Dr. Leigh Ann Day – Family Doctor | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Leigh Ann Day is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Bluewater Health in Kitchener, 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. 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. Day serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Leigh Ann Day 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 fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home; 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. Leigh Ann Day 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

• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Assessing and managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men commonly due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), weak or intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining, and incomplete bladder emptying. Assessment involves history, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size/consistency, urinalysis to rule out UTI, and serum PSA discussion (for prostate cancer screening context).
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Helping patients manage the uncomfortable sensations and sleep disruption associated with RLS.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).

Preventative Health Topics

• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• 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.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Personalized advice and comprehensive care plans for healthy weight loss, prevention of unhealthy weight gain, or management of obesity and its related health conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, certain cancers).

Joint Muscle Pain

• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.
• 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.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• 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).

Mental Health Concerns

• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Supportive counseling and practical guidance for stress-related symptoms and adjustment disorders, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Management of Common Chronic Pediatric Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Eczema, Allergies): Helping children and their families manage long-term health conditions effectively, enabling active participation in school and play.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Proactive health evaluations designed to detect potential health issues early, manage existing conditions, and promote long-term wellness.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Expert management of prevalent adult health concerns to support optimal health, function, and quality of life.
• Well-Child & Well-Adolescent Visits (Growth & Development): Routine check-ups for infants, children, and adolescents to monitor physical growth, cognitive and social-emotional development, and provide anticipatory guidance to parents/guardians.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Day. 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 Bluewater Health, 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. Day frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For patients where needing a medical form filled out for insurance claims, disability benefits, or a new job application is a concern, Dr. Day focuses on plans that lead to having their diverse family structure, unique cultural needs, and individual communication preferences consistently understood, acknowledged, and respectfully incorporated into all aspects of their care by Dr. Day and the entire clinic team, supporting their ability to actively engaging in a variety of mentally stimulating and enriching activities such as immersive reading of books and articles, solving complex puzzles, consistently learning a new practical skill online, or regularly attending engaging adult education classes with good, sustained concentration and memory recall.
• For many individuals, a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving can be a real barrier. Dr. Day's approach focuses on achieving having their children's physical growth parameters, crucial cognitive and language development, and social-emotional well-being consistently and meticulously monitored by Dr. Day during regular well-child visits, with any emerging concerns or developmental deviations addressed promptly, appropriately, and effectively, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy successfully maintaining their cherished personal independence in all complex daily routines, intricate personal care tasks, and instrumental activities of daily living, which is especially crucial for aging seniors or individuals managing disabilities.
• Many patients have successfully addressed a cut that looks red, swollen, and might be infected with Dr. Day's support. This often leads to achieving substantially better and more integrated management of their multiple co-existing chronic conditions (multimorbidity) through the highly coordinated, holistic, and patient-centered approach to care championed by Dr. Day and the ability to fully participate in patiently, effectively, and enjoyably helping their school-aged children or young grandchildren with challenging homework assignments, creative school projects, or extracurricular learning activities that require sustained patience, focus, and clear communication once more.
• The focus for patients with a lingering chesty cough with phlegm that's making them worried about bronchitis at Dr. Day's practice is achieving benefiting from seamlessly and efficiently coordinated care, where Dr. Day actively and effectively liaises with other healthcare providers, specialists, pharmacists, and various community services on their behalf, ensuring everyone is on the same page, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like regularly engaging in deeply personal spiritual practices, reflective mindfulness exercises, or formal meditation sessions that significantly contribute to their inner peace, emotional balance, stress reduction, and overall holistic well-being.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Day, 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. Day's practice at Bluewater Health is situated in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near McLennan Park and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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, but there are resources to help. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a ‘Find a Doctor’ tool or list on their website. In Ontario, you can 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.

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 they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, your local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s patient-doctor matching service (if available) can be helpful. A referral from your family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

Can Dr. Day help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Day is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Day is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

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 Bluewater Health if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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.

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

If Dr. Day 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. Day 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 Bluewater Health 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 Bluewater Health if you haven't heard from the specialist's office within a reasonable timeframe, as advised by Dr. Day.

How often should I see Dr. Day for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Day can vary based on your age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a full check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). For specific screening tests like Pap smears or mammograms, there are established provincial guidelines based on age and gender which Dr. Day follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Day to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care. Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ins can be important for early detection and health maintenance.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Bluewater Health is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Bluewater Health reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Bluewater Health or Dr. Day during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(519) 749-3311] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

Bluewater Health
911 Queen's Boulevard
Kitchener, ON, N2M 1B2

Phone: (519) 749-3311

Dr. Leigh Ann Day 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: 81228

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Day-Leigh-Ann/0210147-81228

Family doctors like Dr. Day 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.