Dr. Melissa Sonia Lortie – Family Doctor | Orléans, ON

Dr. Melissa Sonia Lortie is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Orléans, ON, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her 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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Melissa Sonia Lortie completed her Medical Degree. She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary 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 holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

Dr. Melissa Sonia Lortie 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

• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).
• 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.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Diagnosing (often clinical, supported by serum uric acid levels; joint aspiration for crystal analysis if diagnostically uncertain or to rule out septic arthritis) and managing acute gout or pseudogout attacks with appropriate anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like naproxen/indomethacin, colchicine, oral or intra-articular corticosteroids).

Common Chronic Conditions

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Screening, diagnosis, and management of abnormal lipid profiles (high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides) through lifestyle modifications (heart-healthy diet, physical activity, weight management) and, when indicated, prescription of lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors) based on cardiovascular risk assessment.
• 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.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Adjusting thyroid medication based on symptoms and regular blood tests (TSH, free T4, thyroid antibodies) to maintain optimal thyroid function and well-being.

Preventative Health Topics

• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Performing basic pre-employment medicals or fitness-for-work assessments as required by some employers (typically non-WCB/WSIB related, fees may apply). Providing advice on general workplace health and safety, injury prevention, and initial assessment of health concerns potentially related to occupational exposures or ergonomics, with appropriate referrals if specialized occupational medicine input is needed.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.
• 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.

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

• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Offering comprehensive counseling, motivational interviewing, setting quit dates, developing personalized quit plans, and providing ongoing support, including prescription of medical aids (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, bupropion) to help individuals quit smoking and all forms of tobacco use.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Developing personalized strategies to control hypertension and lipid levels effectively, involving patient partnership in shared decision-making and goal setting.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Performing objective medical assessments for various administrative or regulatory requirements.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations according to provincial and national public health guidelines, ensuring children are fully protected.
• Well-Child & Well-Adolescent Visits (Growth & Development): Scheduled visits to track your child's or teen's health trajectory, address any emerging concerns, and provide guidance on nutrition, safety, and healthy habits.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lortie. 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 Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, 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. Lortie frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Addressing wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting with Dr. Lortie often leads to finding effective, practical, and often simple solutions for common but persistently bothersome issues like recurrent allergies, chronic skin rashes, or disruptive digestive upset, expertly guided by Dr. Lortie, enabling patients to more freely engage in comfortably attending and thoroughly enjoying lengthy public events like concerts, theatre performances, live movies in cinemas, or exciting sporting events, being able to sit for extended periods without significant pain or the need to frequently shift positions.
• Patients experiencing wanting to discuss screening for osteoporosis or how to maintain bone health often seek Dr. Lortie's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is experiencing significantly improved physical function, greater ease of mobility, and markedly reduced daily pain as a result of managing complex musculoskeletal issues or sports injuries under Dr. Lortie's comprehensive guidance, treatment plan, and care coordination with allied health professionals, supporting their return to activities like regularly going for long, challenging, and invigorating hikes in scenic natural environments, cycling picturesque country routes for hours, or swimming multiple laps at the local community pool for both physical fitness and mental relaxation.
• Dr. Lortie's care for dealing with chronic constipation despite trying home remedies is designed to result in learning effective, personalized, and evidence-based strategies for managing chronic daily stress, significantly improving their sleep quality and duration, or coping more adaptively and resiliently with life's inevitable challenges and adversities, with tools provided by Dr. Lortie, so patients can resume activities such as reliably getting a full night of good quality, restorative, and uninterrupted sleep on a consistent basis, which is absolutely foundational to their overall physical health, emotional balance, cognitive function, and daytime productivity with confidence.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Lortie about it being time for their regular comprehensive health check-up and physical exam is to achieve feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Lortie to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with effectively and independently managing their personal budget, complex financial responsibilities, investment decisions, or household bill payments with sustained mental acuity and organizational skill.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Lortie, 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. Lortie's practice is located at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, situated in a family medical practice in the central Orléans neighborhood of Orléans. 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 (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can be challenging, but there are resources to help. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a doctor.

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.

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 in Ontario if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital or Dr. Lortie during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(613) 830-1298] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Lortie?

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Lortie usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Lortie will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

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, 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 Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

How long do appointments with Dr. Lortie typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Lortie to discuss a specific health concern or for a follow-up lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital about the nature of your visit when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Lortie can be arranged.

Does Dr. Lortie at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Lortie at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital 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. Lortie if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital
2555 St Joseph Boulevard, Emergency Department
Orléans, ON, K1C 1S6

Phone: (613) 830-1298

Dr. Melissa Sonia Lortie 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: 89359

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Lortie-Melissa-Sonia/0251023-89359

Family doctors like Dr. Lortie 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.