Dr. Maher Esper – Family Doctor | Montréal, QC

Dr. Maher Esper is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at District Médical in Montréal, QC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. Maher Esper completed his Family Medicine (2018). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. 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 dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness. He offers consultations in French.

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

Joint Muscle Pain

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Initial assessment, diagnosis, and conservative management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction related to repetitive tasks, sustained awkward postures, or ergonomic factors at work or during hobbies. This includes common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (mild-moderate), de Quervain's tenosynovitis, epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow), trigger finger/thumb, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and non-specific arm/neck/shoulder pain attributable to overuse.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Primary care coordination for back and neck pain, including referral to physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or specialist pain services when appropriate for persistent or disabling symptoms.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• 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.

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.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Helping individuals build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., problem-solving, relaxation techniques, mindfulness), and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.
• 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.

Preventative Health Topics

• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being rather than solely on rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Offering essential travel health services and tailored advice to protect your health while abroad, based on current international health regulations, CDC/WHO recommendations, and your specific travel plans.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.

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

• 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.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Working with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and education on preserving kidney function.
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions: Offering same-day or next-day appointments where possible for acute health problems.
• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Initial evaluation of the impact of work on health and vice-versa.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: First-line medical assessment for sudden gastrointestinal issues to guide treatment and rule out emergent conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Esper. 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 District Médical, 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 Esper frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr Esper supports patients through a persistent hoarse voice or a lump in their neck that they are concerned about, aiming for outcomes like 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 {preferred_name}, so they can return to activities such as confidently and independently taking various modes of public transportation (bus, train, subway) when needed for commuting or leisure, without excessive physical difficulty, navigation challenges, or heightened anxiety about accessibility or safety.
• With Dr Esper's care, managing preparing for international travel and needing advice on health precautions, necessary vaccinations, or malaria prevention aims for achieving a significantly healthier and more balanced lifestyle that demonstrably reduces their risk of developing future preventable health problems and notably enhances their overall physical and mental resilience, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like feeling mentally sharp, agile, and capable enough to readily engage in complex problem-solving tasks, intricate strategic thinking exercises, or detailed analytical work required in their profession or personal projects.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Esper, 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 Esper practices at District Médical, a family medical practice in the central Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. 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. You can also use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is also helpful. Contacting local community health centres or clinics that specifically mention accepting new patients is another option. It may take time and persistence.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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 is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr Esper?

Continuity of care refers to the process where your family doctor, Dr Esper, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr Esper 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 provincial 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 District Médical if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

Does Dr Esper at District Médical offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr Esper at District Médical offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr Esper if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with District Médical regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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 QC if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, such as the Collège des médecins du Québec website, may be helpful in finding a doctor. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

District Médical
9735 boul Saint-Laurent
Montréal, QC, H3L 2N4

Phone: (514) 832-3333

Dr. Maher Esper 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: 18822

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18822

Family doctors like Dr Esper 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.