Dr. Mary Gail Ewasechko – Family Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. Mary Gail Ewasechko is a Family Doctor (Care of the Elderly Focus). Practicing at a family doctor practice in Calgary, 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 is dedicated to addressing the unique and often complex health needs of older adults. This includes comprehensive geriatric assessments, meticulous medication management (polypharmacy), chronic disease care tailored for seniors, falls prevention programs, cognitive health screening (including dementia), and supporting overall well-being, independence, and quality of life in the elderly. Dr. Ewasechko serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Mary Gail Ewasechko completed her MD Doctor of Medicine (UofA - University of Alberta, 1987). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as Family Practice with a Focus on Care of the Elderly (Geriatric-Informed 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 strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. She provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Health Topics

• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: A holistic approach to primary care that considers the broader social context of health and aims to reduce barriers to care and well-being by addressing SDOH.
• 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.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.

Palliative Care Needs

• Psychosocial, Emotional & Spiritual Support for Patients & Their Families in Palliative Care: Offering compassionate companionship, guidance, and practical support throughout the palliative care journey, fostering open communication, hope (redefined), and a sense of meaning and connection.
• Caregiver Support, Education & Respite Information in Palliative Contexts: Recognizing, assessing, and addressing the significant physical, emotional, social, and financial needs and stresses experienced by family caregivers of patients with serious illnesses. Providing practical advice on patient care, emotional support, education about the illness trajectory and symptom management, information about respite care options (in-home, day programs, short-stay hospice), and connecting caregivers with community resources, peer support groups, and counseling services.
• Home Visits for Palliative Care Patients (Where Feasible & Appropriate): Extending primary palliative care services beyond the clinic to meet the needs of patients in their familiar environment, often in collaboration with community palliative teams.
• Advance Care Planning (ACP), Goals of Care Discussions & End-of-Life Decision Making Support: Initiating and skillfully facilitating sensitive, timely, and ongoing conversations with patients (who have capacity) and their families about their values, beliefs, and preferences for future medical care in the context of a progressive life-limiting illness. This includes discussing prognosis (if desired by patient and appropriate), potential treatment options (including the option to limit or withhold life-sustaining treatments), resuscitation status (DNR/AND orders), and desired location of care (home, hospice, hospital) at the end of life.

Adult Common Health Issues

• 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).
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Assessing patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of Restless Legs Syndrome (an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, typically worse at rest/in the evening, and relieved by movement). This includes ruling out secondary causes (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney failure, pregnancy, certain medications).

Geriatric Health Issues

• Falls Risk Assessment, Comprehensive Prevention Strategies & Management of Gait/Balance Disorders in Seniors: Systematically identifying older adults at high risk of falls by assessing intrinsic factors (e.g., history of falls, gait/balance impairment, muscle weakness/sarcopenia, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, certain medications, osteoporosis, foot problems, orthostatic hypotension) and extrinsic factors (e.g., home hazards, inappropriate footwear). Implementing personalized, multifactorial fall prevention strategies including structured exercise recommendations (strength, balance, flexibility, tai chi), medication review/adjustment to minimize fall-inducing drugs, vitamin D/calcium supplementation advice, management of postural hypotension, vision correction referrals, podiatry referrals, and home environment safety modifications (often with OT referral).
• Functional Decline, Frailty Assessment & Management (Including Nutrition & Sarcopenia): Early identification and proactive management of functional decline and frailty to implement strategies that promote physical activity, optimal nutrition, social engagement, and prevent further deterioration, hospitalizations, institutionalization, or loss of independence. Focus on person-centered goals.
• Urinary Incontinence, Overactive Bladder & Other Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in Seniors: A sensitive and practical approach to managing continence issues in the elderly, with clear pathways to urology, urogynecology, or specialized continence clinics if conservative primary care measures are insufficient or further diagnostic evaluation is required.

Common Acute Conditions

• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat (including rapid strep testing where available), nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, and fever associated with common URTIs.
• 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): Advice and supportive care for managing symptoms of viral or bacterial gastroenteritis ('stomach flu') or mild food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, with a primary focus on preventing and managing dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations (children, elderly).

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

• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Initial evaluation of the impact of work on health and vice-versa.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Assessing new or sudden onset headaches or dizziness to differentiate between common causes (e.g., tension headache, migraine, benign positional vertigo) and more serious underlying conditions, providing initial management and referral if indicated.
• Falls Prevention & Mobility Enhancement in Older Adults: Systematically assessing individual fall risk factors in seniors (e.g., gait/balance impairment, muscle weakness, medications, home hazards, osteoporosis, vision problems) and implementing personalized prevention strategies. This includes exercise recommendations (strength, balance), medication adjustments, vitamin D/calcium advice, and home safety modifications.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, inflamed skin and maintain healthy skin barrier function.
• 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. Ewasechko. 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. Mary Gail Ewasechko'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. Ewasechko frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Through Dr. Ewasechko's guidance, patients with wanting to learn more about the shingles vaccine or other adult immunizations they might need often find they can achieve feeling substantially more hopeful and less overwhelmed about managing a difficult or life-altering health condition after comprehensive consultations and collaborative care planning with Dr. Ewasechko and once again pursue efficiently managing and maintaining their home environment, including undertaking light repairs, seasonal maintenance, or significant organizational projects, with physical capability and sustained energy.
• Dr. Ewasechko frequently helps patients who are dealing with needing a referral for allergy testing due to ongoing symptoms. The primary aim is achieving obtaining all necessary medical documentation, forms, and reports for work, school, travel, or insurance purposes efficiently, accurately, and without undue hassle through Dr. Ewasechko's supportive office team, which often allows them to confidently resume consistently being a reliable, present, actively contributing, and supportive member of their immediate family unit, extended family network, and valued social circles, fulfilling important roles and responsibilities.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Ewasechko, 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. Ewasechko practices at a family medical clinic in Calgary, situated in the SW: Haysboro, Kingsland, Kelvin Grove neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Inglewood Access and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Ewasechko 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. Ewasechko follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Ewasechko 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.

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 (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. Confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Seeing a medical specialist in Canada usually requires a referral from your family doctor, like Dr. Ewasechko. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Ewasechko believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, she will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will handle sending the required information to the specialist. You will then typically be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Remember that specialist wait times can sometimes be long, so Dr. Ewasechko will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

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

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources (like a local health authority website or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta) may be helpful. A referral *is* usually required to see most medical 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; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It can be challenging and may take time.

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

Your family doctor (Alberta) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

7007 14 St SW, Unit 58
Calgary, AB, T2V 1P9

Phone: (403) 943-3558

Dr. Mary Gail Ewasechko 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: 009868

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=c04d3b13-7dc3-4c92-b291-6e4d9ddae559&i=444

Family doctors like Dr. Ewasechko 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.