Dr. Maryse Houde

Dr. Maryse Houde 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

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Providing prompt care for sudden or severe headaches, offering effective relief, and establishing a plan for ongoing management if headaches are recurrent or chronic.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Addressing common symptoms of UTIs and providing effective, evidence-based treatment to eradicate the infection and restore urinary health.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): Initial assessment, diagnosis, and management of common minor acute injuries like ankle sprains, muscle strains (e.g., hamstring, calf), ligament tears (low grade), and acute episodes of uncomplicated low back or neck pain.

Preventative Health Topics

• 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).
• 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.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Primary care strategies to protect and preserve kidney health, including tight blood pressure and glycemic control, and education on kidney-friendly habits.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing IBS based on symptom criteria after ruling out other conditions, and providing primary care management strategies including dietary advice (e.g., low FODMAP diet introduction, fiber management), lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and symptomatic treatment for abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Developing personalized strategies to reduce chronic joint and muscle pain, improve mobility and function, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall quality of life for those living with conditions like arthritis, persistent back pain or fibromyalgia.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Investigating causes of chronic or recurrent anemia (e.g., fatigue, pallor) through blood tests (CBC, iron studies, B12, folate, ferritin). Managing common types such as iron deficiency anemia (oral/IV iron supplementation, dietary advice) and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia (supplementation), and identifying/addressing underlying causes (e.g., malabsorption, chronic blood loss, dietary insufficiency).

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

• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages and receives all recommended preventative health screenings and immunizations from birth through their teen years.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood and adolescent vaccines to protect against serious infectious diseases. Includes catch-up schedules and addressing parental concerns with evidence-based information.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Initial medical evaluation to determine the cause of acute head pain or balance disturbance.
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions: Providing assessment and management for urgent medical issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention, such as minor allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, or infections needing timely treatment.
• 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 Houde. 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 Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 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 Houde frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion or other concerning symptoms – they know this could be urgent is preventing you from 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, Dr Houde can help. The aim is to achieve feeling genuinely reassured, thoroughly well-informed about all aspects of their condition, and like an empowered, active partner in all decisions regarding their health status, treatment options, and long-term care strategies discussed with Dr Houde through personalized family medicine care.
• Dr Houde frequently helps patients who are dealing with experiencing frequent or severe headaches or migraines that are disrupting their work and family life. The primary aim is achieving feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr Houde to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques, which often allows them to confidently resume regularly attending and actively participating in religious services, meaningful cultural events, important community group meetings, or engaging hobby clubs, feeling socially connected, included, and valued.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Houde, 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 Houde's practice at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal is situated in 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.

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.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr Houde handle complex care?

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr Houde does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

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, 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 Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

Does Dr Houde at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr Houde at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal 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 Houde if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. 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 to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor accepting new patients can be challenging, and provincial resources may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
5400 boul Gouin O
Montréal, QC, H4J 1C5

Phone: (514) 338-2222

Dr. Maryse Houde 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: 15156

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=15156

Family doctors like Dr Houde 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.