Dr. Marie-Chantal Forget

Dr. Marie-Chantal Forget 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

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Personalized treatment plans for managing elevated lipid levels, incorporating regular monitoring, patient education, and strategies for long-term cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Working collaboratively with you (or your child) to achieve optimal asthma control, minimize symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath), improve lung function, and reduce reliance on reliever medications.

Preventative Health Topics

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains of life for a better quality of life, increased resilience, and proactive disease prevention through shared goal setting and ongoing support.
• 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.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, body composition, and overall health status. Providing guidance on evidence-based strategies for weight management including balanced nutrition (calorie awareness, portion control, whole foods), mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating, sleep optimization), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options (pharmacotherapy like GLP-1 agonists, orlistat; bariatric surgery referral) may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual clinical assessment.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Primary care approach to accurately diagnosing and effectively treating common forms of anemia to improve energy levels, cognitive function, exercise tolerance, and overall health. Referral to hematology for complex or unexplained anemia.
• 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).
• 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.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Primary care management for common skin infections caused by viruses, including patient education on the nature of these infections and strategies for managing recurrences.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Providing effective remedies for bothersome and often contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, along with advice on hygiene and prevention of recurrence.
• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Prompt primary care for bacterial skin infections to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. Severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis may require hospital admission for IV antibiotics.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Primary care support for individuals with psoriasis, coordinating with specialist care as needed for more advanced treatment options and comprehensive management of this chronic systemic condition.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and youth-friendly healthcare environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their health concerns openly, receive accurate information, build a trusting relationship with their doctor, and are empowered to take charge of their health.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Supporting new parents in caring for their infant, addressing common concerns (colic, reflux, sleep patterns), and promoting bonding and healthy attachment.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr Forget. 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.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Personalized diabetes care plans focusing on achieving optimal glycemic control, preventing acute and chronic complications (cardiovascular, renal, neurological, ophthalmological), and empowering patient self-management.
• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Addressing health concerns that may be related to a patient's occupation, providing initial assessment for work-related injuries or illnesses, and completing necessary forms (e.g., fitness to work, return to work).
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Proactive health evaluations designed to detect potential health issues early, manage existing conditions, and promote long-term wellness.
• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Providing evidence-based resources, behavioral strategies, and relapse prevention planning to overcome nicotine addiction and achieve long-term cessation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Forget. 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 CLSC Saint-Hubert, 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 Forget frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr Forget often sees patients whose feeling a lump in their breast or armpit that needs to be examined limits their enjoyment of still feeling reasonably energetic and mentally alert after a full and demanding day's work, enabling them to engage in enjoyable evening activities, family time, or personal hobbies rather than collapsing from exhaustion. The goal of care is to achieve receiving necessary, appropriate, and well-coordinated timely referrals to highly-regarded specialists or specialized programs, leading to advanced specialized diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment, or valuable second opinions when required for complex or rare health issues, all facilitated by Dr Forget and restore their active lifestyle.
• The focus for patients with discussing the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause at Dr Forget's practice is achieving successfully managing their multiple (often complex) medications with significantly fewer side effects, demonstrably better adherence to the prescribed regimen, and a much clearer understanding of each medication's specific purpose, benefits, and potential interactions, thanks to Dr Forget's careful oversight, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like 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.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Forget, 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 Forget practices at GMF-U CLSC Saint-Hubert, situated in a family medical practice in the central Saint-Hubert neighborhood of Saint-Hubert. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr Forget?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr Forget's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr Forget. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr Forget, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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

A family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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.

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

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of QC often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list. In Quebec, you can use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging and may take time.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging, and provincial resources (like the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF)) may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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. Some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with GMF-U CLSC Saint-Hubert if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

GMF-U CLSC Saint-Hubert
6800 boul Cousineau
Saint-Hubert, QC, J3Y 8Z4

Phone: (450) 443-7402

Dr. Marie-Chantal Forget 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: 88095

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=88095

Family doctors like Dr Forget 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.