of travel); advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (e.g., for malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya), altitude sickness prevention, and management of common travel-related ailments (e.g., traveler's diarrhea). Also includes administration of necessary routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Flu) and specific travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if a designated center, Rabies pre-exposure, Japanese Encephalitis considerations). Malaria chemoprophylaxis prescription if indicated. Complex itineraries or immunocompromised travelers may require referral to a specialized travel clinic.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Helping children and their families manage long-term health conditions effectively, enabling active participation in all aspects of childhood including school, sports, and play, while minimizing symptoms and exacerbations.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and youth-friendly healthcare environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their health concerns openly, receive accurate information, build a trusting relationship with their doctor, and are empowered to take charge of their health.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Comprehensive medical care for newborns immediately after birth and through the first year of life. Includes routine physical exams, growth monitoring, screening for jaundice and congenital conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart murmurs), umbilical cord care, and vitamin K/eye prophylaxis discussions (hospital-based). Strong focus on infant feeding support, including guidance and troubleshooting for breastfeeding (latch, positioning, supply concerns, mastitis management) and appropriate formula feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration.

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

• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Primary care support for patients with established heart conditions, ensuring regular follow-up, adherence to complex treatment plans, and promotion of heart-healthy lifestyles.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Support and treatment for chronic lung diseases, including referrals for pulmonary rehabilitation and specialist care when indicated.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions, including initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities and coordination with endocrinology if needed.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Primary care strategies to protect kidney health, including blood pressure control, glycemic control in diabetics, dietary advice (e.g., protein, sodium, potassium considerations), and timely referrals to nephrology.
• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Providing care for various acute dermatological concerns, offering treatment options (topical or oral) and referrals to dermatology if needed for severe or complex cases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Spacek. 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 Hospital for Sick Children, 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. Spacek frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Spacek supports patients through their infant having persistent diaper rash that isn't clearing up with over-the-counter creams, aiming for outcomes like feeling much more confident and competent in managing minor common illnesses at home for themselves or their children after receiving clear, practical instructions and valuable anticipatory guidance from Dr. Spacek, so they can return to activities such as reliably getting a full night of good quality, restorative, and uninterrupted sleep on a consistent basis, which is absolutely foundational to their overall physical health, emotional balance, cognitive function, and daytime productivity.
• Patients experiencing getting advice on how to manage shift work and its impact on their health often seek Dr. Spacek's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is feeling substantially more hopeful and less overwhelmed about managing a difficult or life-altering health condition after comprehensive consultations and collaborative care planning with Dr. Spacek, supporting their return to activities like thoroughly enjoying a wide and varied range of delicious and nutritious meals with family and friends, both at home and when dining out, without significant digestive discomfort, nagging pain, restrictive dietary limitations, or fear of adverse reactions.
• Through Dr. Spacek's guidance, patients with needing medical clearance or a pre-participation physical for a new job, school program, or volunteer position often find they can achieve their child's academic performance or social engagement noticeably improving after Dr. Spacek played a key role in identifying and initiating management for underlying health conditions, attention issues, or learning differences and once again pursue successfully maintaining a clean, organized, and uncluttered living space that actively contributes to their sense of calm, mental clarity, physical safety, and overall feelings of well-being at home.
• Dr. Spacek's care for wanting to discuss fertility concerns or get initial advice before trying to conceive is designed to result in experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr. Spacek's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments, so patients can resume activities such as effectively and efficiently managing demanding professional work responsibilities, complex household tasks, and personal projects without undue physical fatigue, mental fog, or chronic pain limitations with confidence.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Spacek, 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. Spacek's practice at Hospital for Sick Children is situated in a family medical practice in the central Goderich neighborhood of Goderich. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

Dr. Spacek practices as part of a team-based practice at Hospital for Sick Children, 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. Spacek, 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. Hospital for Sick Children will always strive to have you see Dr. Spacek for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

What happens if Dr. Spacek determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Spacek determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. This usually involves Dr. Spacek sending a formal referral letter along with your relevant medical information to the specialist's office. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the specialty and the urgency of your condition. The staff at Hospital for Sick Children will typically inform you once the referral has been sent, and in most cases, the specialist's office will contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Please follow up with Hospital for Sick Children if you haven't heard from the specialist's office within a reasonable timeframe, as advised by Dr. Spacek.

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. 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.

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. 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. Confirm with Hospital for Sick Children if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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; 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. Finding a doctor may take time.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

Hospital for Sick Children
180 Cambria Road, Department of Medical Imaging
Goderich, ON, N7A 4N8

Phone: (519) 524-6060

Dr. Kimberly Lynn Spacek 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: 74874

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Spacek-Kimberly-Lynn/0168829-74874

Family doctors like Dr. Spacek 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.