Dr. Lauriane Hamel

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

Common Chronic Conditions

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Diagnosing and providing ongoing treatment for common forms of anemia to maintain energy levels and overall health.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.
• 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

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Providing primary care support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of ADHD, helping to optimize focus, reduce impulsivity/hyperactivity, improve executive functioning, and enhance overall quality of life and academic/occupational success.
• 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.
• 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.

Preventative Health Topics

• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Performing basic pre-employment medicals or fitness-for-work assessments as required by some employers (typically non-WCB/WSIB related, fees may apply). Providing advice on general workplace health and safety, injury prevention, and initial assessment of health concerns potentially related to occupational exposures or ergonomics, with appropriate referrals if specialized occupational medicine input is needed.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Providing personalized, evidence-based advice on adopting and maintaining a balanced diet (e.g., Canada's Food Guide, Mediterranean diet, plant-based options), engaging in regular physical activity (aerobic, strength, flexibility - meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines), achieving optimal sleep hygiene, and implementing effective stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation) to promote overall health, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance well-being.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Supporting the unique physical, emotional, and social health needs of adolescents during this critical period of rapid development, fostering autonomy, responsible decision-making, and a positive transition to adulthood.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.
• 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).

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

• Well-Child & Well-Adolescent Visits (Growth & Development): Age-appropriate developmental screenings, health supervision, and lifestyle counseling for children and teenagers, ensuring they meet key milestones.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care (All Ages - Initial & Ongoing): Initial assessment and ongoing management for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, which may involve diagnostic screening tools, collaboration with schools/families, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases or co-occurring conditions.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Helping patients recover from repetitive strain conditions and prevent recurrence through education and targeted interventions.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Assessing new or sudden onset headaches or dizziness to differentiate between common causes (e.g., tension headache, migraine, benign positional vertigo) and more serious underlying conditions, providing initial management and referral if indicated.
• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Providing a safe and understanding space to navigate the complex emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions to loss, and connecting with specialized bereavement services or support groups if needed.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Hamel. 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 Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At GMF-U de Trois-Rivières, 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 Hamel frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr Hamel often sees patients whose wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting limits their enjoyment of passionately pursuing their cherished creative hobbies (like painting, writing, or playing music), engaging in intellectually stimulating leisure interests, or dedicating time to new learning adventures with renewed enthusiasm and sustained focus. The goal of care is to achieve feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Hamel when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances and restore their active lifestyle.
• For patients where experiencing unusual fatigue and muscle aches that aren't explained by physical activity is a concern, Dr Hamel focuses on plans that lead to feeling significantly more comfortable, markedly less anxious, and substantially more trusting about visiting the doctor and engaging with the healthcare system due to the consistently positive, supportive, and long-standing therapeutic relationship they have established with Dr. Hamel, supporting their ability to confidently enjoying a varied, balanced, and largely unrestricted diet (unless medically indicated for very specific diagnosed conditions like celiac disease or severe allergies) without undue fear of triggering adverse reactions, pain, or significant digestive distress.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Hamel, 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. Hamel practices at GMF-U de Trois-Rivières, located in the Downtown Trois-Rivières neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The clinic is conveniently located near Cégep de Trois-Rivières and is accessible via Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Quebec who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The Collège des médecins du Québec often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website which may be helpful. In Quebec, you can also use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is also a good approach. You may also wish to contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It is important to be aware that this process may take some time.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Provincial resources like the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF) or the Collège des médecins du Québec website may assist you in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

A family doctor (Quebec) 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.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr Hamel?

Continuity of care refers to the process where your family doctor, Dr Hamel, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr Hamel becomes familiar with your medical background, your lifestyle, and what's 'normal' for you. This knowledge aids in quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and ensures that your care is well-coordinated across the healthcare system. It's about having a trusted healthcare partner throughout your life.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid Quebec health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with GMF-U de Trois-Rivières if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

GMF-U de Trois-Rivières
731 rue Sainte-Julie 2e étage
Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 1X9

Phone: (819) 372-3536

Dr. Lauriane Hamel is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 19680

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19680

Family doctors like Dr Hamel 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.