Dr. Mazin Jamil Rassam

Dr. Mazin Jamil Rassam 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

• 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.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• 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).

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: 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.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in appropriate clinical contexts (e.g., patients with peptic ulcer disease, certain types of gastritis, dyspepsia in high-prevalence areas, or family history of gastric cancer) using non-invasive methods like urea breath test, stool antigen test, or serology (less reliable for active infection).

Preventative Health Topics

• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, red, inflamed, and dry skin, maintain healthy skin barrier function, and reduce the impact of these chronic conditions on daily life.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Providing effective treatment for various viral skin conditions to alleviate symptoms, shorten duration of outbreaks, prevent complications (like PHN or secondary bacterial infection), and reduce transmission where applicable.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular types) with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin), oral antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines for inflammatory acne/rosacea, if indicated), and comprehensive lifestyle/skincare advice (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, sun protection for rosacea, trigger avoidance for rosacea). Referral to dermatology for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne/rosacea.

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

• Hospital Discharge Follow-Up & Transitions of Care Management: Providing prompt and comprehensive follow-up care after hospital stays, emergency room visits, or specialist procedures to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to the community. This includes medication reconciliation, review of discharge summaries and specialist reports, management of ongoing issues, addressing any new concerns, and coordination of any further treatment, rehabilitation, or home care services.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Supportive counseling and problem-solving for stress-related symptoms, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including accurate diagnosis, creating/updating personalized action plans, optimizing inhaler technique, smoking cessation support, and managing exacerbations to improve lung function and daily living.
• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, and overall health status. Providing guidance on balanced nutrition, portion control, mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual assessment.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Helping patients reduce their risk of fragility fractures through comprehensive bone health management.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Rassam. 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 ON and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Mazin Jamil Rassam'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. Rassam frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a flare-up of their asthma or COPD that needs attention is a barrier, Dr. Rassam develops strategies aimed at receiving proactive preventative care and targeted health screenings from Dr. Rassam that very likely averted a more serious, costly, or even life-threatening health issue from developing unnoticed or progressing to an advanced stage, facilitating the ability to enjoy meticulously planning, eagerly anticipating, and thoroughly enjoying well-deserved, adventurous, or relaxing vacations and novel travel experiences, both near and far, without the constant nagging worry about potential health flare-ups, unexpected medical needs, or physical limitations.
• Patients experiencing chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion or other concerning symptoms – they know this could be urgent often seek Dr. Rassam's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is navigating complex family health dynamics, intergenerational health concerns, or challenging caregiver stress with insightful advice, valuable resources, and compassionate support facilitated by Dr. Rassam, supporting their return to 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.
• It's rewarding for Dr. Rassam to see patients with a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving achieve their adolescent child receiving confidential, empathetic, respectful, and age-appropriate holistic care from Dr. Rassam for sensitive health topics including sexual health, mental well-being, body image, or substance use concerns and return to important activities like simply and thankfully getting through each and every day without their physical or mental health being a primary, constant source of pervasive worry, nagging discomfort, significant functional limitation, or a barrier to their desired activities.
• The focus for patients with concerns about exposure to an infectious disease like measles or chickenpox at Dr. Rassam's practice is achieving 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 Dr. Rassam, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like actively participating in local civic life, serving on community boards, contributing to neighborhood associations, or engaging in grassroots advocacy groups with consistent energy, passion, and intellectual commitment.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Rassam, 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. Rassam practices at a family medical clinic in Hamilton, situated in the Hamilton Mountain East Central (Burkholder, Raleigh) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Lime Ridge Mall and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

A family doctor (Ontario) 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.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, 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 our clinic if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of Dr. Rassam's practice. He will work with you to understand your overall health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, optimize your medications, and coordinate with specialists to ensure your care is integrated and patient-centered.

Does Dr. Rassam at your clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Rassam offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, or prescription renewals (not controlled substances). However, many conditions require an in-person visit. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Rassam if a virtual appointment is suitable for your needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with our clinic regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Rassam?

Preventative care focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential problems early. This includes routine check-ups, age-appropriate cancer screenings, immunizations, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes screening, and counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. The goal is to prevent illness and promote long-term well-being.

Can Dr. Rassam help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Rassam can help diagnose and manage mental health issues, provide counseling and support, manage medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with specialists if needed.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, register with Health Care Connect, ask for recommendations, or contact local community health centres. Finding a doctor may take time.

969 Upper Ottawa Street
Hamilton, ON, L8T 4V9

Phone: (289) 755-3296

Dr. Mazin Jamil Rassam is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario) in ON and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Registration Number: 97350

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rassam-Mazin-Jamil/0278517-97350

Family doctors like Dr. Rassam 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.