Dr. Laurika Zenith Booysen – Family Doctor | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Laurika Zenith Booysen is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in St. Albert, AB, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. She 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. Dr. Booysen serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Laurika Zenith Booysen completed her MB ChB (South Africa, 2012). 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 commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Afrikaans.

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

Adult Common Health Issues

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Helping patients manage the uncomfortable sensations and sleep disruption associated with RLS.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Referral to urology for severe symptoms, complications (e.g., acute urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, renal impairment due to obstruction), or if surgical intervention (e.g., TURP) is being considered.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.

Mental Health Concerns

• 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.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals for it, addressing underlying contributing factors (e.g., anxiety, pain, medications, restless legs syndrome), and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Developing personalized strategies to reduce chronic joint and muscle pain, improve mobility and function, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall quality of life for those living with conditions like arthritis, persistent back pain or fibromyalgia.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Helping individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema manage their symptoms effectively, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain the best possible lung function through a multidisciplinary approach.
• 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.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Developing and regularly reviewing personalized asthma action plans, educating on proper inhaler technique (metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulizers), trigger identification and avoidance (allergens, irritants), medication management (relievers, controllers like inhaled corticosteroids, LABAs, LTRAs), and managing asthma exacerbations to improve breathing, prevent flare-ups, and maintain an active lifestyle. Also includes management of associated allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Joint Muscle Pain

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).

Common Acute Conditions

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Helping you cope with acute digestive illnesses by providing guidance on oral rehydration solutions, appropriate diet modification during and after illness, and when to seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Diagnosing and managing common allergic reactions such as seasonal/perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), mild to moderate hives (urticaria), minor localized reactions to insect stings, and initial assessment of suspected mild food allergy symptoms. Does not include anaphylaxis management which is an emergency.

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

• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Effective remedies for bothersome infections of the skin, hair, and nails.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Performing initial screening and assessment for parental or school concerns regarding developmental delays (speech, motor, cognitive), behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, sleep problems, anxiety), ADHD symptoms, or learning difficulties. Includes providing initial guidance and coordinating timely referrals to pediatric specialists if further evaluation or intervention is needed.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Helping individuals understand and cope with chronic pain, aiming to improve daily function, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
• 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.
• Evaluation of Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains): Managing common injuries sustained during sports, work, or daily life, with appropriate follow-up and rehabilitation guidance.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Booysen. 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 AB and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Laurika Zenith Booysen's practice, 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. Booysen frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• The focus for patients with wanting to discuss various birth control options to find what's best for them, or needing a Pap test at Dr. Booysen's practice is achieving 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. Booysen, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like breathing much more easily and deeply, actively participating in more physically strenuous or endurance-based activities, and effectively managing their chronic respiratory conditions (like asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis) with greater confidence and fewer limitations.
• A key objective when treating their child complaining of stomach aches frequently, possibly related to stress or diet at Dr. Booysen's clinic is having their complex chronic condition, such as advanced type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, difficult-to-control asthma, or multi-joint osteoarthritis, effectively managed and well-stabilized through a collaborative, evidence-based plan developed with Dr. Booysen, supporting a comfortable return to significantly reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of sick days from common illnesses for themselves and their children, leading to better attendance at work/school, improved overall productivity, and less household disruption.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Booysen, 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. Booysen practices at a family medical clinic in St. Albert, situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Albert Centre Mall and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. 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 our clinic if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Dr. Booysen practices as part of a team-based practice, which means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals. While the goal is to promote continuity with Dr. Booysen, for some urgent issues or routine follow-ups, you might be seen by another trusted team member. This approach enhances access to care. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Booysen for complex or ongoing issues.

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

A family doctor (Family Doctor) 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.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB?

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. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website may have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. It may take time to find a doctor.

680-1115 St Albert Trail
St. Albert, AB, T8N 7X6

Phone: (780) 986-8831

Dr. Laurika Zenith Booysen is regulated by the Health Professions Act (Alberta) in AB and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Registration Number: 027707

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=48fc0acb-0058-41b9-adb7-2c8bd1f42d2d&i=194

Family doctors like Dr. Booysen 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.