Dr. Lorne Carl Poon – Family Doctor | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Lorne Carl Poon is a Family Doctor. Practicing at New Image Cosmetic in Edmonton, AB, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He 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. His 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. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Lorne Carl Poon completed his MD Doctor of Medicine (UofA - University of Alberta, 1979). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. He provides consultations in English.

Dr. Lorne Carl Poon 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

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Working collaboratively with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and coordination with specialist renal services when appropriate.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Comprehensive management strategies for COPD, focusing on smoking cessation support (critical for slowing progression), appropriate pharmacological therapy (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids), supplemental oxygen therapy assessment (if needed), pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, influenza/pneumococcal vaccinations, and proactive management of exacerbations to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms (breathlessness, chronic cough, sputum production), and slow disease progression.

Preventative Health Topics

• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Administering vaccinations to prevent communicable diseases and playing a role in community-level surveillance and reporting as required by public health authorities.
• 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.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Guidance on maintaining health in the context of specific work environments and job demands, and initial evaluation for common work-related health issues.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Providing initial management strategies for RLS, including lifestyle modifications (e.g., regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine/alcohol close to bedtime), checking and correcting iron deficiency (ferritin levels), and considering pharmacological options (e.g., dopamine agonists like pramipexole/ropinirole, gabapentin enacarbil) for moderate to severe, frequent symptoms that significantly impact sleep or quality of life. Referral to neurology or sleep specialist for complex or refractory cases.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing and managing common eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red, watery eyes often seasonal or related to specific allergens) with advice on allergen avoidance, cool compresses, artificial tears, and topical/oral antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. Assessing and providing initial management for dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca - gritty, burning, foreign body sensation, intermittent blurry vision) with education on environmental modifications, regular use of artificial tears/lubricating ointments, and advice on blinking exercises/lid hygiene. Referral to ophthalmology if symptoms are severe, persistent, vision is affected, or diagnosis is uncertain.
• 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).

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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).
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations, addressing parental questions or concerns about vaccines with evidence-based information and empathy, managing catch-up schedules if needed, and documenting all immunizations accurately.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Providing initial guidance and evidence-based parenting strategies, and coordinating timely referrals to appropriate pediatric specialists (e.g., developmental pediatricians, child psychologists/psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists) if further evaluation, diagnosis, or specialized intervention is indicated.

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

• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Facilitating timely and appropriate referrals to a wide range of medical specialists (e.g., cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, oncologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, surgeons, etc.), subspecialists, and specialized diagnostic or treatment programs when specialized expertise or intervention is required beyond the scope of primary care.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Addressing a wide range of persistent health problems with personalized treatment plans.
• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Personalized advice and comprehensive care plans for healthy weight loss, prevention of unhealthy weight gain, or management of obesity-related health conditions.
• 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.
• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Supporting patients through the grieving process with empathy, validation, and practical advice for coping and finding meaning.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Poon. 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 New Image Cosmetic, 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. Poon frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Poon about experiencing sudden hearing loss or ringing in their ears (tinnitus) is to achieve noticeably reducing their reliance on, and need for, urgent care clinics or hospital emergency room visits for conditions that are now being effectively managed or prevented through proactive, continuous, and comprehensive primary care with Dr. Poon. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with 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.
• Dr. Poon assists individuals in navigating needing support, resources, and a concrete plan to help them quit smoking for good this time. A successful outcome, like navigating complex family health dynamics, intergenerational health concerns, or challenging caregiver stress with insightful advice, valuable resources, and compassionate support facilitated by Dr. Poon, means they can get back to proactively, responsibly, and knowledgeably caring for their own comprehensive health needs and the diverse preventative care requirements of their entire family, fostering a culture of wellness at home.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Poon, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. He believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Poon practices at New Image Cosmetic, located in the W: Thorncliff, Summerlea, La Perle neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Citadel Theatre and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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

Having continuity of care with Dr. Poon means that he is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Poon to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger doctor-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management.

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 in Alberta if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Helpful resources include the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website, local health authority websites, or other provincial patient-doctor matching services. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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 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 may have an associated fee. Please confirm with New Image Cosmetic if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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

You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta for a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups varies based on your age, health, medical conditions, and risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need less frequent check-ups, while children, older adults, or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits. Dr. Poon follows established provincial guidelines for specific screening tests. Discuss your individual needs with Dr. Poon to determine an appropriate schedule.

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

A family doctor, or general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families of all ages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, providing mental health support, and coordinating care with specialists. Building long-term relationships with patients is a key aspect of their role.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Poon?

Your first appointment with Dr. Poon will involve a discussion about your health history, current medications, ongoing health issues, and lifestyle. Dr. Poon will want to understand your health needs and expectations. A physical exam may be part of this first visit or a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is crucial for establishing a strong patient-doctor relationship.

New Image Cosmetic
2548 Guardian RD NW
Edmonton, AB, T5T 1K8

Phone: (780) 993-1368 | Website: http://newimagecosmetic.com/

Dr. Lorne Carl Poon 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: 8328

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=314bc2e3-9510-4b64-b37d-250a62b9c68e&i=1169

Family doctors like Dr. Poon 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.